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In a white paper published by the Michigan Economic Center at Prima Civitas, Foundation Director John Austin defines Michigan’s “Blue Economy” and estimates the economic impact of water-based economic activity at nearly one million jobs and $60 billion annually.

The Council on Foundations, in collaboration with BoardSource, has produced an easy-to-use guide for new foundation board members.

Government and philanthropy spend $7 billion annually on programs related to youth employment.  Yet without engaging employers in shaping these programs, real progress in reducing youth unemployment isn't likely to happen.  This report from The Bridgespan Group explores promising e

Nonprofit organizations face a long list of challenges that start with fundraising and can include everything from meeting increasing demands for services to utilizing technology most effectively. Who do they turn to for assistance as they grapple with these issues?

Working Well With Grantees: A Guide for Foundation Program Staff offers program staff critical guidelines for building better relationships with grantees.

The crises affecting our nation and the world have prompted philanthropists to become more organized, focused, and, perhaps above all, "strategic" in their efforts. The movement toward "strategic philanthropy" has already contributed to greater philanthropic effectiveness.

Project Streamline helps grantmakers reduce the burden of grantmaking requirements, so grants management professionals can obtain the information they need to make good grantmaking decisions and help their organizations and their grantseekers dedicate more time to mission-based work.

The Council of Michigan Foundations’ presents the practical knowledge and experiences of diverse individuals who have served on Michigan foundation boards and provides a compelling context for foundations seeking to build diversity and create an inclusive culture in the boardroom.

Leaders of community foundations agree on the importance of strategy, but new research indicates that few actually use it in the programmatic and donor-related work of their organizations.

Poorly managed transitions can erode organizational effectiveness and service quality, and even put a nonprofit out of business.

Topics covered include definitions of self-dealing and a disqualified person; most common problem areas; penalties for violations; exceptions; recommended steps for foundations in handling self-dealing issues; and additional resources.

Produced in conjunction with BoardSource, this guide has been designed to help board members and foundation managers in defining conflicts of interest, identifying prohibited transactions and developing a conflict-of-interest policy.