Definition
A foundation is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization with its own funds, managed by its own trustees and directors. It maintains or aids charitable, educational, religious...
Definition
Environmentalism seeks to preserve the air and water we all depend upon; as well as conserve and protect entire ecosystems compromising of animals, plants...
Definition
Enlightened self-interest was a concept that Alexis de Tocqueville discussed in his work Democracy in America. The notion he held was that Americans...
Definition
An endowment is a permanent asset of an organization that is invested to earn income. The money to build the endowment can come from many sources. Many times, an individual...
Biographical Highlights
As an average American but an extraordinary philanthropist, Matel Dawson Jr. (1921-2002) died only a few months after his retirement, having given away $1.3 million dollars to charity over...
Biographical Highlights
Paul Cuffe (1759-1817) was an educated man with farming property, a fleet of ships and a successful shipping business on the coast of Massachusetts. He was an African American...
Definition
The Council on Foundations is a nonprofit membership association of grant making foundations and corporations in the United States and other countries, founded in 1949...
by Kate Luckert, with updates by Bridget McGuiggan
Definition
The Council of Michigan Foundations is a community of philanthropists committed to improving outcomes for Michigan, and beyond. The first stop for Michigan philanthropists, CMF connects...
by Emily Nelson
Definition
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is defined as “actions through which businesses meet the expectations of society in any particular time” (Burlingame 2004, 104). CSR is also referred to as corporate philanthropy,...
Definition
Community Needs Assessments seek to gather accurate information representative of the needs of a community. Assessments are performed...