Amy Segal Shorey, a senior consultant at GMA Foundations, has completed the National Center for Family Philanthropy training necessary to lead a family foundation through its Pursuit of Excellence Assessment Process.

The Pursuit of Excellence assessment process is the first such tool designed specifically for family foundations. It enables a family foundation to understand your strengths as well as areas for improvement such as legacy, vision, mission, governance, family involvement, board functions, grantmaking, fiscal oversight and foundation management.

The tool measures trustees’ views on both current operations and the foundation’s aspirations.  The assessment forms a basis for the board to work with its consultant to elevate foundation practice and effectiveness.

SUCCESS STORIES

Two of GMA Foundations administrative clients were recently profiled as Success Stories on Smartlink:

“Needmor Fund: A Long-Term Commitment to Local Community Leadership”

“The Discount Foundation: A Small Foundation Focused on Big Impact”

The Discount Foundation and the Needmor Fund are well known for being small foundations that are nationally recognized for their leadership in the field and deep commitment to supporting community organizing in low-income communities.

Such success stories are designed to inspire other funders and connect them to Smartlink’s research, resources and tools that help donors make effective grants.

Smartlink is a project of the Community Giving Resource of the Neighborhood Funders group. The project’s mission is to attract, engage, and sustain philanthropic investment in low-income communities.

The Community Giving Resource provides educational resources, tools, and networking opportunities for individual donors and family foundations interested in learning about effective strategies for giving at the community level.

Benchmarks to Assess and Enhance Grantmaker Impact

“Criteria for Philanthropy at its Best presents 10 “best practices” for funders within a four-part outline encompassing values, effectiveness, ethics, and commitment.” — Phil Hall

Read the full review here.