From a tax law perspective, a private foundation may pay “reasonable and necessary” administrative expenses. These also count toward its annual distribution requirement, without subjecting the foundation or its managers to a penalty tax. Administrative expenses must be (a) related to the accomplishment of the foundation’s charitable purposes, (b) related to its investments, or (c)... Read More
Whether your foundation is new or well established, here are some ways you can let the public know you give grants: Distribute your mission and guidelines on your website and at local nonprofit events. Talk with other foundations that have similar program interests. They can sometimes refer grantees to you. Ask if your regional association... Read More
Yes, see our Harassment and Discrimination Policy sample document. Read More
Private foundations that want to have a scholarship program—and do the work of publicizing the program, reviewing applications, choosing winners, and monitoring awards—must get prior approval from the Internal Revenue Service. This one-time review ensures that you award scholarships (or other grants for study, travel, or similar purposes) in an objective, nondiscriminatory way. Without IRS... Read More
You can find red flags in a nonprofit’s financial statements, Form 990, or in conversation. Red flags in financial statements Decrease in annual revenue Decrease in net assets Increase in receivables Operating deficit, particularly if more than one year A trend of decreasing reserve balances Regular cash flow problems Lack of revenue diversity Large portion... Read More
While many funders seek to build strong relationships with their grantees, sometimes barriers prevent them from doing so. One of the biggest barriers funders cited is failing to acknowledge the power dynamic between funders and grantees. In an Exponent Philanthropy blog post, Lori Heninger described how this power imbalance works: “There is a power imbalance... Read More