Since 2003, I have had the privilege of leading two private foundations. While I have enjoyed my job immensely, there’s one aspect of this work that I have never enjoyed: the inherent power dynamic between foundations and our partners that inhibits — even discourages...
Jim Canales
A Transparency Mindset in the Foundation Boardroom
Guest author Jim Canales dicusses the role transparency plays in getting the most from foundation boards.
Three Attributes That Are Vital for Effective Philanthropy
As I leave a conference marking the 10th anniversary of the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), I find myself reflecting on our progress as a field in understanding what exactly constitutes “effective philanthropy.” At the heart of CEP’s approach has been...
The Case for Foundation Performance Assessment
Jim Canales of the James Irvine Foundation shares six questions that have been central to his foundation’s approach to performance assessment.
Our Board’s Perspective on Performance Reporting
Jim Canales of the James Irvine Foundation shares two themes that arose when he and his team shared their Annual Performance Report with the Foundation’s board.
Challenges to Good Performance Assessment
Jim Canales of the James Irvine foundation explains three challenges he has encountered while engaging in institutional assessment work.
Assessing Foundation Performance
Jim Canales of the James Irvine Foundation explains the framework for his foundation’s Annual Performance Report and expresses his hope to be challenged and questioned by readers in his blog post series.