International grantmaking members of the Council are invited to participate in a discussion group exclusively for international grantmakers. To participate in this online discussion, email global@cof.org.  

Compilations from Past Discussions

• Grantmakers supporting microfinance and health in Latin America (February 2009)
• International grantmaking during a time of a devalued dollar (August 2008)
• Vetting International Grantees (November 2006)
• International Grantmaking and Currency Fluctuations (June 2006)

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What is an electronic discussion list?

An electronic discussion list is a free subscription-based email group that provides an online forum to facilitate discussion on international grantmaking topics. When you join, you can send and receive messages, which will be shared with everyone in the group.

2.  How do I subscribe to the list?

To subscribe to the International Grantmaker Discussion List, please email intnlgrantmakers-request@lyris.cof.org with Subscribe in the subject line. Only staff of Council member foundations and corporate giving programs are eligible to participate in this discussion list.

3.  Who else participates?

Because it's important to speak your mind freely, membership is strictly limited to members of the Council on Foundations. International Programs' staff will monitor and manage the list. The International Grantmaker Discussion List is not intended to be an opportunity for solicitation of any kind, including solicitation for business, fund management or grants.

4.  How do I unsubscribe?

It's easy. Just send a blank email to leave-intnlgrantmakers@lyris.cof.org.

5.  How do I post a message?

To post a message to the discussion list address your email to intnlgrantmakers@lyris.cof.org. Please note that this email will be sent to the entire group. Alternatively, you may also send your inquiry to International Programs staff, (global@cof.org) we can post your message to the group.

6.  How do I reply to a previously posted message?

To respond to a message received from the list, simply click "reply all " and your answer will be distributed to the entire group. You may also click "reply" to respond only to the sender or route your response through International Programs staff (emails listed above).

7.  How do I know the information posted on the list is correct?

This is a forum for peer exchange. Although the Council on Foundations is not able to verify or vouch for the accuracy of every statement posted to this discussion, as moderators Council staff will make all reasonable attempts to ensure that information is correct.

8.  What is email etiquette or "netiquette"?

When we talk, we expect other people to observe certain rules of behavior. The same is true online. Here are a few pointers to help you communicate more effectively.

• Clearly summarize the contents of your message in the subject line.
• Keep your messages short and focused.
• Avoid using all capital letters.
• Don't write anything you wouldn't say in public.
• Don't use backgrounds or email stationery.

Learn more about netiquette or the Internet in general.

9.  How do I create a password to access old messages and manage my account information online?

• Visit the List Manager. Bookmark this site now!
• Enter your email address (the one you used to subscribe to this list). The first time you login use the default password, which is simply the word "password" without quotes.

10.  What if I forgot my password?

• Visit the List Manager.
• Enter your email address and enter your password—or what you think is your password.
• If your password is incorrect, you will be presented with the link EMAIL PASSWORD to retrieve your password.
• You will receive an automatic reply within one hour. Note: If you are subscribed to more than one Council discussion list, it is recommended that you use a single, common password for all lists.

11.  How do I search for old messages?

• Login to the List Manager (instructions for first-time visitors are listed in question 9).
• Click the MY FORUMS tab and if you are subscribed to more than one list, select the list you wish to view.
• Click the SEARCH tab. Messages are stored online for a period of one year.

12.  How do I update my name, email address, password and membership type?

• Login to the List Manager (instructions for first-time visitors are listed in Question 11).
• Click the "MY ACCOUNT " tab.

13.  How do I managing the number of emails I get?

You can opt to receive a daily digest, which is one email message per day that includes all of that day's email activity.

• Login to the List Manager.
• Click the "MY ACCOUNT" tab.
• Under "MEMBERSHIP TYPE" Click "MIMEDIGEST". Under the default option (NORMAL), you will receive emails as each message is posted to the group.

14.  How do I temporarily suspend my subscription if I plan to be away from the office for an extended period?

• Login to the List Manager.
• Click the "MY ACCOUNT" tab.
• Select NO EMAIL as your membership type. To reinstate your account, select NORMAL or MIMEDIGEST.

15.  How can I obtain assistance?

If you are having trouble using the discussion list, managing your account or you can't find what you need in the online archives, email global@cof.org.