National Center for Family Philanthropy

If a Family Member is an Employee of a Non- Profit Funded by the Foundation, Does it Matter How Long the Person Has Worked There?

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Andrew Schulz

If a family member is an employee of a non-profit funded by the foundation, does it make any difference how long the person has worked there? No, it really doesn’t. The only issue is if it appears on its face that the only reason you’re writing the grant is so your son will get hired by the non-profit. That would have… Read More

Can a Foundation Fund a Non-Profit Where a Family Member is Employed?

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Andrew Schulz

Yes, as long as the grant isn’t earmarked for their compensation. However, consider an example where the total operating budget of the non-profit is $250,000, of which $100,000 is their compensation, and you provide a $200,000 grant. You’re really getting into an indirect self- dealing possibility where, as a matter of fact, you are paying their salary and it’s unavoidable… Read More

What Kinds of Financial Expenses Do Not Count Toward the 5% Payout?

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Andrew Schulz

With the exception of expenses for the management and product of income, all charitable expenses – including the cost of preparing the foundation’s 990-PF – count towards the payout. So, whether it’s rent, utilities, travel-related expenses, grants, contracts with consultants, or other such expenses – everything that you spend, other than investment management expenses, count towards the payout. The exception to… Read More

Igniting the Spark: Foundation for Metrowest

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Youth Philanthropy Connect

The Foundation for MetroWest, based in Natick, Massachusetts, has been committed to educating the next generation of community leaders through the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program since 1997. In that time, over 900 youth from MetroWest communities have funded nearly $700,000 in grants that support youth. This case study describes their history of youth engagement and programming, and new strategies… Read More

Executive director’s annual performance review

Posted on December 8, 2014

Planning & Organizing: Demonstrates an understanding of the Foundation’s mission and priorities; establishes effective courses of action to implement the goals and objectives set forth in the strategic plan. Judgement & Decisiveness: Makes well-timed and sound decisions; meets deadlines; solves problems promptly; sets appropriate priorities for tasks. Initiative: Sets high goals/standards of performance for self and others; originates action rather… Read More

Igniting the Spark next gen case study: Foundation for Metrowest

Posted on October 31, 2014

Youth Program Name: Youth in Philanthropy Website:  www.foundationformetrowest.org Located in: Natick, Massachusetts Who is Involved: Youth from the MetroWest Boston communities Led and managed by staff from the Foundation for MetroWest Youth Programming History and Scope: The Foundation for MetroWest has been committed to educating the next generation of community leaders through the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program since 1997… Read More

What is the Biggest Danger or Red Light to Think About with Regard to Mission Investing?

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Melanie Audette, Tomer Inbar, Tony Wells

What, if anything, is the biggest danger or red light to think about with regard to mission investing? And how do we avoid them? Tony Wells: Before going into the red lights of mission investing, it is worth mentioning that in nine years of mission investing at the Wells Foundation there has been a 100% return on our non-profit loans… Read More

How Does the Divesting Strategy Work Within Mission Investing, and How Do We Evaluate Its Success?

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Melanie Audette

DivestInvest  is a national movement that has signatories looking at divestment of fossil fuels from their portfolio. There are 64 foundations signed on at the DivestInvest.org website and there are resources about divestment strategies there, as well. At the same time, it’s just as important, if not more so, to look at opportunities to invest in alternative strategies for energy… Read More

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