Drowning in Paperwork, Distracted from Purpose
This study describes the burdensome nature of grant application and reporting practices and recommends how foundations can change in order to relieve this burden. This project is funded by OGF member Saint Luke's Foundation of Cleveland, Ohio among many other foundations. Read the report...

IRS encourages use of governance practices
The IRS has revised its document containing what it views as best governance practices for tax exempt organizations. Topics covered include everything from size and composition of governing bodies to review of financial statements and tax returns to public disclosure of policies on executive compensation, conflicts of interest, investments, fundraising, document retention and more. While the IRS recognizes that tax law does not mandate adoption of the practices, it also says that “a well-governed charity is more likely to obey the tax laws, safeguard charitable assets and serve charitable interests” than one that is poorly governed. Learn More...

Priorities, Partnerships and Philanthropy: Improving Public Education for Ohio’s Future
This briefing paper reports on what OGF and its member organizations heard at regional education initiative meetings, all of which confirm that Ohio is the home of a robust debate about the future of public education. It is meant to stimulate further discussion and targeted action that leads to positive changes in how Ohio educates its children. 


OGF: The Nonprofit Back Office Assistant
OGF is expanding its back office services for small nonprofits, managing administrative, HR and financial tasks. If you are interested in learning more, contact Andy Phelan, 614.224.1344.

Grantmaking Outlook 2008
The results are in: Ohio funders expect to see community needs grow in 2008. They are also closely watching the stock market’s performance and its potential impact on their assets and giving this year and into 2009. “The outlook for this year is cautionary,” says OGF President George E. Espy. “Like everyone else, Ohio’s foundations are affected by the ups and downs of the state’s economy. Yet they are committed to doing their best to support needed programs and services in communities across Ohio, in spite of current fiscal uncertainties.”

OGF Connection: Spring 2008 (OGF Members Only)
Topics: Grant Dollars: ‘Wait and see’ attitude pervades grantmaking outlook for 2008; Conversations with Colleagues: Different roads lead to philanthropy; Ask the CPA: Step up to spring

State of Homegrown Philanthropy, 2007
This tenth report by Ohio Grantmakers Forum is a landscape of homegrown industrial giants and family farms. A landscape of people with strong connections to their communities and connections which are reflected in their philanthropy.

Issue Briefings (OGF Members Only)

• Immigration - This monograph provides information and resources for funders wanting to become more engaged in immigration issues in their communities.
• Public-Private Partnerships - This monograph provides brief case studies of several partnerships in which foundations play or have played a pivotal role, beyond funding to convening, advocacy and technical assistance.
• Poverty - This issue briefing provides an overview of poverty data in Ohio and the U.S. as well as highlighting key policies and funder activities that seek to reduce the number of people living in poverty.

Guide to Ohio Grantmakers on CD-ROM
This year's new CD is now available. This CD-ROM allows users to search grantmaker and grants indexes. Records can be saved, marked, printed and linked to websites. Many other useful tools are available on this CD-ROM.

Education for Ohio's Future
This is an independent, comprehensive report reviewing the current status of education in Ohio along with policy and practice recommendations.

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