Set Up a Racial, Ethnic or Tribal Fund, Foundation or Giving Circle
Each section in this area highlights key questions, choices and suggestions about what initial steps to take. We include pitfalls and actions to avoid, which were shared by experienced fund leaders. These “Lessons Learned” are flagged throughout the site. We also point to resources, including sample documents and contacts, that might be helpful at each stage of a fund’s development.
In This Area
- Racial, Ethnic, Tribal Philanthropy: Mission and Goals
Mission and values statements are important for setting the path and direction of your organization. What do you want to express?
- Racial, Ethnic, Tribal Philanthropy: Size and Scope
Information on fund options - including questions to think about whether funds should be endowed or non-endowed, pooled or individual. Also looks at fundraising, endowment building, donor options and weighing "outside" support.
- Racial, Ethnic, Tribal Philanthropy: Structure and Types
What structure is right? Do we want to be affiliated or independent? Includes considerations for determining structure including autonomy, credibility and capacity.
- Racial, Ethnic, Tribal Philanthropy: Leadership and Staffing
Information and resources for deciding on you core internal structure, with particular focus on leadership and staffing decisions.
- Racial, Ethnic, Tribal Philanthropy: Fundraising and Financial Decisions
Can we show how the money is used? Are diversity and social responsible investing important to our fund? Are there procedures in place to ensure mutually beneficial reporting for your fund and your host organization?
- Racial, Ethnic, Tribal Philanthropy: Grantmaking Philosophy
There are many ways that an organization can choose to support the organizations in their community. This section looks at some options available to racial, ethnic and tribal funds and foundations.
