This time of year, I receive numerous inquiries about administrative fees. Perhaps it is first quarter investment return reviews or something in the spring air—but my response to the question about ‘lowering fees’ is fairly consistent—why would we encourage the lowering of fees? To begin, I have…

One of the most pressing questions we’re addressing at the Council on Foundations is: How does the Council become more responsive to the current ecosystem of philanthropy? I’m sure you’ve grappled with similar questions as your work has evolved, you’ve pushed for greater business alignment and…

We’re less than two weeks away from Leading Together 2019. We’ve been busy preparing a great program with fantastic speakers representing diverse perspectives. Best of all, it’s not too late to register! Additionally, we’ve updated the full global preconference program with all of the speakers and…

When I meet with leaders of community foundations, bringing back the Council’s former Community Foundation’s Fall Conference tops the list of requests. I share in your desire for the Council to provide a better space for community foundation leaders to network and engage around issues that impact…

We are just over one month away from the Council on Foundations’ 2019 Leading Together Conference, taking place in Miami, Florida, from April 29 through May 1. This year, our Leading Together conference has even more content targeted at corporates, including conversations with peers,…

March is an exciting month at the Council! Our new President and CEO, Kathleen Enright, started this month and we’re looking forward to her leadership. Our global team has also expanded with the arrival of Brian Kastner, our new Manager of Global Philanthropy. Brian will be an important resource…

Throughout my recent conversations with corporate members, I’ve reflected on the concept of collective impact and how it shows up in corporate philanthropy.  In an article in 2011, the Stanford Social Innovation Review defined collective impact initiatives as involving "a…

This month, Council staff have been busy emptying filing cabinets and cleaning out closets in advance of our move back to DC. As we packed program files from our international program, I was reminded of the long history of our work to strengthen cross-border giving by US foundations. We found…

This year, the Council on Foundations celebrates 70 years of service to the philanthropic sector. As I reflect on the resources and networks that have sprung from the Council throughout the years, I am excited by its evolution, lessons learned and the many opportunities that lie ahead. We are…

The Council on Foundations is excited and ready for new changes in 2019. We are moving back into the heart of Washington, D.C., in February, welcoming our new CEO in March, and celebrating the Council's 70th anniversary at our conference in Miami in April, to name just a few.…

Happy Holidays! It is hard to believe that 2018 is quickly coming to an end. As you strive to get those last few grants out of the door or lead your final employee volunteer events for the year, I just wanted to take the time to say thank you! Thank you for all that you do to advance common GOOD…

Although votes in some races are still being counted, we know the results of the US midterm election will lead to changes in Washington in the new year that may impact global grantmakers. From changing Congressional committee leaders to upcoming reviews of US foreign assistance and the 2020 budget…

It’s an exciting month at the Council! We are honored to announce that Kathleen P. Enright will be our new President and CEO, effective March 5. She will provide the kind of strong, forward-thinking leadership the field of philanthropy needs in this moment of unprecedented change, opportunity…

Over the past two weeks, the United Nations General Assembly has held its 73rdannual convening in New York City to discuss its agenda to solve global challenges by 2030 using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Particularly for the corporate philanthropic community, this convening…

September is a month of global conversations and events for the development community. As important actors in the global movement to achieve the ambitious targets within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, foundations play a vital role in this community. Earlier this month, foundation…

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-…