council on foundations storybook

10 Philanthropy In Progress

Real Stories

10 Members of the Council on Foundations in Action

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Our PrOud Past. the Council on Foundations is a powerful partner in ensuring excellence and effectiveness in strategic

giving and grantmaking since 1949.

a PrOfOund future. the Council’s vision for the field is of a vibrant, growing, and responsible philanthropic sector that advances the common good. We are part of a broad philanthropic community that will contribute to this vision. We aim to be an important leader…along with each of our unique and dedicated members.

To help showcase the pride we share in the work and missions of ALL our members, the Council on Foundations would like to introduce you to 10 of our members who represent the growing diversity of the global philanthropic community.

Philanthropy in Progress

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VisionThe Council’s vision for the field is of a vibrant, growing and responsible philanthropic sector that advances the common good.

We see ourselves as part of a broad philanthropic community that will contribute to this vision. We aim to be an important leader in reaching the vision.

Mission The Council on Foundations provides the opportunity, leadership and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good.

To carry out this mission, we will be a membership organization with effective and diverse leadership that helps the field be larger, more effective, more responsible and more cooperative.

> By “common good,” we mean the sum total of conditions that enable community members to thrive. These achievements have a shared nature that goes beyond individual benefits.

> By “philanthropic organizations,” we mean any vehicle that brings people together to enhance the effectiveness, impact and leverage of their philanthropy. This includes private and community foundations, corporate foundations and giving programs, operating foundations and public foundations as well as emerging giving and grantmaking mechanisms involving collective participation.

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10 Members of the Council on foundations in action

1 evelyn and Walter haas, Jr. Fund .................................... 2

2 the Mead FaMily Foundation .............................................. 4

3 vna Foundation ............................................................................... 6

4 dentaQuest Foundation ......................................................... 8

5 alFred P. sloan Foundation ................................................10

6 neW york liFe Foundation ....................................................12

7 the disCount Foundation ....................................................14

8 WilliaM t. grant Foundation ............................................16

9 the Boston Foundation .........................................................18

10 FrenCh aMeriCan CharitaBle trust ..............................20

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real story 1

EVElyn and WalTEr Haas, Jr. Fundestablished 1953

CounCil MEMBEr sinCE 1977

assETs | $430 Million

GranTs | $332 Million

the haas, Jr. Fund works to ensure

that those most in need— including

immigrants, gays and lesbians, people

of color, children and youth — are able

to achieve their full potential in our

communities, our economy and our

society.

the COunCil

The field of philanthropy is incredibly diverse — the

United States alone is home to more than 100,000

foundations of widely varying sizes, missions, and

interests. The Council on Foundations provides our

industry with a shared platform for speaking out on

the important issues that affect the work we do, and

our ability to do it well. The Council also plays a vital

role in helping people understand the contributions

of philanthropy to our society. By working together

through the Council, foundations can accomplish so

much more for themselves and for the field than we

could by working on our own.

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“The Council on Foundations provides

a national voice for philanthropy

on key issues, as well as an array of

resources, guidance, and learning and

networking opportunities for individual

foundations. at the Haas, Jr. Fund, we

have found our Council membership to

be invaluable in alerting us to the latest

trends and good ideas in philanthropy

and in helping us become a better

grantmaker.”

ira HirsCHFiEld, PrEsidEnT 1

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real story 2

THE MEad FaMily FoundaTion established 1989



GranTs | $1 Million

the Mead Family Foundation seeks to

empower youth to have crisis-free lives, strong

families and excellent education.

“The education received at Council on Foundations conferences, via webinars or online, is invaluable. The Council has a great website with lots of material we need to become more informed. initially, we had our bylaws and a few guidelines but really didn’t know where to go next. Council materials helped us learn about everything from site visits to board policies. My guess is that 70% of our policies are based on the information we received from the Council. i have used the salary survey to set salaries and make raises. Without the Council, this would have been an impossible task.”

