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This session provided an overview and demonstration of the capabilities of the major online information repositories being used by grantmakers and grantseekers. These included BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, DonorEdge, Foundation Directory Online, Foundation Search, GuideStar and OFAC list checking services. Attendees learned about key trends and how new technologies and demands for greater interoperability and powerful analytical and mapping tools are impacting the development of next generation systems.
Have you been in your position for a while? Are you feeling the need to refresh, re-charge, and re-energize? Attendees at this session explored options for professional development.
Are you frustrated with inefficiency in your organization's grant application and reporting processes? How about your grantees? The Grants Managers Network and seven other prominent philanthropic and nonprofit organizations are working to develop standards for the documentation required in these processes. A recently commissioned research report on current practice identifies issues and highlights specific areas for improvement. During this interactive session, participants reviewed results of this research, provided input from their own experience, and considered recommendations for improving grantmaking practice.
U.S. based international grantmakers have expressed a need for a centralized repository of information on non-U.S. based NGOs to streamline the equivalency determination (ED) process and reduce existing duplication of effort by grantmakers and grantseekers. This session described the project's background, survey results, which organizations are collaborating to established standards and support the repository, the outcome of a recent meeting with the IRS, the project timeline, and next steps.
Despite common misconceptions, foundations can make grants to a wide variety of organizations (not just public charities) provided that the proper procedures are followed. Understanding these procedures, known as expenditure responsibility, is the key to expanding the reach and effectiveness of your grants program and an essential skill for any grants manager. In this session, attendees learned the five basic steps of expenditure responsibility, when they need to be followed, and important practical tips on applying them. The speaker also explained the latest developments arising from the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (H.R. 4) and the need to follow expenditure responsibility for certain grants to supporting organizations.
The interest in nonprofit accountability has been on the rise due to increased legislative scrutiny and highly publicized scandals. Starting with a presentation on the measures of accountability that private foundations have voluntarily implemented, this interactive workshop provided an opportunity to examine the concerns being weighed by private foundations, and to share best practices for addressing issues of accountability in your day-to-day work.
In this interactive session attendees learned how good communication can lead to great process improvements. Presenters discussed how collaboration worked well at a family foundation when aided by good communication. They also shared tips and strategies that can lead to successful implementation of new policies and a more efficient process.
What will tomorrow's grants managers need to know to serve their foundations? How can you best prepare yourself to excel in the years ahead? In this session two experts discussed how grants managers can best equip themselves to effectively partner with program officers to assess grantees' financial capacity. Session leaders made recommendations for addressing issues that arise, and participants had the opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions.
The philanthropic sector evolves as new donors and new ideas enter the arena while long-standing foundations further hone their principles and practices. The increased use of technology, the emergence of online grant applications, greater focus on evaluation and impact, and the rise of bloggers are just a few of the many changes taking place in the sector. The presenters will provide insight into the trends of this evolving and complex landscape and participants should come prepared to add their own observations.
As part of the strategic plan adopted by GMN's board, the Best Practices and Opportunities Committee has been exploring the development of a professional certification program for grants managers. In the last year, there have been discussions at regional meetings, structured focus groups, and a formal online survey to gather market research. Attendees at this session heard about the research results and join a discussion of the challenges and recommendations related to the development of a grants management certification program.
This session was designed to connect individuals new to GMN and/or grants management to the work of GMN and other grants managers. In this interactive session, attendees networked in roundtable discussions to learn about professional development, GMN's online community, mentoring opportunities and other valuable resources.
This session presented information about best practices, tax status, and due diligence and provided connections with peers as well as resources to use after the conference.
This session included case studies of foundations that have begun online grantmaking. The presenters briefly described their electronic grantmaking process and then participants had the opportunity to speak with the presenters in a small group setting.
This session provided an opportunity to hear from legal counsel at the Council on Foundations about how the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (H.R. 4) affects grantmaking. In addition, this session offered information on what processes may need to be changed at your foundation in order to comply with H.R. 4.
This session focused on approaches to prepare for annual performance and salary reviews, identify career path goals, and professional development strategies.
Attendees at this session learned how to identify and prepare for the challenges that face foundations when disaster strikes. Attendees learned about what to consider when developing a plan such as: where to start, who to include, and critical steps that should be part of advance preparation. Take home materials included information on developing a disaster recovery plan.
This session provided an overview of the key elements to compare and consider in the software selection/implementation process, including technical specifications and software capabilities, demos and pricing structures, timing, customization and data conversion, training, and ongoing maintenance. Attendees learned from a vendor what you and the vendors need to know to arrive at the best solution.
When it comes to making grants, corporate foundations face different legal issues than other foundations. This session illustrated the most common legal issues effecting corporate foundations, examined the gray areas and perhaps dispelled some common myths. Topics included self-dealing, grants to individuals, international grants, matching gifts, and grants to supporting organizations. The speaker also fielded questions specific to attendees' foundations.
This session reviewed the legal issues and documentation required when making grants to religious institutions, international organizations, non-charities, private foundations and government entities. Guidelines for making grants to individuals were also discussed.
Attendees at this session learned ways to use technology to improve due diligence. Valuable information was provided on: due diligence resources and techniques to verify tax exempt status; sources to assist in evaluation of proposed grant recipients to verify that grant dollars are being used appropriately; enhanced services from GuideStar including Charity Check and Analysts Reports; compliance with the Patriot Act, Executive Order 13224, and other laws and regulations that prohibit financial transactions with terrorists; compliance with the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (H.R. 4); and using technology comprehensively for due diligence and evaluation.
Attendees at this session developed an individual "20 year journey" career and life map to review where they have come from and map strategies for where they would like to go next.
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