Leadership Development
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) help shape public issues, inform public debate, and unites community leaders on matters of public concern, among various other duties. Recognizing the responsibilities of foundation executives, The Council has developed a wide array of leadership resources to provide CEOs with the expertise and tools they need to be most effective.
Legal Basics: What Every Foundation Leader Should Know
Legal Compliance Guidance
A guide to legal basics for foundation leaders covering: tax on investment income, self-dealing, payout requirements, excess business holdings, jeopardy investment rules, taxable expenditures, intermediate sanctions, reasonable compensation, and grants to non-charities.
Planning for CEO Succession
Fundamentals
Many foundations may be uncertain about what’s involved when it comes to succession planning. Some wonder why they should worry about the future at all when they have so much work to do in managing their grantmaking, community leadership and development, and administrative duties.
Succession…
Career Pathways 2025-26 Application Office Hours - February
Join us for the 2025-26 Career Pathways Program Information Session to learn more about applying to and participating in this program
During this session expect to discuss:
2025-26 program schedule
Curriculum
Application Process
Waldman Scholarship
Program benefits, outcomes, and much more…
Career Pathways 2025-26 Application Office Hours - January
Join us for the 2025-26 Career Pathways Program Information Session to learn more about applying to and participating in this program
During this session expect to discuss:
2025-26 program schedule
Curriculum
Application Process
Waldman Scholarship
Program benefits, outcomes, and much more…
Career Pathways 2025-26 Program Information Session
Career Pathways is a leadership development cohort program designed to accelerate the careers of diverse professionals in the philanthropic sector. Graduates of the program will deepen their expertise, expand their networks, and hone their leadership skills to advance the field.
Career Pathways…
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…
Career Pathways 2024 Application Office Hours
Career Pathways is a leadership development cohort program designed to accelerate the careers of diverse professionals in the philanthropic sector. Graduates of the program will deepen their expertise, expand their networks, and hone their leadership skills to advance the field. To date, over 200…
Career Pathways 2024 Application Office Hours
Career Pathways is a leadership development cohort program designed to accelerate the careers of diverse professionals in the philanthropic sector. Graduates of the program will deepen their expertise, expand their networks, and hone their leadership skills to advance the field. To date, over 200…
Career Pathways 2024 Program Information Session
Career Pathways is a leadership development cohort program designed to accelerate the careers of diverse professionals in the philanthropic sector. Graduates of the program will deepen their expertise, expand their networks, and hone their leadership skills to advance the field. To date…
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…
Hiring a New CEO Resource Guide
Toolkit
Non-profit executive searches generally take a minimum of four months, and can take as long as six to eight months. A clear sense of mission and a well understood position description for the new President and CEO will be absolutely essential for success in identifying and, more importantly,…
D5: Policies, Practices, and Programs for Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
External Resource
To support leaders in their efforts to take meaningful action to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their organizations, D5 commissioned JustPartners, Inc. to identify the most effective policies, practices, and programs to advance DEI.
The Analysis of Policies, Practices, and…
Career Pathways: The First Three Years (A Summary Evaluation Report)
Publication
The Career Pathways program focuses on increasing the number of philanthropic professionals from diverse backgrounds ready to ascend to leadership positions within foundations. Diverse leadership fosters inclusion, innovation and excellence in philanthropy. The Career Pathways program evaluation…
Increasing Impact, Enhancing Value: A Practitioner's Guide to Leading Corporate Philanthropy
Publication
Leaders of corporate foundations and giving programs have an opportunity to redefine the role of corporate philanthropy. By taking the initiative to align and engage their efforts more closely with the business, these leaders can help unleash new resources and ideas to enhance the company’s…
Philanthropic Paths: An Exploratory Study of the Career Pathways of Professionals of Color in Philanthropy
External Resource
This study conducted by Forward Change provides a holistic, in-depth picture of the career experiences of 43 philanthropic professionals of color ranging from Program Officers to CEOs working in a diverse array of foundations. The study surfaced a set of potentially common points of entry, career…