Q&A's Archive - Page 37 of 40 - Exponent Philanthropy

Q&A Archive

How can we streamline our foundation paperwork?

For a number of ideas, start with our article Ten Ways to Streamline. Then check out our articles that explore in-depth how and why funders right-size their requirements, shorten their applications and reports, streamline their financial due diligence, and even accept proposals written for other funders. Project Streamline, a project of PEAK Grantmaking, is another... Read More

What books are popular among Exponent Philanthropy members?

We recently asked the Exponent Philanthropy community to share books that have influenced their giving. Here are some of their responses: Inspirational and beautifully written, However Long the Night: Molly Melching’s Journey to Help Millions of African Women and Girls Triumph is a passionate entreaty for all global citizens. This book is published in partnership... Read More

We’re reconsidering our foundation’s policy on board compensation. What’s common among Exponent Philanthropy members?

Although most foundations choose to not compensate board members for routine board service—creating or revising foundation policies, overseeing foundation operations, attending board meetings, and more—one size does not fit all. For some small foundations, culture and assumptions, or specific strategies and rationales, lead the board to compensate its members. Our 2023 Foundation Operations and Management... Read More

Can our foundation, run from the founder’s family office, pay the family office for space and services?

Private foundations cannot engage in the purchase, sale, lease, or exchange of property with a disqualified person—in this case, the founder’s family office—even at below-market rates. The family office may provide space to the foundation at no cost. In addition, private foundations cannot compensate a disqualified person, except for personal services as defined by the... Read More

Is it common for Exponent Philanthropy members to compensate board members for routine board service?

The majority of foundations do not compensate board members for routine board and committee service, but one size does not fit all. Foundations with more assets are more likely to compensate board members, as are non-family foundations. Our publication Board Compensation can help your board carry out a thoughtful discussion about board compensation, craft a policy... Read More