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Ask NCFP: If a family member is an employee of a nonprofit funded by the foundation, does it matter how long the person has worked there?

Editor’s note: The information in this article is not a substitute for expert legal, tax, or other professional advice. The information is also subject to change. Please consult a professional advisor for specific legal or tax questions and issues. If you are an NCFP member, we’d be happy to introduce you to a verified professional through our legal referral service.

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 to be determined by a careful review of the facts, but as long as it is not earmarked, and not obviously going to their compensation, you should be okay.

However, you should be careful about any arrangement where it looks like it is quid pro quo. For example, if their salary and benefits are $65,927, and you write a grant for $65,927, it would be very difficult to argue that you weren’t paying for their salary. So, just be careful about that alignment. In summary, you may support organizations your family works for, but be sure that you are not making grants that directly pay their salary.