The nonprofit starvation cycle

Posted on October 1, 2009 by Ann Goggins Gregory, Don Howard

A vicious cycle is leaving nonprofits so hungry for general operating support for decent infrastructure that they can barely function as organizations—let alone serve their beneficiaries. The cycle starts with funders’ unrealistic expectations about how much running a nonprofit costs, and results in nonprofits’ misrepresenting their costs while skimping on vital systems—acts that feed funders’ skewed beliefs. … Read More

Motivations for Board Service

Posted on May 13, 2007 by Virginia M. Esposito

Why many family members want in and some don’t want to leave Of all the governance questions I get and stories I hear, none come more frequently and with more urgency than those related to preparing the next generation of trustee leaders. Now those of you who have read these columns or heard me speak know that my concern in… Read More

The 990-PF in a Nutshell: What You Need to Know

Posted on August 15, 2004

What is the 990-PF and who needs to fill one out? The 990-PF is the tax return used for all private foundations filing under tax-exempt status, which inventories all of a foundation’s assets, investments, revenue, expenses, and charitable disbursements throughout the fiscal year. It also lists foundation officers, trustees, and the number of staff, itemizes its grants, and gives information… Read More

What You Should Know Before Signing Your Organization’s Form 990-PF

Posted on April 21, 2004 by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

In this era of increased public interest and accessibility, submission of the 990-PF foundation tax return to the IRS has taken on new meaning and importance. Reporters, researchers, grant seekers – and others – look at the 990-PF for information about your organization. According to the Urban Institute, it is the most commonly used data source about nonprofits. … Read More

Model for foundations with many eligible trustee candidates

Posted on October 30, 2002 by Elaine Perachio

The Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund focuses its grant-making efforts on the greater Galveston, Texas, area. Board and family members reside in locations throughout the country. The Fund has developed an effective model for involving current and future generations of family members in the work of the foundation. … Read More