What does a community foundation actually do, and what makes its board effective? In this episode of I501(c)You, Michael sits down with Phillip Lanham, President & CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation, to break down the role community foundations play in inspiring philanthropy and creating measurable regional impact. Phillip shares his path from higher education fundraising to community foundation leadership, explains how boards are governed, and offers practical insight on working with donor-board members, building strong board chair relationships, and using a foundation’s convening power to strengthen nonprofits through grants, capacity building, and rapid-response funding when the community needs it most.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Phillip Lanham, President & CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation

(03:10) What compelled you to join a community foundation?

(04:30) The role of community foundations

(07:15) How is a community foundation governed?

(08:25) What makes for a good board member?

(09:45) Any opportunities when board members are also donors?

(10:40) Role of the board chair

(11:45) How do you structure your relationship with your board chair?

(13:25) How do other board members interact?

(15:45) How do community foundations work with nonprofits?

(20:10) The power to convene

(21:30) Structure of Gulf Coast Community Foundation

(23:15) Learning curves of being CEO

(24:55) Most rewarding aspect of being CEO

(26:40) Biggest surprises

(28:25) Advice to a future CEO

(30:00) Recapping with Read

Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

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