L Squared Partnership FAQ
The following questions and answers were developed to help Foundant clients learn more about the Foundant/L Squared Partnership.
Client Questions
Q: How will this impact our organization? What differences will we see?
A: Our partnership with L Squared should only impact our clients in positive ways. L Squared will be able to provide access to resources that support sustainable growth and long-term improvements to the solutions and services we provide to our clients.
Q: Will there be any changes to whom I work with to get support or help in the software?
A: You will continue to work with the same team members with whom you have built relationships and can continue to contact Support with your day-to-day software questions.
Partnership Questions
Q: Why did Foundant enter this partnership?
A: Since we began in 2007 as a small staff in Bozeman focused on a single product, Foundant has grown to a company with five software solutions, over 200 team members, and more than 3,000 clients, including grantmakers, scholarship providers, community foundations, and nonprofits. With growth comes increased expertise and experience working with philanthropic organizations of all sizes and types. This evolution also brings increased organizational, process, and regulatory challenges that require unique skills and significant resources. Mindful of these challenges and opportunities, our leadership team conducted an exhaustive search for the right partner to maintain sustainable growth balanced with our unwavering commitment to you.
Q: Why did Foundant choose to partner with L Squared?
A: We did an exhaustive search for a partner we felt would be a great match for Foundant and our clients. L Squared is a smaller organization whose investors include many family offices and large charitable organizations. Their investor base understands the importance of what Foundant does for our clients and the sector. Most importantly for Foundant, L Squared has successfully helped companies like ours, including several in the education sector, navigate similar evolutions.
We also like L Squared’s willingness to let our management team lead the organization and offer to provide resources and help as needed, as they have demonstrated with other companies in their portfolio. Chris Dahl will continue in his role as CEO, co-founders Mark Larimer and Daren Nordhagen will remain on the board as they are today, and our leadership team will continue to manage the day-to-day business, but now with a trusted resource who is aligned with our goals to help where needed.
Q: How can I learn more about L Squared and how they do business?
A: See L Squared’s website to learn more.
Leadership Questions
Q: What’s the role of the leadership team at Foundant?
A: Foundant’s existing leadership team will continue to lead the strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations of Foundant as they have for the past several years. This team includes:
- Chris Dahl, Chief Executive Officer
- Aaron Bond, Vice President of Sales
- Grant Elliott, Vice President of Product
- Heather Fust, Vice President of Client Services
- Teresa Harting, Vice President of Marketing
- Cathy O’Brien, Chief Financial Officer
- Rob Smith, Vice President of Technology
You can reach out to any of us with questions.
Q: Who is on Foundant's Board of Directors?
A: Chris Dahl (CEO and co-founder), Mark Larimer (chairman and co-founder), and Daren Nordhagen (former president and co-founder) will be on our board, along with team members from L Squared.
Q: What is the role of the board in running the company? Is this changing from the current state?
A: Foundant’s Board of Directors will continue to have the same role—helping advise, create connections, remove roadblocks, and hold us accountable.
Q: Will the company continue to participate in and contribute to community activities, charities, and civic events?
A: Yes. Our commitment to participating in and contributing to community activities will continue. Learn more about how we give back.
