Private foundations cannot engage in the purchase, sale, lease, or exchange of property with a disqualified person—in this case, the founder’s family office—even at below-market rates. The family office may provide space to the foundation at no cost. In addition, private foundations cannot compensate a disqualified person, except for personal services as defined by the... Read More
The majority of foundations do not compensate board members for routine board and committee service, but one size does not fit all. Foundations with more assets are more likely to compensate board members, as are non-family foundations. Our publication Board Compensation can help your board carry out a thoughtful discussion about board compensation, craft a policy... Read More
Our eight Getting to Impact Discussion Guides are designed to help you facilitate discussions among your board members or local community of grantmakers to explore and strengthen a commitment to impact with your giving. We suggest you start with the first discussion guide, Why Every Foundation Can and Should Have Impact, which helps you understand... Read More
Because the most effective missions and strategies are grounded in a foundation’s values and real needs, funders often “scan the landscape” to uncover funding gaps, reveal opportunities for leverage, or learn more about their chosen missions or focus areas. Here are approaches you might take to scan your communities or issue areas: Talk with people in diverse... Read More
Developing an investment policy statement (IPS) sets the course for managing your foundation’s assets through time. It also reinforces how your investment policy and practices will help to achieve your foundation’s mission and goals. An IPS should be the starting point and bedrock of an institution’s investment strategy. It constitutes a roadmap of how the... Read More
One option for Exponent Philanthropy members is to work with TriNet, a new partner that offers HR solutions for small organizations. Members receive a discount on TriNet’s monthly fee. Their services include payroll, risk & compliance, insurance, health care savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts. TriNet allows you to gain access to group insurance and retirement... Read More