Recordkeeping and archives

The Archives of U.S. Foundations: An Endangered Species

Posted on November 15, 2019 by John E. Craig Jr.

Using data collected on the 300 largest U.S. foundations through a survey commissioned by The Commonwealth Fund in fall 2012, this report discusses the status of archiving in the foundation sector and recommends ways to improve policies and practices in an area that is often overlooked… Read More

A Date Certain: Lessons from Limited Life Foundations

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Center for Effective Philanthropy

Morning on the beach. Magical sunrise over sea
To learn more about limited life foundations’ decisions to spend down — and the ways in which they grapple with several important issues along their journey to pursuing their goals in a finite period of time — the Center for Effective Philanthropy conducted in-depth interviews with leaders of 11 limited life foundations. Resulting from these interviews, this report illustrates the ways in which limited life foundations approach spending down in nine key areas, including archiving knowledge… Read More

Audit Committee Charter (The Wallace Foundation)

Posted on June 18, 2014 by The Wallace Foundation

The Audit Committee of the Foundation’s Board of Directors (the Committee) assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing, and reporting practices of the Foundation. The Committee’s purpose is to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Foundation, the audits of the Foundation’s financial statements, and the qualifications… Read More

Twelve qualities of the good trustee

Posted on May 15, 2014 by John Nason

Determining the process for choosing trustees to act as stewards of your philanthropy’s assets is one of the most important decisions you must make.  The slideshow below will take you through the twelve qualities of a good trustee… Read More

Managing Risk: Board Responsibilities for Prudent Investment and Governance

Posted on June 11, 2009 by Andras Kosaras

The Madoff scandal has caused the failure of well respected family foundations and raised the specter of penalties for board members’ inattentiveness to investment matters. Is your board doing all it should to be fiscally responsible? In this timely teleconference, learn about the board’s role and fiduciary duties in prudent investing, and hear about IRS’ new scrutiny of our sister… 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

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