Professional Development

Professional Development Publications

• How CEOs and Trustees Navigate Change and Transform Foundations "Three Bites to the Apple"

  In this publication, foundation CEOs and trustees share their insights and personal stories on how they navigated change and how they overcame setbacks. You’ll also learn about best practices to help you successfully lead your foundation, boards, and staff. This publication is free for Council members (but you must access the publication through our store; nonmembers pay $10 for a copy.

• The Savvy CEO: Advice from Those Who Have Been There

  Running a foundation requires many different skills. In this new publication, seasoned foundation executives offer advice and share insights on common issues CEOs and boards face. Learn about tips and strategies to help you on the job.

• Competencies for Chief Executive Officers of Private Foundations

  Veteran Council members identify core skills and knowledge needed to perform the foundation CEO job. Not just for private foundation leaders only, these competencies are applicable for most foundation CEOs.

• Evaluation in Philanthropy: Perspectives from the Field

  A publication from Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO) and released with the Council on Foundations, explores how evaluation can help grantmakers learn and improve their practices—and not just “prove” results. The publication offers a brief overview of how grantmakers are looking at evaluation as a means of improvement. It is based on a review of the current literature on evaluation and learning, outreach to grantmakers that have made these activities a priority, and the work of GEO and the Council to raise this issue more prominently among their members. Download a copy on our online store. It is free for members, and nonmembers pay $12.