Types of Foundations and the differing demands on brand

Want to see awe-inspiring vision, unfathomable generosity and audacious drive?

Look no further than foundations.

We've worked with several foundations to date.

>> Each have been awe-inspiring in their own way

>> Each has a compelling and unique origin story and vision

>> Each have their own set of ideas and ideals on HOW to do that

It's admirable.

As a result, the brand asks and needs have been different, too.

Always inspiring, challenging and unique.

Let's have a look at some foundation types and which ones we've had experience with:

1. Community Foundations:

Community foundations focus on improving the quality of life within a specific geographic area, typically support is varied - education, healthcare, arts and culture, and social services, driven by the needs of the community they serve.

2. Family Foundations:

Family foundations are established and funded by individuals, families, or groups of relatives who pool their resources to support charitable causes. Often are multi generational, providing opportunities for family members to participate in philanthropy and carry on a legacy of giving.

3. Corporate Foundations:

Corporate foundations are established by corporations as a means of giving back to the community and supporting social causes, typically receiving funding from the corporation and may also engage employees, customers, and business partners in philanthropic activities.

4. Operating Foundations:

Operating foundations are actively involved in conducting their own charitable programmes and initiatives, rather than solely providing grants to other organisations, often operating programmes, funding research, or delivering services directly to beneficiaries.

5. Private Foundations:

Private foundations are established and funded by individuals, families, family offices or groups of donors with a specific charitable mission or purpose. They typically do not rely on public fundraising efforts and may have more flexibility in how they distribute grants and support charitable activities.

6. Grantmaking Foundations:

Grantmaking foundations primarily focus on providing financial support to other nonprofit organisations, charities, and projects through grants and contributions. Their critical support can be very varied.

These categorise go someway to overviewing types of foundations. However, in our experience - we've seen these blend far more readily. We've had experience in Family/Private/Operating Foundations, Grantmaking/Private Foundations and Operating/Private Foundations.

All have been a bit of a hybrid model - no surprise given the founders!

Within these examples alone, the asks and demands on the brand have been different: from honouring legacy posthumously, to the entrepreneurial drive and shape-shifting activities of another from a living founder; to a foundation that touches on succession and legacy of story, not individual.

>> Each brand has had to perform in different ways

>> Each brand has different pressure tests and measurements of success

>> Each brand has had to balance the tension of legacy and the future

This is why we love working with foundations.

Our same process, their unique story, always unexpected outcomes.

If you're an ED, CEO or founder of a fledging foundation looking to launch, an established foundation looking to refresh it's identity or in need of strategic support in developing a growing portfolio of offerings, get in touch with us today.

#PurposeDriven #VisionaryLeaders #FoundationImpact