Resources

We are reviewing our executive grant approval thresholds and would like to benchmark with other organizations. Currently our Vice President can approve grants up to $30,000; President $30,001-$250,000 and the board approves all grants beyond $250K. What do executive approval thresholds look like at your organization? Thanks, in advance, for sharing!

Hi everyone,   We are doing a little research to see if other foundations reimburse board directors for mileage to attend board meetings and other site visits, in addition to regular board compensation.

Hello Everyone! We're trying to understand how funders view fiscally sponsored projects. In particular: Do grantmakers avoid fiscally sponsored projects? If the sponsor of the project doesn't have a really snappy Guidestar listing and/or website, does this impact the grantmaker's perception of the sponsored project? If a sponsored project has been successful and is looking to grow, is it preferrable for them (in the eyes of a funder) to become a separate nonprofit? Any general recommendations for a fiscally sponsored project? Thanks so much for any shared insights!

I hope this message finds you well! My name is Maurice L. Speaks and I am the Project and Finance Coordinator for Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise (PACE). PACE is currently conducting research on grant programs that are focused on providing nonprofit organizations with funding specifically for professional development. I am reaching out to inquire if anyone is aware of any foundations or other grantmakers that run grant programs specifically focused on providing funding for professional development?

Do you offer either (a) planning grants to applicants before an intensive proposal process, and/or (b) declined applicants grants or honoraria for people/nonprofits who spent time applying to your foundation and then were declined?

I am interested in more information about the use of guided conversations to augment if not replace select reporting requirements. If you are using site visits or other informal communications to gather application or reporting information - I would greatly appreciate you sharing any specific tools you use or insights you have gained through the process

Oak is in the process of several grant-making improvement projects including developing a new grants management system, streamlining the grant-making process, and clarifying due diligence. As these projects are being developed, we would like to bring on a consultant who will help us envision and develop a harmonised and centralised resource that provides comprehensive instructions on how to make a grant. This resource should be simple, organised, easy to find information, and make good use of visuals to aid in understanding the process. Ideally, the consultant would also serve as a thought partner in developing the training of staff to launch the new resource.

Employee Benefits question For those who cover a percentage of the premium for employees who participate in your foundation’s group medical health insurance plan, do you continue to pay any portion of the monthly costs when the employee goes on Medicare?    Further, for employee spouses who participated in the group medical health insurance plan, do you pay any portion of the monthly cost for spouses when they go on Medicare? 

We are looking to create a tuition reimbursement policy and developing a practice for employees who want to pursue degrees or certificate during their employment. If you have a policy and/or a practice in this space, I would most appreciate anything you might share here about it.

I’m doing some research into creating a (likely 2-year) post-college fellowship program and was hoping to get some insight from other foundations who manage this type of fellowship. In particular- • How do you manage recruitment? • What do the Fellow’s job description and assignments look like? • What are the ultimate goals of the Fellowship and how do you ensure they’re achieved?