I’m Malcolm Macleod
Author
Malcolm is the author of The Practice of Philanthropy: A guide for foundation boards and staff.
About the Author
His thesis is that grantmaking foundations can get better by learning the underlying principles of philanthropy and applying them to their work.
Consulting
His mission is to help foundation leaders to practice philanthropy more effectively.
The Essential Book
The Practice of Philanthropy: A Guide for Foundation Boards and Staff
By Malcolm Macleod
About Malcolm
Malcolm Macleod was appointed president and CEO of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation in 2001 and held that position until 2020, when he became board chair…
Consulting
Malcolm is available either in person or via video conference to speak to foundations and individuals on all aspects of philanthropic practice…
Practice of Philanthropy
About the book: Essential reading for any foundation, with or without professional staff, that wants to make a real impact…
Get in touch
Want to connect with Malcolm? Send a message…
Q & A with the Author:
Discover the motivation behind what brought Malcolm Macleod to pen his book, “The Practice of Philanthropy”.
Want to learn more?
Why did you write this book?
To help people who find themselves on the board or staff of a grantmaking foundation. Most of us are not trained for this work and have little experience in it. This was my situation and I had to grope my way along by trial and error. I thought at the time that I could really use a reference book that would teach me the basics of what I had to know.
Can you teach philanthropy?
Yes! In a grantmaking foundation, philanthropy consists of investing money, making grants, and governing the foundation. There are fundamental principles that underpin each of these activities.
These principles are easily learned and understood and can be adapted to foundations of any size. This book sets out the principles and the theory behind them and gives concrete steps and examples for their implementation.
Why did you title this book, The Practice of Philanthropy?
Because philanthropy, and the essential elements of foundation leadership, are a practice. If you learn the underlying principles and apply yourself to the work, you will get better with experience.
Why do you need to follow “underlying principles” for grantmaking?
Good grantmakers know the difference between simply distributing money and making grants that will have lasting impact. Two of history’s greatest grantmakers and business successes, John Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, each said that their money was harder to give away than it was to make.
What they meant is that money is harder to give away effectively. Grants that simply distribute money usually do more harm than good, and often create dependance upon more grants. Grants that are made with the benefit of a thoughtful strategy, knowledge, and analysis can be a catalyst for change that has lasting and positive impact.
What is a perpetual foundation?
A foundation with a mission to exist indefinitely. Some foundations, such as community foundations, support their service to their respective communities with the earnings of endowed funds plus annual fundraising.
Others, such as privately endowed foundations, do not raise money and must sustain their grantmaking and operations with investment returns on their endowments. This underlines the importance of successful long-term investing. In contrast to perpetual foundations, some foundations are created for a limited time and have a plan to “spend out” their endowments.
About Malcolm
Malcolm Macleod was appointed president and CEO of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation in 2001 and held that position until 2020, when he became board chair.
The Foundation has a private endowment of $250 million and an annual grant budget of $10 million. It makes grants in the United States and Canada and focuses on Indigenous Peoples, the underserved, and people with disabilities.
Praise for The Practice of Philanthropy
“The Practice of Philanthropy is an indispensable resource for everyone involved in the world of grantmaking foundations. Drawing on his years of experience as past President and CEO of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation and his career as a lawyer, Malcolm Macleod has written a book that offers clear, concise, wise and insightful guidance on a range of key topics. There is no other book quite like it in Canada or the United States.”
“Marvellous accomplishment Malcolm! Your understanding of the governance issues facing foundations, and your recommendations, will provide them with tools needed to properly advance their goals on behalf of the communities they serve. A must-read for trustees of community-based charitable foundations.”
“As a fellow Board member for 23 years I have watched Malcolm build the Johnson Scholarship
Foundation to the success it is today. Malcolm is an excellent communicator and listener and this is reflected in his new book the Practice of Philanthropy. This book is a must (and easy) read for anybody contemplating involvement with a Foundation whether as CEO, board member, employee or grantee.”
News & Events
Q&A with the Author
Q&A with Malcolm Macleod Malcolm is the author of The Practice of Philanthropy: A guide for foundation boards and staff. His thesis is that grantmaking foundations can get better by learning the underlying principles of philanthropy and applying them to their...
5 Things Corporate Boards Get Wrong, and How to Fix Them: An interview with Doug Noll
Author Malcolm Macleod:Five Things Corporate Boards Get Wrong, And How To Fix Them Published in Authority Magazine "In a rapidly evolving business landscape, corporate boards play a pivotal role in guiding organizations towards success. Yet, even the most seasoned...
Speaking Event
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