Member Profiles

Small Is Big

Small foundations leverage their resources for a range of outcomes—from better mental health for veterans, to better access to nursing services in Native American communities, to higher incomes for coffee growers in Central America.

Leading by Example

How one family foundation can make a difference.

Izumi Foundation Helps Malnourished Children in Haiti

A shift from short-term grants to long-term investment in capacity building

An Innovative Approach to Philanthropy

A lifelong passion in philanthropy spurs creative grantmaking

Keeping it in the Family

A foundation’s passion for family inclusion

Turning to the Next Generation

A family foundation intends to keep the harmony going for multiple generations

Ashley Snowdon Blanchard, Hill-Snowdon Foundation

Lessons learned in becoming a leader for social justice

Strengthening the Local Nonprofit Community

ASF member promotes collaboration among local nonprofits

Janet Harman, KDK-Harman Foundation

A member donor gives back to Austin, Texas

10 Strategies for Tough Economic Times

Words from many small foundation leaders

Short-Term Cuts, Long-Term Results

A funder finds impact in scarcity

Global Oneness Project

A project that explores our interconnectedness with one another

Disaster Relief

A foundation collaborates for impact after hurricane Katrina

Community Involvement

A foundation’s name change generates charitable giving

Engaging Children in Philanthropy

ASF members share tips on involving the next generation(s) in philanthropy

Creative Vision

Big vision creates an opportunity to support a mobile medical unit

What Makes Our Foundation Strong

A now-sunset foundation takes a look at their values and impact.

Investing in Leaders

A Colorado-based member shares her thoughts on the importance of nonprofit lead

Traveling Giving Circle

View a video of a member’s giving circle trip to Kenya.

Money Matters

A family foundation’s reflections on their youth giving program.

A Mission, Broad Yet Helpful

A foundation’s intentionally broad mission to help children and families.

Connecting Your Board to Your Community

Inviting non-family members to a family foundation board.

Making the Most of an Investment Committee

A key part of a foundation’s checks and balances.

An Adjustable Application Process

The Kinsman Foundation’s flexible process for inviting proposals.

Opening the Lines of Communication

Encouraging grantseekers to call before sending a proposal.

Foundation Website Saves Time

Streamlining the grant application process with a website.

Out with the Old, In with the New

A foundation realizes the value of an Investment Policy Statement.

Putting Technology to Work for You

Using and online grant review/rating system.

The Next Generation Fund

Encouraging young family members to participate in philanthropy.

Engaging the Next Generation

Young trustees give discretionary grants in their own communities.

Making Allowances for Fluctuating Endowment Value

Using 12-preceding-quarter method of asset valuation

Using Postcards in Communications

An efficient way to keep grantseekers up-to-date

Setting an Agenda for Your Board

Two members share examples.

Funder Collaboratives

Three examples of member-supported collaboratives.

General Operating Support

Stories from two ASF members.

Microenterprise American Style

A foundation adds microenterprise to its grantmaking strategy.

Supporting Nonprofit Collaboration

Three ASF members share examples.

Closing Shop

Two members share stories.

Making Board Meetings a Joyful Experience

A family foundation celebrates its grantmaking impact.

Second Chance Foundation

Donor Finds Ideas, Mentors Through ASF.

A Locomotive, Not a Caboose

Nearing 90, builder and university benefactor Zilber loves the art of the deal