Featured Resources

bi3 Article: Trust-Based Philanthropy is Grounded in Mutual Accountability and Learning

A new article shows how applying a trust-based philanthropy lens helps funders capture the full impact of grants, describes how bi3 evaluates initiatives, and how building funder-grantee relationships grounded in power-sharing, transparency, and mutual accountability helps achieve greater impact.

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New Competency Model for Foundation Program Officers Released

The Dorothy A. Johnson Center on Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University has released a competency model for foundation program officers.

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Taking A cultivate approach to Improve Community Health

Health foundations are increasingly recognizing that their mission is not simply to award grants to deserving nonprofit organizations, but rather to play a catalytic role in improving the conditions that influence health, especially at a population level.

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Latest Resources

Using Foundations’ Power to Advance Racial Equity

Will foundations deliberately use their resources, reputation and influence to push for meaningful institutional and social change?

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Grantmaker focus by Erin Jackson-Ward

Cedars-Sinai

The beauty of philanthropy lies in its inherent flexibility and ability to adapt. We have an obligation to “meet this moment”—a moment of dual public health crises: COVID-19 and race equity—and an opportunity to change the landscape, dynamics, culture, and outcomes of our field. In times of crisis, where innovation and collaboration across systems are enhanced, I am reminded why I chose public health as a career and am committed to adapt, listen, andcontinue support for the most vulnerable.

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Prodding New Thinking and New Action: The Crucial Power of Foundations

It is no longer sufficient to be a “good grantmaker.” More and more foundations are grappling with philanthropy’s defining question: “What will we do to make the world a better place, especially for people who have historically been denied the opportunity to lead full, healthy lives?”

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Quick Poll Results: Provision of General Operating Support to Grantees and Other Nonprofits

GIH’s July 2020 Quick Poll asked foundations about the provision of general operating support to help current grantees and other nonprofits weather the financial impacts of COVID-19.

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Grantmaker focus by Qiana Thomason

Health Forward Foundation

As we continue our work, Health Forward Foundation will center racial equity in our core competencies of leadership, advocacy, and resources. Practicing racial equity means that we will work to create the conditions in which one’s racial identity has absolutely no influence on their ability to thrive. This aspiration requires Health Forward to be the change we wish to see by ensuring racial equity becomes our very ethos.

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Quick Poll Results: Contributions to Response Funds

Quick Poll Results: Foundation Contributions to Pooled Response Funds for COVID-19 Relief and/or Recovery.

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Grantmaker Focus by John Lumpkin

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation

The COVID-19 pandemic is becoming the defining moment of our time. And so too will the response. Coming through to the other side will take the collective effort of all sectors – including philanthropy – both in the now and in the rebuilding that will follow.

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Quick Poll Results: Foundation Payout in Response to COVID-19

Quick Poll Results: Foundation Payout in Response to COVID-19

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Views from the field by Howard Nochumson

COVID-19: The Eleventh Plague

In a time of crisis, the usual response of the philanthropic world is to focus on the provision of direct assistance. While such a response is admirable in most crisis situations, COVID-19 presents new challenges that may call for us to go against that initial impulse.

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Connect With Funder Peers on Governance and Operations 

Interested in exchanging strategies, information, and questions with your funder peers? Sign up for GIH E-Forums.

Trustee Resources

Explore this page to browse resources, publications, and events related to foundation trustees.