ABSTRACT
The foundations are of varying types and operating in very different locales. They represent a wide range of asset bases as well, from relatively small foundations to a multi-billion-dollar institution such as the Conrad Hilton Foundation. The manner in which each of the profiled foundations includes external voices in strategic planning varies significantly, although there are some striking similarities among them. A greater understanding of the issues facing communities has led some of these foundations to find ways to transcend single issues in their funding. Another important way to be inclusively strategic is to bring perspectives from the community on the Board. This approach places representative voices in an ultimate decision-making role. Staff composition is important in a few ways. Staff roles must adapt to significant institutional change in policy and practice. The irony in philanthropy is that foundations have missions in order to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities.