BETsy MEad | PrEsidEnT

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the COunCil

The Council on Foundations has provided high quality start-up education

for family foundations for many years. They also provide legal and policy

education in the field. Another major benefit is networking between

foundations of all types, and between thought-provoking speakers and

leaders as well as non-profits. The Council has the best conference speakers

that I have heard. Where else can you laugh with Alan Alda and be inspired

by President Clinton all within a few years? The quality of speakers is second

only to the relevant content. Access to thought leadership is one of the best

ways our board and staff can stay engaged and learn.

Their commitment to keeping members informed on political issues and

educating Congress is so vital to the philanthropic field. The Council is a force

on Capitol Hill for foundations. It actively engages members of Congress in

positive dialogue around the benefits of our sector to society and the work

of foundations in neighborhoods all across the country. The Foundations on

the Hill program (in partnership with the Forum of Regional Associations of

Grantmakers) is a very forward-thinking program, equipping foundations to

be more civically engaged. We learned that there was so much more that we

could do than we had realized! Rather than throwing a bunch of papers at us,

the Council’s program actually took us by the hand and walked us (literally)

through the legislative process.

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the COunCil

The Council on Foundations offers a variety

of educational tools useful to foundations

like VNA. VNA primarily takes advantage of

learning opportunities offered at the Council’s

annual conference, through networking with

fellow Council members, and through Council

publications and listservs. Of particular use are

educational opportunities offered to our board

members, and the emails and newsletters that

help us to stay abreast of legislative discussions,

proposals, and actions.

real story 3

Vna FoundaTion established 1995


assETs | $51.5 Million

GranTs | $2,083,469

the vna Foundation supports

home- and community-based

healthcare for the medically

underserved in the Chicago

metropolitan area.

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“The Council on Foundations allows its members access to a breadth

and depth of information that is not available on a regional level.

it provides opportunities to view the sector through the eyes and

actions of a wide variety of foundations, and its annual meetings

bring together colleagues whose paths we would not otherwise

cross. The Council’s role as convener is extremely valuable—at a

Council conference useful information is gained not only at the

sessions, but also through peer interchange at a lunch table or coffee

break. By investing in the Council, members ultimately invest in

themselves and their mission. Membership supports activities that

promote the value of philanthropy and the significant work that is

being done, through grantmaker/grantee partnerships, across the

street, and across the nation.”

roBErT n. dilEonardi | ExECuTiVE dirECTor

“The Council on Foundations allows its members access to a breadth

and depth of information that is not available on a regional level.

it provides opportunities to view the sector through the eyes and

actions of a wide variety of foundations, and its annual meetings

bring together colleagues whose paths we would not otherwise

cross. The Council’s role as convener is extremely valuable—at a

Council conference useful information is gained not only at the

sessions, but also through peer interchange at a lunch table or coffee

break. By investing in the Council, members ultimately invest in

themselves and their mission. Membership supports activities that

promote the value of philanthropy and the significant work that is

being done, through grantmaker/grantee partnerships, across the

street, and across the nation.”

roBErT n. dilEonardi | ExECuTiVE dirECTor

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real story 4

dEnTaQuEsT FoundaTionestablished 2000



GranTs | $4 Million

the dentaQuest Foundation supports

and promotes optimal oral health by

partnering and collaborating with

key stakeholders and the communities

they touch, raising awareness and

supporting solutions.

“The Council on Foundations is a valuable

investment for the dentaQuest Foundation as

we grow geographically and programmatically.

We place a great deal of value on the three

strengths that foundations contribute to the

betterment of society: knowledge, resources

and relationships. Membership in the Council

enhances our ability to develop strategies and

skills in each of these areas.

Through our Council on Foundations

membership, the dentaQuest Foundation

benefits from the best practices of a diverse

community of philanthropic leaders who

share our commitment to individual and

societal wellbeing, responsible stewardship

of resources, and above all, commitment

to results.”

ralPH FuCCillo | PrEsidEnT

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the COunCil

As philanthropy is increasingly recognized as an essential component of

a healthy and productive society, the principles, policies and practices by

which we steward resources requires constant review and improvement.

The Council on Foundations is an active forum in which philanthropies

share common interests and explore differences. Our work is enriched by an

appreciation of the diverse populations we serve and our understanding of

the communities and conditions in which they live. This focus on diversity

and inclusion, civic and community engagement, and strategies for creating

lasting impact based on a realistic understanding of root causes adds greatly

to our ability to take responsible action.

