Risk Management Resources

Internal Risk Management for Foundations

In response to the ongoing changes to the legal and policy landscape, it has become increasingly important for foundations and charitable nonprofits to engage best practices for mitigating their potential legal and operational risks. We worked with outside counsel to develop helpful guidelines for Council members.

Resources:

• Guidelines for Internal Reviews
• Considerations on Preparing for, and Responding to, Government Scrutiny
• Guidance Memorandum for Foundations for Interacting with Immigration Officials on their Property
• Loss of Tax-Exempt Status
• Responding to a Congressional Inquiry
• Potential Implications of Funding Protest Activities​
• Actions Upon Potential Arrest of a Senior Leader at a Community Foundation
• Executive Orders & Actions We Are Monitoring

Community Foundation Legal Support Fund

We are working in consultation with field leaders, legal experts, and sector partners to ensure the field is prepared in the face of escalating scrutiny and potential legal action.

While many community foundations are navigating similar challenges, their capacity to respond varies widely. We heard clearly that smaller or rural organizations often lack access to legal counsel and the infrastructure needed to act quickly and confidently.

The Community Foundation Legal Support Fund provides financial assistance to defray the legal expenses associated with challenges facing community foundations and other grantmakers when pursuing their missions, serving their communities.

Through an open application process, eligible organizations can request funding to help offset the cost of responding to the threat of litigation, audits, or investigations—particularly in cases that have the potential to shape the broader legal landscape for the community foundation field.

Learn more about the Community Foundation Legal Support Fund

Financial support for the CFLSF is received from philanthropic grants and voluntary contributions. The capacity of the fund to assist applicants is limited by the amount of contributions received. These resources will help ensure that all community foundations, regardless of size or geography, can access the support they need when it matters most.