This 22-page resource will help new and seasoned board chairs understand their 10 essential responsibilities and gain practical tips for carrying them out. The responsibilities are adaptable to all foundation types: family, community, private/independent, or unstaffed.
This edition provides considerable new value, reflecting changes in law as well as new circumstances in which the charitable sector functions, and new relationships within and between sectors.
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.
Benchmarking Foundation Governance shares data and infographics on crucial topics related to foundation governance — including composition, member expertise, structure, involvement, and characteristics of meetings.
In times of uncertainty as well as stability, Purpose-Driven Board Leadership (PDBL) offers a framework that boards can use to ensure they are faithfully and effectively executing their roles and responsibilities by asking the questions that result in improved outcomes and advance the organization’s mission and purpose.
The Council on Foundations, in collaboration with BoardSource, has produced an easy-to-use guide for new foundation board members.
Compiled below are a collection of downloadable sample documents related to Governance & Board Development.
In accessing the resources available through CMF’s Sample Documents Hub, it is important to keep in mind a few key tips to ensure that you choose the most useful templates that apply best to your organization.
Find sample documents that fit your organization’s size and structure: Sample documents vary widely, depending on the organization that developed it. Try to find examples that originate from foundations that share at least some of the traits of your organization. For example, a small foundation may find using a template created for a 100+ staff foundation or large university to be overwhelming for use by a small team.
Look for multiple samples: Organizations should review multiple examples of the sample document that they need, whether that is a grant application, mission statement, or internal policy. In looking across several organizations’ versions, it becomes increasingly apparent how the writers customize the general concept to their particular needs. These variations may take the shape of different formats or languages that reflect the organization’s internal structures, capacity, or purpose.
Expect to make changes: A sample document is not a one-size-fits-all template and will need to be adapted to your organization’s particular needs. Plan to draft a version (or several) with the help of staff or board members, using the samples for suggestions of the language, format, and structure. Also, consider having several people review the draft before finalizing it. In some cases, the final document may also need to be approved by foundation leadership or the board, so plan for additional changes that may come along during those review periods.
The Council of Michigan Foundations is pleased to share the following sample documents as a member resource. Please note that these files are provided for educational purposes only, as a reference in developing your own materials. As such, be sure to consult your professional, legal and financial advisors in the development of materials specific to your foundation’s needs.
Board members and staff of philanthropic institutions regularly reach out to CMF to orient themselves to the unique legal regulations and best practices of private foundations. As a subset of 501(c)(3) organizations, private foundations have many similarities to public charities, but have additional rules and regulations that must be followed. This resource is intended to provide an orientation to private foundations, including their common areas of activity and key regulated spaces that both new and experienced staff and board members should be prepared to navigate in their work.
Board members and staff of philanthropic institutions regularly reach out to CMF to explore and better understand the unique legal regulations and best practices of community foundations. Providing information unique to community foundations is essential, recognizing that community foundations and other public charity grantmakers have many similarities to private foundations, but have different rules and regulations that must be followed as a subset of 501(c)(3) organizations. Additionally, there are relatively few qualified counsel experienced in working with community foundations, which have challenges, opportunities and context that is unique compared to their sector peers.
Recognizing that much of the educational material available nationally to assist foundations is designed for foundation orientations – to assist those just getting started – this resource alternatively focuses on the needs of executives, staff and board members of maturing foundations.
