Q&A's – Page 4 – Exponent Philanthropy

Q&A Archive

How are Exponent Philanthropy members responding to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Your fellow funders are sharing their ideas like those below via our online General Discussion Community. We encourage you to subscribe and join the conversation. Starting Friday March 20 at 2pm ET, and every Friday in the coming weeks, Exponent Philanthropy will host a live discussion for all lean funders to connect around response to the COVID-19... Read More

What should we consider when hiring family members as foundation staff?

A private foundation can pay family members reasonable compensation for reasonable and necessary services to the foundation as an exception to the private foundation self-dealing rules. Reasonable Compensation The IRS defines reasonable compensation as the amount typically paid for similar services in similar circumstances. There’s no exact formula, but consider the foundation’s size, grants, methods,... Read More

We’re hiring our foundation’s first executive director? Do you have sample job descriptions?

An executive director of a small-staffed foundation juggles many roles: strategic grantmaker, convener, collaborator, and, at times, board wrangler, media spokesperson, technical assistance provider, mediator, and the list goes on. This article will get you thinking about what should be included in your foundation’s executive director job description and link you to several sample executive... Read More

Our board will discuss spend-down at our next meeting. What can you tell me about the process?

It is becoming increasingly common for foundations to consider closing shop. Although the reasons you’re contemplating this option may be straightforward, the process of closing can be complicated. Download our publication Closing Shop: When Small Foundations Get Out of the Foundation Business to better understand the options and strategies for spending down effectively. You’ll find... Read More