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…

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to Israel for a leadership experience curated by the Shusterman Family Foundation. I joined 49 amazing leaders from across the globe, each committed to social impact and community building. Through an 8-day journey, we learned about the history,…

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…

Last week, I visited New York to meet with Katy Knight, Deputy Executive Director at the Siegal Family Endowment (SFE). The SFE is a foundation focused on understanding and shaping learning in our technology-driven world. They think about their work in three buckets: Computational…

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…

Last week, I travelled to Detroit, Michigan to meet with the Hudson-Webber Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and the Skillman Foundation. The time I spend in the field with members is always enlightening. It gives me a closer glimpse into the opportunities and…

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…