Q&A Archive

Are there self-dealing issues related to foundation board, staff, and family attending nonprofit events?

December 12, 2023 Hannah Smith /

Yes, self-dealing rules affect whether foundation staff, trustees, donors, and family members may attend nonprofit events at the foundation’s expense. Download our How to Avoid Self-Dealing Primer and refer to pages 14 and 15. The Primer features valuable guidance on many other common self-dealing issues. Need expert legal advice? Consider Exponent’s SignaturePLUS Membership and get up... Read More

What should I know about the investment management RFP process?

November 29, 2023 Hannah Smith /

A request for proposal (RFP) lets you compare investment service offerings, performance, fees, and other value-add services. To learn more, check out this recent blog: Investment Management Request for Proposals: Everything You Need to Know » Read More

What makes a phenomenal foundation executive director?

November 1, 2023 Hannah Smith / General Questions

From masterful communicators to continual learners, phenomenal foundation executive directors share a number of characteristics and skills. See this member resource to learn what they are » Read More

How can small-staffed foundations fund and engage in advocacy?

September 6, 2023 Hannah Smith /

Funders can engage in advocacy, fund advocacy, and encourage grantees to engage in advocacy, with exceptions involving lobbying and electioneering. Private foundations may: Fund public charities that lobby Learn about grantees’ lobbying or advocacy work in reports Communicate with legislators about an issue, so long as they do not address a specific proposal Conduct and... Read More

What 2024 conference sessions will help advance my DEI learning journey?

August 23, 2023 Hannah Smith /

These 2024 conference sessions will help advance your DEI learning journey: Thursday, November 14, 2024 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM SESSION: Investing in the People Who Deliver Change We aim to create change, but it is what happens behind closed doors that influences program success. Some of the hardest work leaders do isn’t visible but is vital... Read More

What 2024 conference sessions are meant for those new to this space?

August 23, 2023 Hannah Smith / General Questions

Get up to speed on foundation essentials by attending the following 2024 conference sessions: Thursday, November 14, 2024 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM SESSION: Foundations 101: Intro to Philanthropy and Foundation Administration After a brief overview of the nonprofit sector and where foundations fit in, we’ll dive into key administrative pieces of getting a foundation... Read More