Q&A's Archive - Page 33 of 50 - Exponent Philanthropy

Q&A Archive

How do member foundations structure their investment management? Board or staff? Outside managers?

Small-staffed foundations tend to use one of five models for managing and overseeing their investments: Board does it all model—The board develops the foundation’s investment policy, buys and sells assets, and monitors the foundation’s portfolio. Board and small staff do it all model—The board and a small internal staff—in some cases, involving an internal chief... Read More

Do you have advice on setting a foundation spending policy?

There are many ways to determine the endowment spending rate for a nonprofit. Most nonprofits are familiar with less complex approaches that include spending income, assigning a prespecified percentage of the beginning market value, simply deciding on a spending rate, and using the Internal Revenue Service minimum required payout of 5% for certain private foundations.... Read More

Can we recoup grant funds from a grantee?

It is difficult to recoup grant funds if your foundation did not have a signed grant agreement in place for the grant, with language that lays out what would happen if the grant is misused or not used according to plan.  Even when funders have a signed grant agreement, it can be difficult to recoup... Read More

May our foundation give grants to supporting organizations?

What Are Supporting Organizations? Supporting organizations are 501(c)(3) public charities classified under 509(a)(3). They are established to support one or more designated public charities (the “supported” organizations), such as universities, hospitals, libraries, schools, or specific nonprofits. Types of Supporting Organizations Supporting organizations are categorized based on their relationship with the supported organization: Type I –... Read More