The Prentice Foundation, Inc.
Release Date: December 10, 2025
Proposal Deadline: January 15, 2026 (Because of an overwhelming response, the closing date has been moved up).
Introduction
The Prentice Foundation, Inc. is seeking its next part-time Executive Director (ED) and invites qualified independent contractors, sole proprietors, consulting firms, and individuals to submit proposals.
The ED administers the Foundation to advance its mission through effective grantmaking, operational management, governance and community engagement. The Foundation generally supports organizations addressing reproductive rights, democracy, climate change, and other areas of interest of its Board.
The Board is composed of descendants of Elaine Prentice Hapgood (EPH) who make discretionary grants in their areas of interest. The Board confers on strategic grantmaking in two program areas -- reproductive rights and protection of democracy.
The Executive Director works closely with the Board, an investment advisor, and a back-office administrative firm.
About the Prentice Foundation
The Prentice Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1994 by EPH. It grants approximately $2.5+ million yearly. Approximately 75% of the grants are discretionary, designated by the seven current Authorized Grantmakers and facilitated by the Executive Director throughout the year. The remaining 25% of the grants are designated for two core strategic programs, the EPH Program Fund (Reproductive Rights) and the Democracy Fund, on which all board members and the ED confer.
Generally three board meetings are held per year in person or by Zoom. From time to time Zoom meetings and email communication are used to conduct business between board meetings.
For investment management, Prentice works with RBC SRI Wealth Management Group as its investment advisor that oversees the Foundation’s investment portfolio and provides financial guidance and ESG mission driven investing. The Prentice Foundation utilizes its endowment to complement its grantmaking with the help of RBC. Prentice stock proxies are voted in alignment with its mission and Prentice has been a filer or co-filer in shareholder resolutions.
For its back office, Prentice contracts with Foundation Source to provide comprehensive administrative support. Foundation Source handles core operational functions, including accounting, grant disbursement, document retention, IRS filings, audit support, and compliance monitoring. This partnership enables the Foundation to operate efficiently with minimal internal staff while maintaining high standards of fiduciary responsibility and regulatory compliance.
Executive Director’s Scope of Work
A. Grantmaking & Program Management
• Manage the full grant cycle for the EPH and Democracy Programs (research, due diligence, recommendations, award processing, and reporting).
• Maintain grantee relationships and track measurable outcomes.
• Support discretionary grantmaking conducted by the Board.
B. Financial & Investment Oversight
• Oversee budgets, cash flow, invoices, and financial reporting.
• Coordinate with the investment advisor to track portfolio performance and execute board-approved investment decisions.
• Work with the Foundation’s back office support, ensure compliance with IRS regulations for private foundations (e.g., 990-PF, payout requirements).
• Participate occasionally in ESG activities (e.g. shareholder engagement).
C. Administrative & Operational Management
• Oversee contractors and vendors (audit, insurance, legal, back-office administrators).
• Maintain recordkeeping systems and cybersecurity protocols.
• Ensure timely completion of audits, IRS filings, and corporate compliance.
D. Board Support & Governance
• Plan, facilitate, and document all virtual and in-person Board meetings.
• Prepare agendas, materials, minutes, and follow-up action items.
• Support policy implementation, annual compliance statements, and strategic decision-making.
• Research emerging issues, specific organizations and philanthropic trends relevant to the Board Members’ focus areas.
E. Community & Stakeholder Engagement
• Represent the Foundation in the philanthropic and nonprofit community.
• Attend relevant virtual meetings, conferences, and affinity group events.
• Respond to inquiries and communicate the Foundation’s mission and impact.
Desired Qualifications
• 3+ years of nonprofit experience.
• 3+ years of grantmaking experience including proposal review and impact assessment.
• Past experience with a family foundation.
• Knowledge of reproductive rights and democracy protection issues.
• Familiarity with budgeting, basic accounting and understanding of balance sheets and income statements.
• Strong communication, writing, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently as the Foundation’s sole manager.
Contract and Compensation
The Foundation anticipates offering a 12-month renewable contract based on approximately 10-15 hours per week, with occasional travel for board meetings, site visits, or conferences. The Foundation has budgeted $70,000 - $87,000
• Independent Contractor Fee Structure:
• $70,000- $87,000
• Reimbursement for foundation travel related expenses
• Part-time Employee Compensation:
• $67,000–$77,000 annually
• Health insurance stipend
• Retirement contribution
• Laptop, phone, and required office supplies
• Flexible remote schedule
Proposal Requirements
Please submit a proposal containing the following elements:
• Cover Letter/Letter of Interest - Highlight your experience pertaining to Desired Qualifications and any information relevant to your ability to manage a family foundation.
• Professional Qualifications - Resume or CV
• Proposed Service Model
• * Contractor structure (sole proprietor, LLC, contract firm, etc.)
• Proposed hours and availability
• Your communication and reporting approach (a strategic plan that outlines how information is shared and how progress is documented and conveyed to stakeholders)
• Any subcontracted staff (if applicable)
• Fee Proposal - Compensation expectations to fulfill this role, aligned with the Foundation’s budgeted range.
• References - Three professional references familiar with your work experience with or in philanthropy or the nonprofit sector.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated on:
• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit management, philanthropy, and/or grantmaking
• Understanding and alignment with the Foundation’s values, mission, and priorities
• Strategic skill and ability to work independently
• Fit with a small, family-governed philanthropic environment, ability to manage a family board
• Communication clarity and professionalism
• Self starter, take initiative
• Open to giving and receiving open and honest feedback and input in two way communication
• Alignment with budgeted compensation range