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…

Earlier this month, President Trump released his budget proposal for the 2019 fiscal year, which proposes cuts to federal agencies and grant programs like the statement in support of NEA and the importance of public-private partnerships. In 2011, NEA brought together several foundations…

Earlier this week, we held a webinar on tax reform and its effect on corporate foundations, an area that many corporate members have asked about since the beginning of the year. During the webinar, the Council’s Senior Counsel, Suzanne Friday, discussed a range of issues, including a provision that…

Last year, I attended an event hosted by the New England Impact Investing Initiative (NEIII) for a conversation with Michael McCreless, Senior Director of Strategy and Impact, at Root Capital. At this event, Michael showed us how to use a tool he developed, a simulator, he calls the Efficient…

Happy New Year! I am following news out of Davos and reading about new partnerships on critical issues, like MasterCard’s leadership to announce a new partnership on refugees and the new $50 million partnership of companies and foundations, including UBS, to scale technology to improve…

Happy New Year! As you start 2018, I’m excited to continue working with you to support your international grantmaking. I’m kicking off the new year with a new job here at the Council—while continuing to lead our international program, I’m now also overseeing the work of our corporate, community,…

I hope your New Year is off to a great start! This year, my resolution was simply to not make any resolutions. That way I don't feel bad about breaking them later. But, I am not here to shame you on your resolutions. No judgement here. I simply want to invite you to join me on Wednesday, January…