Through state-of-the-art communications, the Council guides its members

in good governance and effective stewardship of resources. Council publica-

tions introduce vibrant thought leaders, powerful educational tools, and

forward thinking strategies that make us better able to engage with constitu-

encies and educate those around us. The Annual Meeting and Conference is

a superb example of how the Council provides members with exposure to

key civic, political, social and cultural leaders.

Given the range of membership, the Council is to be applauded for meeting

so many different interests with thoughtful insight and planning.4

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real story 5

alFrEd P. sloan FoundaTion established 1934


assETs | $1.6 Billion

GranTs | $72.5 Million

the alfred P. sloan Foundation

makes grants in support of

original research and education

in science, technology,

engineering, mathematics and

economic performance.

the COunCil

The Council on Foundations brings awareness

to the important work of philanthropy. It brings

together the role philanthropy plays in giving and

how it affects society. The Council has stressed

the importance of philanthropy in ways that are

understandable across the board. It has conveyed the

concept that government cannot and will not be the

sole source of relief to those in need. Government

and philanthropy will complement each other’s

efforts to raise awareness and tackle the issues

facing the world.

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“nowhere else can an organization get diversity, advocacy,

educational opportunities, and more than at the Council on

Foundations. Through its leadership, the Council brings together

a diverse range of organizations for networking, brainstorming,

and the ability to learn from others in the field. They are

the main source of information and research in the hub of

philanthropic citizenship. “

FrEd sCHnur | ViCE PrEsidEnT & sECrETary

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ALFRED P. SLOAN FOUNDATION

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real story 6

nEW york liFE FoundaTion established 1979


GranTs | $11.5 Million

inspired by new york life’s tradition of service and humanity, the new york life Foundation

has, since its founding in 1979, provided more than $120 million in charitable contributions

to national and local nonprofit organizations. through its focus on “nurturing the Children,”

the Foundation supports programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of

mentoring, the establishment of safe places to learn and grow, educational enhancement

opportunities and childhood bereavement. the Foundation also encourages and facilitates

the community involvement of employees, agents, and retirees of new york life through its

volunteers for life program.

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6“in addition to the very real benefits we get from

membership, being part of the Council on Foundations

also allows us to demonstrate our support of the larger

philanthropic sector and the role corporate foundations

and giving programs can play in that sector.”

CHris Park | PrEsidEnT

the COunCilThe Council on Foundations represents many types of philanthropic organizations

that make up the sector. They have created principles and practices and promote best

practices. They provide a vital voice for philanthropy with elected officials and key

constituencies. They are an organization we can all rally around.

The Annual Conference and other events provide us with the opportunity to interact

and benchmark with our peers. Involvement with the annual Foundations on the Hill

event gives us a chance to meet with our elected officials and to educate them about

philanthropic issues. Regular public policy updates keep us informed and prompt us to

take action when needed.

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real story 7

THE disCounT FoundaTion established 1977


assETs | $8 Million

GranTs | $650,000

the discount Foundation

focuses on developing the

power of the working poor to

improve their economic status

through organizing for worker

justice. the Foundation supports

collective action by workers

through community and faith

based organizations, especially

those working in collaboration

with unions and other worker

organizations.

the COunCil

It is critical that philanthropy has a respected,

thoughtful, and proactive advocate that

represents the field, in all its diversity, at the

national level. The Council on Foundations

serves that purpose with vigor and integrity,

articulating the values that are the core of our

work, including a commitment to social and

economic justice.

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“over the twenty plus years i have been working in

philanthropy i have especially relied on the Council

on Foundations to keep me informed of legislative

developments affecting and influencing the field. no other

organization serves this absolutely vital role. as important,

is the Council’s long-term commitment to increasing the

diversity of the board and staff of its members. This is

a goal i strongly believe in and which is essential to the

integrity of our field.”

HEnry allEn | ExECuTiVE dirECTor

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real story 8

WilliaM T. GranT FoundaTionestablished 1936




William t. grant Foundation is

committed to furthering the

understanding of human behavior

through research. today, the

Foundation supports research to

understand and improve the settings

of youth ages 8 to 25 in the united

states, and the way research evidence

is used in policy and practice that

affect youth.

