Charitable foundations are part of our daily work. Some of us work for them. Many of us work with them. 

Of course, there are many types of foundations. Our homes are built on them, and while we know it is imperative that they are solid and reliable, I doubt we spend much time thinking about them. Gardens and kitchens and showers are certainly better places for fueling our creativity and passions. 

In difficult times, we often return to our personal foundations—family, friends, community, and pets. I’m hearing from many of you that in times of geopolitical change and disruption, you are focusing upon the foundation of your institutional missions. Checking in with why we do this work can be grounding when the world around us feels volatile. 

You may find comfort in revisiting one of the most important foundations of the advancement profession—the CASE Global Reporting Standards. Like our home foundations, we may not think about them on a daily basis, but in chaotic times, the Standards can provide guidance, confidence (for you, your institution, and your donors), and even safe harbour when facing criticism or difficult decisions.