Conflict of interest and self-dealing

Are nieces and nephews of board members, foundation founders, considered disqualified or are just the direct blood descendants disqualified? Nieces and nephews of board members are not considered to be disqualified persons; however, in the family foundation context, you also have to go back to who the substantial contributors were. For instance, your niece may be a direct bloodline of… Read More

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

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