Boards & Governance
Board members play a critical role in directing the strategic direction of foundations. The Council's board and governance resources will help board members become more effective by providing key tools and guidance essential to understanding the governance of foundations.
Board Compensation
Fundamentals
Introduction
Should your foundation board members be compensated for service, or should they serve in a voluntary capacity? Whether you are considering this issue for the first time, or whether it’s a question that has arisen before, compensation has become more than an internal management…
2024 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Report: Board Compensation Tables
Publication, Research
The 2024 Board Compensation Tables provide foundation board and staff with the tools they need to benchmark their board compensation policies and practices against peers in the field. This report contains data collected through the Council’s 2024 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Survey and presented…
New Executive Leaders Roundtable - October 2023
Building Common Ground in Private and Corporate Philanthropy
Foundation leaders are key levers of change: uniquely positioned to advance change in their organizations, their communities and the broader field. The Council is excited to offer this program to provide support to leaders who…
Retreat for New Community Foundation Executive Leaders - In-Person - August 2023
This event is intended for executive leaders (CEOs, Presidents, Executive Directors) of mid- and large-sized community foundations who have been in their role for four years or less.
With more than 360 community foundations in its membership, the Council on Foundations recognizes the vital role…
New Executive Leaders Roundtable - April 2023
Building Common Ground in Community Philanthropy
Foundation leaders are key levers of change: uniquely positioned to advance change in their organizations, their communities and the broader field. The Council is excited to offer this program to provide support to leaders who are relatively…
2022 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Report: Board Compensation Tables
Publication, Research
The 2022 Board Compensation Tables provide foundation board and staff with the tools they need to benchmark their board compensation policies and practices against peers in the field. This report contains data collected through the Council’s 2022 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Survey and presented…
2019 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Report: Board Compensation Tables
Publication, Research
The 2019 Board Compensation Tables provide foundation board and staff with the tools they need to benchmark their board compensation policies and practices against peers in the field. This report contains data collected through the Council’s 2019 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Survey and presented…
Community Foundation Legal Webinar
Recording
View the Webinar Slides
Community Foundations: Gearing up for Year-End
Spend 90 minutes with the Council's legal staff to explore topics associated with year-end. As well, take a moment out to celebrate #CFWeek and gear up for #GivingTuesday!
Topics Include:
Year-end gift…
Governance and Compliance Issues for Foundation Financial Management
Legal Compliance Guidance
This white paper provides a review of critical governance issues that foundations must consider to remain in compliance with prevailing and emerging laws and regulations. Readers can expect content focused on trustee fiduciary responsibilities as relates to duties of care, loyalty, and…
10 Things Every New Foundation Board Member Should Know
Publication
The Council on Foundations, in collaboration with BoardSource, created this easy-to-use guide for new foundation board members.
A Compliance Checklist for Private Foundations
Legal Compliance Guidance
The persistent scrutiny of nonprofit governance has prompted leaders at many types of organizations to take steps to assure that their own houses are in good legal and financial order. This checklist is a good place for you as a private foundation to start.
Stewardship Principles for Corporate Grantmakers
Publication
The Stewardship Principles for Corporate Grantmakers are a set of governance best practices that embody how corporate philanthropies can reflect fundamental values including honesty, integrity, fairness, and trust, in their board governance, management, and grantmaking.
Stewardship Principles for Independent Foundations
Legal Compliance Guidance
The Stewardship Principles for Independent Foundations are a set of governance best practices that embody how independent foundations can reflect fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, and trust in their board governance, management, and grantmaking.
Family vs. Nonfamily Management: The Castle Foundation Shares Its Story
Sample Document
By Al Castle, Executive Director Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation
Al Castle is a family trustee of the Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation in Honolulu. After serving on the board for several years, he was hired as the first executive director of the foundation by his fellow board members. He…
Stewardship Principles for Family Foundations
Legal Compliance Guidance
The Stewardship Principles for Family Foundations are a set of governance best practices that embody how family foundations can reflect fundamental values (including honesty, integrity, fairness, and trust) in their board governance, management, and grantmaking.