There is little legal advice specific to recordkeeping after a foundation closes. According to best practice, however, financial and tax records should be kept for a minimum of 7 years after their filing dates. Other business records, such as pension plans and D&O liability insurance contracts, should be kept for a minimum of 10 years.... Read More
Here, step-by-step, is an overview of everything you need to know, file, and pay to get off to a good start with a new staff person. Classify Every person who receives compensation needs to be classified as an employee or a contractor. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has guidelines (in publication 15-A) to help you... Read More
Regular performance evaluations—at least once a year—can help staff improve their work. The board evaluates the foundation’s lead staff person (i.e., executive director, foundation administrator, CEO). In turn, the lead staff person evaluates other staff members and consultants (as applicable). In some cases, staff members evaluate themselves and then compare their assessments with their supervisor.... Read More
From masterful communicators to continual learners, phenomenal foundation executive directors share a number of characteristics and skills. Masterful communicators It’s taken me time to feel comfortable communicating from my heart. For many years, I thought of that as less than professional, but I’m learning that part of being an effective communicator is to deliver authentic... Read More
Foundations interested in getting rid of all (or some) of their file cabinets and much of the paper that fills them have many options. There are some simple ways to cut back on paper—and many benefits. It’s not all or nothing, of course. Some offices aim to go completely paperless by receiving and distributing information... Read More
Tailoring to Your Needs and Budget Annual reports can take many forms depending on your foundation’s resources and goals: A short, typed document listing the year’s grants. An elaborately designed and printed publication. A simple one- or two-page letter, either created in-house or with the help of communications consultants. Importantly, annual reports don’t need to... Read More