Grantmaking Policies
Oftentimes, grantmakers can rely on the rules applicable to private foundations or even their state’s nonprofit corporation law when seeking answers to thorny grantmaking questions. But what should a charity do when both the tax code and state statutes are silent on the matter? In such an instance, it is important that your foundation craft grantmaking policies to address these unanswered areas. From donor-initiated fundraising to granting to government to the types of gifts you accept, this section can help.
Legal Compliance Guidance
Can we back out of a multiyear commitment we made in a prior year because our foundation’s assets have declined?
The answer in many cases is “no.” That is, unless your grantee is willing to release your foundation from its obligation.
Generally, an unconditional, multiyear grant is considered a…
Legal Compliance Guidance
With a little caution, community foundations can support the charitable activities of non-charities.
A chamber of commerce requests a grant to start a computer-training program.
A gardening club asks for money to cover a local beautification project.
A cemetery association seeks support for…
Legal Compliance Guidance
Question: May a private corporate foundation or corporate giving program make a grant to a newly-established charity that has not yet received its IRS tax exemption letter?
Answer: Yes, but when making a grant to a charity whose application for exempt status is pending before the IRS, a private…
Legal Compliance Guidance
Generally, there is no legal restriction against making grants to churches, synagogues, mosques or other religious institutions. But there are some things foundations interested in such grantmaking should know.
For years, private foundations and public charities have recognized religious…
Legal Compliance Guidance
Family foundations use discretionary grantmaking to achieve a variety of purposes. Discretionary grantmaking allows some foundations to avoid strife by giving each branch of the extended family a sum of money that it can think of as its own to control. For others, a discretionary fund provides…