
On October 22, 2009, the Council on Foundations released Career Pathways to Philanthropic Leadership 2009 Baseline Report, which describes how foundations choose their leaders and what those leaders say about the process. Based on the appointments of 440 CEOs and executive directors from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2008, this first-of-its-kind study contributes to the field’s knowledge of hiring practices, of the professional backgrounds of foundation and grantmaking executives, and of the major milestones contributing to career success and advancement. Key findings and subsequent field dialogues will help to inform stakeholders about the launch of the Council’s Career Pathways to Philanthropic Leadership project.
The Council on Foundations has a comprehensive plan to both promote and advance diversity and inclusive practices in philanthropy, and to embed and institutionalize diversity within our own organization. This commitment is shared by the Council’s Board of Directors, volunteer committees and staff. We ask you to make a similar commitment to diversity within your own organization, your grantmaking, staffing, governance structures, business practices and organizational climate.
A video series featuring leaders sharing their insights about their organizational journey to become more diverse and inclusive and lessons learned along the way.
Click the thumbnail to load the video. All videos are close captioned.

“Diversity in Action: Strategies with Impact” and "Diversity & Inclusion: Lessons from the Field” feature the stories, successes, and experiences of philanthropic leaders as they work to embed diversity and inclusive practices within their organizations. The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation provided support for these publications, which is a co-project of the Council on Foundations and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. We were pleased to collaborate with the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers on “Diversity in Action."
We provide support and resources designed to enhance your diversity and inclusiveness, along with your grantmaking effectiveness. The Council annually sponsors three separate conferences where we offer sessions on emerging trends in diversity and inclusive practices. In addition, we sponsor teleconferences in partnership with local and regional associations, Council-recognized affinity groups, and each of the Council’s constituency groups.
Begin by examining the following through a lens of achieving greater inclusiveness and diversity:
Is it well understood? Are the values expressed in your mission shared and embraced throughout the organization?
Are your grantmaking practices inclusive of the individuals your grantmaking will impact? Are the resources in place in order to achieve your grantmaking goals?
Does your Board reflect the community you are serving?
If you employ individuals from diverse backgrounds, are they included in decision making? How are individuals from within your organizational learning from their backgrounds and experiences?
How diverse is your grantmaking? Are there disparities between declined applicants and awarded applicants?
Is their demographic composition reflective of the communities you serve?
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