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
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
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
1. Administrative Expenses As an initial matter, all administrative expenses must be “reasonable and necessary” to count toward the distribution requirement. “Reasonable and necessary” expenses are those that are directly attributable to running your foundation’s charitable programs, such as reasonable personnel and overhead costs, fundraising expenses, travel for site visits, and accounting and tax services.... Read More
Yes! Partner with Exponent Philanthropy to gain insights into how your grantees and applicants perceive your relationship and grant process through our Grantee and Applicant Perception Survey (GAPS). This tailored, confidential online survey empowers foundation boards and staff to identify strengths and areas for improvement, fostering constructive dialogue and enabling coordinated action plans. Learn More... Read More
Yes. In the 2024 Foundation Operations and Management Report, nearly three-quarters (73%) of participating foundations had paid staff. The average number of paid staff was 3, whereas the median was 2. The average number of paid staff has not significantly differed over time. Moreover, foundations with assets of $200 million or more had a larger... Read More