Foundation Leadership Hardcover - 2002 - 1st Edition

First line

Philanthropy in many ways starts with family.

From the rear cover

Bold strategies for philanthropic leaders of the future

The individual and family-based philanthropic organizations of the early twentieth century might hardly recognize their present-day corporate and institutional successors. The fundamental nature of foundations has changed on a revolutionary scale, forever altering the role that foundations play in society. From Grantmaker to Leader: Emerging Strategies for 21st Century Foundations appraises these shifting dynamics, putting forth powerful strategies for leading philanthropies into the future.

Leading authorities Frank Ellsworth and Joe Lumarda divide their study into four pertinent subjects:

• History of family and community-oriented foundations
• Leadership and communication of a foundation's message
• Selection and responsibilities of foundation boards of directors
• The untapped asset of compiled community knowledge

In each case, they explain how foundations have changed, survey the diverse types of foundations that presently exist, and propose proven blueprints for future philanthropic success. Dozens of interviews and "insider" contributors guarantee an exclusive, comprehensive take on the present state of foundation management.

Seldom has such a broad consideration of foundation activity met with such targeted prescriptions for effective leadership. From Grantmaker to Leader proves an essential text for all philanthropic professionals.

From the jacket flap

From Grantmaker to Leader

The past one hundred years has borne witness to an extraordinary revolution in the constitution and activities of philanthropic foundations. The evolution of the life span and development of foundations-from founder to family to professionals to institutions-has necessarily altered the role that foundations play within a society. With the growth of both financial and intellectual capital beyond the realm of passive grantmaking, foundations hold great promise to model leadership by the way they manage, communicate, and challenge the old ways of doing the business of doing good. From Grantmaker to Leader: Emerging Strategies for 21st Century Foundations takes stock of this shifting landscape, presenting bold leadership strategies for directing philanthropic organizations into the uncharted waters of the future.

Seasoned foundation executives Frank Ellsworth and Joe Lumarda assemble an all-star roster of insider contributors, dividing their trenchant study into four sections. "From Carnegie to Gates: The Changing Faces and Needs of Philanthropy" examines the history of family and community foundations and how the turmoil of the "New Economy" will affect these organizations in the future. Section two, "The Foundation's New Reach: The Emerging Role of Leader, Communicator, and Facilitator of Change," challenges foundations to reexamine their role by way of venture philanthropy, media relations, and public policy. The third section, "Building the Foundation Board of the 21st Century: Diversity and Strategic Planning," explores the governance of foundations, principally on the issues of introducing the strengths and assets of the whole community into foundation boardrooms and initiating methodical, prudent, and yet provocative long-range planning. The final section, "Building Foundation Wisdom: The Challenge of Accumulating, Synthesizing, and Sharing Knowledge," builds on a growing belief that the unsung and untapped asset of foundations is the vast amount of compiled community knowledge.

Throughout all four sections, From Grantmaker to Leader tackles the critical issues facing philanthropy today, such as:

• Intergenerational transfer of wealth
• Family dynamics
• Legislative concerns
• Accountability
• Advocacy
• Venture philanthropy
• Conveying a message
• Psychological and social motivations
• Collaboration and partnership

Even as the very nature of foundations has changed, a fundamental question remains: will philanthropies become a more pervasive player in society's future or will they stay on the sidelines, sending in grants like plays onto the field-never engaging its full potential to the challenge? Writing directly for trustees, foundation CEOs, philanthropic professionals, advisors to clients creating foundations and those exploring a career in philanthropy, Ellsworth and Lumarda make the convincing case that foundations matter more than ever, offering proven strategies for philanthropic leadership and success.