Council on Foundations

Council

Philanthropy's Vision: A Leadership Summit Highlights

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Our dynamic new site has it all:

• Daily Conference Highlights
• Session Videos
• And more!

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Discount on Directors and Officers Liability Insurance

The Council on Foundations is pleased to announce a new member benefit.

D&O insurance provides financial protection for a foundation in the event of a lawsuit. Council members are eligible for a 10 percent discount on D&O insurance through Aon Association Services.
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Grantmaking Standards & Stewardship Principles

An Online Library

Based on the Council's Statement of Ethical Principles, a collaboration of members and Council staff has assembled a comprehensive set of tools and sample documents for grantmakers. Get specific, real-world examples for Community foundations, Corporate Grantmakers and Family Foundations in three separate databases.
More about stewardship and ethical principles
Career Center: Free For Members!

An Online Resource for Individuals and Organizations

Search for career opportunities. Advertise employment openings.

Post your resume and advance your career!

Free job searching for all.
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Directory of Member Organizations available online

Log in and browse this member benefit

Contact information for the 2000+ members of the Council on Foundations. A listing to help member organizations get in touch - and stay in touch - with each other.

Look for the Member Organizations link under "Members" on the site navigation tab.
Go to the Directory of Member Organizations
Principles of Accountability for International Philanthropy

Intended as a voluntary and aspirational tool specifically for international donors, the Principles were developed by the Joint Working Group of the Council on Foundations and the European Foundation Centre.

Read more about the Principles
The Role of Philanthropy in National Disasters

Grantmakers have a distinct role to play in disasters because of their ongoing relations with grantees, long-term perspective, flexibility and convening capacity. Learn how philanthropy has responded to national disasters, and about the positive impact of organized, strategic giving focused on long-term solutions.

Read about the philanthropic response to the wildfires in Southern California on the Southern California Grantmakers website.
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Urge your legislators to co-sponsor the Public Good IRA Rollover Act of 2007

Use our online Policy Action Center

The Public Good IRA Rollover Act would allow gifts made to donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, and private foundations to qualify for the IRA charitable rollover. It is critical that we tell members of Congress that we back an IRA charitable rollover that allows distributions to donor-advised funds to qualify for an incentive beyond 2007.

The Council's new online Policy Action Center makes it easy to communicate with members of Congress.
Take Action
Donor-Advised Funds

Learn more about how the new rules will affect this important charitable giving tool

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (H.R. 4) includes the first comprehensive regulation of donor-advised funds.

Coverage and Analysis of Pension Protection Act of 2006 (H.R. 4)
Understanding Philanthropy

A Collection of Resources

Understanding philanthropy is no easy feat, but we have gathered some of the most popular resources to best explain philanthropy. Read "Great Grants" to find out how Sesame Street, public libraries and the polio vaccine became a part of our lives through the grantmaking process, or click "More" to learn about the philanthropic tradition in the United States.

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Building Strong and Ethical Foundations

Enhancing Stewardship, Effectiveness and Accountability

The Council's 2005-2009 Strategic Framework calls for increased levels of stewardship, effectiveness and accountability within its membership. "Building Strong and Ethical Foundations" is designed to increase understanding of legal practices and to develop and encourage adherence to high ethical standards in grantmaking.
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Arabella Advisors is hosting an Insight Teleconference on May 12th to educate philanthropists about relief and recovery needs and philanthropic strategies in Burma.

Featured publication

Donor-Initiated Fundraising: Issues and Guidelines for Community Foundations, Second Edition
An updated reference guide for legal fundraising activities. Topics include liability concerns and compliance with state and federal contribution rules.
Purchase this title

More featured publications

Our mission is to provide the opportunity, leadership and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good. Over 2,000 grantmaking foundations and giving programs worldwide are members of the Council on Foundations.