Updates and Resources
Community Foundation Leadership Coalition Info Session
Our new CF Leadership Coalition: Policy and Communications Add-On offers the opportunity to join a network of community foundations working to advance shared policy priorities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen the sector’s collective voice. Those who purchase the add-on will also receive new benefits including issue-based briefings, real-time updates sent to your leadership, and more.
On Wednesday, April 8, join our free info session as we explain the expanded benefits available to members that choose to upgrade and how you can join this growing network of community foundations leading on policy issues nationally and in their communities.
We'll be joined by Trisha Finnegan, a member of the Council’s Advisory Group for the Center for Community Foundations, who will share what the CF Leadership Coalition's creation means for her own organization and the broader field.
Legal Question of the Month with Senior Staff Counsel Remy Barnwell
Question: Can Giving Circles accept qualified charitable distributions (QCDs)? We classify a Giving Circle as a subcategory of DAF, with the difference being the donor base is much larger than an individual or family. Since DAF can’t accept QCDs, I’m wondering if that applies to Giving Circles as well.
Answer: Most giving circles meet the current definition of donor advised funds, and it sounds like you already classify giving circles as DAFs internally. So, giving circles may not receive QCDs. The prohibition against QCDs being distributed to DAFs applies even if the distribution is made to a DAF that wasn’t started by the donor. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any follow up questions.
Council members are able to send their questions to our legal team for expert advice and analysis. You can take advantage of this member benefit by becoming a member today.
2026 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits (GSB) Survey
The 2026 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits (GSB) Survey is now open! Your participation ensures that the GSB Report remains the most comprehensive guide to compensation and benefits information for philanthropic organizations in the country. Plus, participants receive early access to GSB data and a free copy of the report in the fall.
Join hundreds of community foundations by taking the 2026 GSB Survey.
CF Insights Highlight
Webinar Next Week: Community Foundation Trends - Highlights from the CF Insights FY24 Annual Survey
Join us next Tuesday, March 24, at 1 p.m. ET for an exploration of the latest CF Insights data snapshot for FY24, and learn how you can access peer benchmarking data on hundreds of community foundations to inform your own operations and strategy.
Dave Rosado, Senior Advisor for Community Philanthropy, will share some highlights from the latest CF Insights Annual survey results and demonstrate the CF Insights benchmarking tool.
Caresa Summers, Manager, Executive Office with the Santa Fe Community Foundation will join to discuss how the community foundation uses benchmarking data to help inform their own strategic decision-making.
Visit our website to learn more about CF Insights or email the team at cfinsights@cof.org anytime with your questions.
2025 Council Award Winners Announced
We’re excited to announce the winners of the 2025 Council Awards! In addition to our longstanding awards, we launched two new awards this year that highlight the extraordinary work of community foundations: the Excellence in Community Foundation Leadership Award, for a community foundation leader who has elevated community philanthropy over years of service, and the Building Together Award, for an organization or initiative that helps us connect and collaborate across differences.
- Distinguished Service Award: Rip Rapson, Kresge Foundation President and CEO
- Outstanding Corporate Philanthropy Leadership Award: Charu Adesnik, Cisco Foundation Executive Director
- Scrivner Award: Segal Family Foundation
- [NEW] Excellence in Community Foundation Leadership Award: Ralph Serpe, Adams County Community Foundation President and CEO
- [NEW] Building Together Award: Innovia Foundation
Council/Commonfund Survey Now Open
Are you a fiduciary that oversees an endowment? The 2025 Council on Foundations-Commonfund Study of Investment of Endowments for Private and Community Foundations (CCSF) is now open! Join over 200 foundations in participating in the leading annual study of investment and governance policies and practices at foundations.
News Articles
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