Governance

Philanthropy Fundamentals Module 2 introduced fundamental defining characteristics of the charitable sector, including an overview of critical foundation board and governance best practices. Attendees concluded the discussion with a clear understanding of the Attorney General's role, fiduciary responsibility and key Ohio-specific rules and regulations that govern the nonprofit sector.

Philanthropy Fundamentals Module 3 discussed how to read a nonprofit 990 document, common grantmaking philosophies and practices and power dynamics in the field when serving as a steward of philanthropic resources.

This guidance document from the United Philanthropy Forum provides a framework to help your organization assess and mitigate potential risks amid increased federal scrutiny of philanthropic organizations. It outlines what remains legal and protected, compliance protocols, communications strategies, legal preparedness and more.

This collection of listserv responses shares best practices for risk review for private foundations.

This resource helps funder board members and senior leaders understand best practices and IRS guidelines for determining reasonable and equitable compensation.

This guidance addresses the issue of "tipping" for grantmakers, emphasizing the calculation of the public support test and the importance of avoiding "tipping" grantees. In the nonprofit sector, "tipping" occurs when a corporation, private foundation or major donor makes a substantial gift or grant that jeopardizes a nonprofit's public charity status. This situation is most common for very small or young nonprofits, or when there are outsized grants – whether one-time or spread over multiple years – in relation to the nonprofit's overall size. 

This resource provides an overview of private foundation fundamentals, highlighting essential activities and key regulated areas that foundation staff and board members need to understand. The guide covers legal considerations, tax implications, self-dealing, financial management, grantmaking processes, board policies and procedures and human resources for community foundation staff and trustees.

This resource provides an overview of community foundation fundamentals, highlighting essential activities and key regulated areas that foundation staff and board members need to understand. The guide covers legal considerations, tax implications, financial management, fund operations, grantmaking processes, fundraising strategies, gift acceptance policies, charitable gaming, board policies and procedures and human resources for community foundation staff and trustees. 

This Midwest Series Partnership program outlines the best practices you need to know to establish strong financial processes and identify opportunities for improvement in your foundation or grantmaking organization.

Watch the recording from the September 2024 Annual Meeting of Members, which included a special address from Board Chair Steven Moore and the Interim President & CEO Claudia Herrold.