Kris Putnam-Walkerly

As board members of grantmaking foundations, one of your most critical responsibilities is ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of your organization. However, many boards of directors overlook the importance of proactive executive succession planning, leaving their foundations vulnerable to the potential disruptions caused by an unexpected leadership transition. By investing in a comprehensive foundation […]

This article was originally written and published on Forbes.com.  Health conversion foundations have emerged as pivotal players in the public health landscape, bridging gaps in healthcare funding and policy advocacy to meet the evolving needs of underserved communities.   These entities not only channel significant financial resources into public health initiatives but also embody a

Make Sure to Bookmark This List!   I wanted to highlight the standout articles from the past year that resonated the most with readers like yourself. Readers frequently commend the dual nature of my articles—provocative yet practical, offering valuable insights into the specific challenges they encounter in their philanthropic pursuits. I trust these articles will

Foundation boards hold the privilege and power to influence social change with trillions in assets under management and annual grantmaking in the billions. Yet too often, governance models cling to the tradition of lifetime appointments with no term limits for board members. This complacency risks stagnation, thwarts impact, and prevents accountability to evolving community needs.

Can you believe there are less than five weeks left in 2023? The hours are ticking away and soon we’ll be celebrating the start of a brand-new year. For many, this time of reflection sparks feeling overwhelmed, panicked, and guilty about not yet achieving year-end goals. It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy

In my 25 years of experience advising philanthropic leaders, I’ve noticed a common problem — strategic drag. Many foundations start with the best intentions and ample resources, yet they fail to achieve the impact they desire because forces are slowing them down. As a philanthropy advisor and coach, my mission is to help foundations minimize