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Common Concerns: Current Issues
Affecting Family Foundations
National
Center for Family Philanthropy, 2000
This
essay examines basic issues common to all family foundations in
the areas of management, governance and grantmaking mission.
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Compliance Guide for 501(c)(3)
Private Foundations (Publication 4221-PF)
Internal Revenue Service
This publication presents general compliance
guidelines for recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure
requirements for private foundations.
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Five Tips for Keeping a Small Charity
Out of Legal Hot Water
The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 2004
In this article, several lawyers who counsel
nonprofit organizations describe some of the most common types of
legal trouble their clients face — and how best to avoid those
pitfalls.
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Foundation in a Box
Association of Small Foundations
An online and print collection of materials
designed for smaller foundations, covering the basics of
foundation boards, investments, administration, grantmaking, taxes
and legal issues.
Available for purchase.
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Foundation Operations and Management
Survey
Association of Small Foundations
This annual report provides useful
benchmarking data on boards, investment, administration and
grantmaking for foundations with under $50 million in assets.
Available for purchase.
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Foundations and the Law
Council on Foundations, 2003
This presentation handout provides an
introduction to the basic legal concepts and issues for
foundations.
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Good Governance: The Devil's in the
Details
Independent Sector, 2005
William S. White, chairman, president, and
CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, uses his foundation’s
experiences to show the commitment it takes to create an ethical,
transparent organization.
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Handbook on Private Foundations
Council on Foundations, 2005
This handbook covers every aspect of
managing a private foundation, including legal issues, public
relations, investment management, grantmaking basics and more.
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Legal Essentials for Small
Foundations
Association of Small Foundations
This primer gives an overview of the most
important laws governing private foundations.
Available for purchase.
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Life Cycle of a Private Foundation
Internal Revenue Service
This online guide outlines the key federal
tax rules and requirements for private foundations during their
typical “life cycle.”
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The New Foundation Guidebook
Association of Small Foundations
This publication contains articles and
advice from over 40 foundation representatives and experts, and
includes chapters on vision & mission, the board of directors, tax
& legal issues, administration, financial & investment management
and grantmaking.
Available for purchase.
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The Nonprofit Legal Landscape
BoardSource, 2005
Designed for executives and board members,
this book provides a comprehensive explanation of the laws and
legal concepts that affect nonprofit organizations. Available for
purchase.
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Obedience to the Unenforceable:
Ethics and the Nation's Voluntary and Philanthropic Community
Independent Sector, 2002
This classic report explains why and how
nonprofit and philanthropic organizations need to promote sound
ethical behavior.
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Rules of the Road: A Guide to the Law of Charities in the
United States
Council on Foundations, 2007
This master reference covers the legal
fundamentals governing U.S. grantmaking, including tax laws, U.S.
Treasury regulations and IRS rules.
Available for purchase.
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Splendid Legacy: The Guide to
Creating Your Family Foundation
National Center for Family Philanthropy, 2002
This
publication offers practical advice on setting up a family
foundation, covering such topics as creating a mission, choosing a
board, establishing a grantmaking program and developing
communications strategies.
Available for purchase.
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Top 10 Ways Corporate Foundations Get Into Trouble
Council on Foundations, 2004
An overview of the most common legal
missteps for corporate foundations to avoid.
Available for purchase.
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Top 10 Ways Family Foundations Get Into Trouble
Council on Foundations, 2005
An overview of the most common legal
missteps for family foundations to avoid.
Available for purchase.
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Top 10 Ways Independent Foundations Get Into Trouble
Council on Foundations, 2003
An overview of the most common legal
missteps for independent foundations to avoid.
Available for purchase.
