For Foundations
Newest Resources
Resources available on the AGF Economic Crisis page
Nonprofit Law Resource Library by Hurwit & Associates (Posted 6/23/09)
Smarter Grantmaking in Challenging Economic Times - A new report from Grantmakers for Effective Organizations offers recommendations and examples to help foundation leaders as they look ahead to make tough decisions in 2010. (Posted 5/18/09)
PubHub is a source for foundation-sponsored reports. Search the online catalog of annotated links to 3,489 research reports, case studies, issue briefs, literature reviews, and annual reports published or funded by U.S. Foundations. (Posted 4/24/09)
- USA Today publishes special philanthropy section at website. (Posted 4/16/09)
- The newest book from the Foundation Center, Foundations and Public Policy, addresses how foundations can engage in local public policy discussion. (Posted 4/16/09)
- Family Funders Network provides a website that is a robust portal for family funders to explore issues facing vulnerable children and families. (Posted 4/16/09)
- New section on GuideStar website just for donors. (Posted 4/16/09)
- Advocacy Progress Planner is a new free online resource for putting together advocacy and policy efforts. (Posted 4/13/09)
- IssueLab offers services and products to foundations that increase the visibility and distribution of nonprofit research. (Posted 3/27/09)
- Technology Tools for Philanthropic Foundations - This site is designed as a simple and quick introduction for grantmakers interested in using new technologies (and some older ones, too) in creative ways. (Posted 3/24/09)
- New reports available on Grants Management Software at http://www.solpath.org/. (Posted 3/19/09)
- Risk, Return and Social Impact: Demystifying the Law of Mission Investing by U.S. Foundations (Posted 3/6/09)
- A Brief Guide to the Law of Mission Investing for U.S. Foundations (Posted 3/6/09)
- GRANTCRAFT GUIDE - The Effective Exit: Learn how to use the end of a funding relationship to boost a grantee’s capacity, find new sources of support, and even multiply the value of the foundation’s investment.
- Measuring and/or Estimating Social Value Creation: Insights into Eight Integrated Cost Approaches: This report from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation describes and analyzes eight approaches to integrating cost in measuring and/or estimating social value creation. These include two classical methodologies (cost-effectiveness analysis and cost-benefit analysis) and six promising approaches that have been developed by philanthropic and nonprofit organizations in the last decade.
- Arizona Giving Reports: Reports compiled by Arizona Grantmakers Forum giving an overview of philanthropy in Arizona.
- Smartlink: (formerly communitygivingresource.org) is a one-stop shop for free and useful ideas and insights created just for donors, foundation trustees and others who give locally.
- Accountability Self-Assessment Tool: A comprehensive and flexible resource that foundations can use to ensure they are engaging in generally recommended good practices for being accountable to the public.
- Using Your 990-PF to Communicate More Effectively: Steps for maximizing the communications value of your 990-PF or 990.
- Consumer's Guide to Grants Management Software Report: This 89-page report provides a rundown of common features and overviews of eighteen systems, as well as detailed reviews, prices, and a comparison chart of nine of the software packages most widely used by grantmakers.
- Funder Collaboration Resources: Materials from 2005's annual conference, "The Power of Collaboration: Funding Community Improvement."
- General Philanthropic Resources: Websites that provide assistance in managing foundations and general foundation resources.
- Grants With Impact: a summary of 12 grants awarded in Arizona that have led to high-impact results, accomplishing the goals of the foundations that gave them.
- Rural Philanthropy Knowledge Center: practical information on how to start and manage a rural fund, and other useful resources on how to grow philanthropy in rural areas.
- And Justice for All: materials from a 2007 advocacy conference presented by The Wallace Foundation.
- Document Destruction/Record Keeping Policies: Best practices for managing your foundation's records.
- Whistleblower Policies: An example of how to handle whistle-blowing policies at your organization.
- Nonprofit Capacity Building Resources: Books, publications, and websites about how to build capacity.
- Tips for Wise Grantmaking: Thirteen tips on how to make your grantmaking as effective as possible.
- Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy: An organization dedicated to strengthening the next generation of grantmakers, in order to advance effective social justice philanthropy.
- Self-Dealing: A Concise Guide for Foundation Board and Staff: A publication to assist foundations in navigating the rules surrounding self-dealing practices of foundations.
- Conflict of Interest Policies: What you need to know to protect yourself from potential conflicts of interest.
- H.R. 4 Impact: What the New Charities Law Means for You: An overview of the charitable provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
- Developing a Grantmaker Travel Policy: Tips for creating a transparent and effective travel policy for your organization.
- New York Times Giving Section
- General Operating Support Vol. 2: Assessing the impact (pdf): Grantmakers for Effective Organizations' latest publication.
- The Balancing Act: The Role of a Community Foundation as a Community Leader: Outlines the evolution of community foundations' leadership roles, why and when they should take on such a role, and how to direct human resources, funding, or other resources to the effort without jeopardizing the ability to respond to changing needs. Published: November 2008
- Limited Life Foundations: Motivations, Experiences, and Strategies: Urban Institute, February 2009 - Compares characteristics of perpetual foundations and limited life foundations, set to be terminated at a specified time. Explores both personal and strategic reasons for "sunsetting" and positive and negative effects of limited life on the foundation.
- Advancing Good Governance: How Grantmakers Invest in the Governance of Nonprofit Organizations: Explores how funders can help nonprofits strengthen their boards and governance to enhance performance and outcomes. March 2009