September is a month of global conversations and events for the development community. As important actors in the global movement to achieve the ambitious targets within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, foundations play a vital role in this community. Earlier this month, foundation…

During my tenure at the Council, I've seen how often community foundations are on the front lines in countless disasters. But no community is alone in their moment of crisis. The Council can connect you quickly to a global network of colleagues, < a href="https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-…

At the end of August, more than 130 funders gathered in the Twin Cities at the Council’s second Inclusive Economic Prosperity convening. A mix of private, community, and corporate philanthropy leaders from across the region discussed strategies to effectively build economic innovation ecosystems…

Earlier this week, the Council and Foundation Center released a new flagship global philanthropy report: The State of Global Giving by US Foundations: 2011-2015. DOWNLOAD This report is the latest in our partnership to track trends in how US foundations support international programs. In 1997…

Pictured with Incourage staff (L-R) Dawn Newman, CFO, Gene Cochrane (Council), Kelly Ryan, CEO, Brad Ward (Council), Heather McKellips, Director of Learning and Engagement, and Kristopher Gasch, Board Chair; Wisconsin Rapids, WI I firmly believe in a Council that is…

This July, the Council and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) presented the 2018 HUD Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships. We were honored to recognize seven different private foundations for their cross-sector partnerships that increase the quality…

This year, the Council has embarked on a body of work that elevates the collaborative ability of foundations, nonprofits and city municipalities to create social change. The Inclusive Economic Prosperity series, which launched in May 2018 in South Carolina, has already engaged more than…

The UN’s High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York City this month was an opportunity for governments and partners to review global progress on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During the meetings, 47 countries completed Voluntary National Reviews to show progress on the…

Last month at Legal Matters in Milwaukee, among the 50 community foundation colleagues in attendance, I argued that a newly defined role for community foundations is solidifying for the field.  That role is to create the atmosphere, culture, and ecosystem for shared ownership of community…

Since arriving at the Council, I have regularly heard from members about how important employee engagement programs are to their overall corporate philanthropy strategy. I know this was the case for my work as a corporate philanthropy leader at Georgia Pacific and Under Armour. Lindsay Mason…

Over the last month, I’ve seen growing attention to discussions about power in philanthropy. In early May, the Council co-hosted an event launching the new Grantcraft guide around #ShiftThePower . The packed room of attendees discussed how community philanthropy can create local…

Over the last 18 months, I’ve continually talked with community foundation leaders about the role philanthropy is playing in driving inclusive economic development. Last year, in response to member inquiries to National Standards and the Council’s legal team, we hosted a workshop with Indiana…

As I begin my tenure at the Council as your Corporate Philanthropy Director, I am truly delighted to work with such a diverse portfolio of companies and foundations committed to advancing social impact. After working in the nonprofit and corporate space over the past several years, I believe this…

By now you have heard the news that Vikki Spruill has accepted a position at the New England Aquarium and in June will return to the ocean conservation community, where she has deep roots. Our board president, Javier Soto, is leading the Outreach Committee, which will gather input from the…

I am excited to introduce you to Lindsay Mason, the Council’s new Director of Corporate Philanthropy!   Lindsay has more than 10 years’ experience in the philanthropic sector, with a strong background building partnerships, leveraging resources, and increasing opportunities for private…

This month, work on public policy that impacts philanthropy has been a large focus across the Council. Most relevant to global grantmakers, I’ve been working with partners on the US Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA). There are more than seven bills currently proposed in the House and Senate…