“The Council on Foundations

serves as an anchor between

the William T. Grant Foundation

and the larger nationwide

philanthropic community. it

binds us in many ways to our

colleagues while providing ‘one-

stop’ supportive resources and

services that are not available to

us elsewhere.”

larry MorEland sEnior ViCE PrEsidEnT, FinanCE and adMinisTraTion

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the COunCil

The Council on Foundations has improved the philanthropic landscape by forcefully responding to

issues that affect our community. The Council’s annual District Days and Foundations on the Hill events

allow members to put forth and discuss issues that are pertinent to our community and society at large

with Congress. It is an effective lobbying tool that keeps philanthropy and its issues in the forefront of

the minds of our elected officials.

Our foundation also benefits tremendously from the annual conference sessions, training courses — in-

person and web-based — and web-cast issues sessions, which allow our staff to keep current on the latest

and important issues and skills-sets, and helps us anticipate what may be down the road. This is crucial

for medium-sized (and smaller) foundations such as ours, who lack the in-house resources to provide

such activities.

real story 9

THE BosTon FoundaTionestablished 1915




the Boston Foundation, greater

Boston’s community foundation,

devotes its resources to building and

sustaining a vital, prosperous city and

region, where justice and opportunity

are extended to everyone.

the COunCil

It is crucial for the field of philanthropy to have a

membership organization that can speak with a common

voice and advocate on behalf of all foundations,

regardless of size. The Council on Foundations is

particularly supportive of developing standards for the

entire community foundation field. Our Vice President

for Programs, Ruben Orduña, chairs the Standards

Action Team, which oversees the National Standards for

Community Foundations program. The program provides

a blueprint for developing effective, ethical, transparent,

and legal community foundations.

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“The Council on Foundations plays a

critical role in advocating on behalf

of—and developing standards for—

america’s philanthropic organizations,

large and small. Membership in the

Council means that we have access

to a network of our peers, a central

clearinghouse for information about

issues of tremendous importance to

our work, and a powerful platform for

sharing knowledge with foundations

across the country. “

Mary Jo MEisnEr ViCE PrEsidEnT, CoMMuniCaTions, CoMMuniTy rElaTions and PuBliC aFFairs9

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real story 10

FrEnCH aMEriCan CHariTaBlE TrusT established 1989



GranTs | $4 Million

the French american Charitable trust

helps develop and sustain networks of

community-based groups in the u.s.

and France that educate, organize, and

empower people to actively participate

in developing public policies that directly

affect their lives.

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“i believe the Council on Foundations offers an important

window into what the philanthropic community is thinking

and doing writ-large. For those working in a small part of that

sector, it is useful to put our work into the overall context of

the larger philanthropic community and it also affords us great

networking opportunities with foundations we don’t normally

interact with and with our colleagues. “

dianE FEEnEy | PrEsidEnT

the COunCil

Philanthropy plays a vital role in any society, supporting cutting edge programs,

under-funded activities, and areas that are often ignored and/or benefit the public

good. However, philanthropy plays an especially vital role in a society where there is a

great discrepancy between the have and the have-nots. The Council on Foundations

is committed to ensuring that best practices, education, collaboration, and exchange

among foundations exists so that the sector can best live up to its promise of benefiting

the public good.

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The Council on Foundations was formed to promote responsible

and effective philanthropy. The mission requires a commitment to

inclusiveness as a fundamental operating principle and calls for an

active and ongoing process that affirms human diversity in its many

forms, encompassing but not limited to ethnicity, race, gender, sexual

orientation, economic circumstance, disability, and philosophy.

We seek diversity in order to ensure that a range of perspectives,

opinions, and experiences are recognized and acted upon in achieving

the Council’s mission. The Council also asks members to make a similar

commitment to inclusiveness in order to better enhance their abilities

to contribute to the common good of our changing society.

Council on Foundations statement on inclusiveness

2121 Crystal Drive, Suite 700 | Arlington, VA 22202 | tel 703.879.0600 | fax 703.879.0800 | www.cof.org

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