Private foundations are the premier vehicle for philanthropic giving in the US. Whether started by individuals, companies, or families, a private foundation establishes a charitable entity that can impact communities worldwide…and start a legacy of giving that can be handed down to future generations.
Use this Guide Page as a content hub to learn about what a private foundation is, best practices for operating and maintaining one, and even how to start one of your own.
We wish you much success on your journey of philanthropy!
What Is A Private Foundation
By definition, a private foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, usually established for the purpose of granting money to charitable causes. They serve as philanthropic partners of charity, providing a crucial source of funding necessary for charitable programs to be successful. <more>
How To Start A Private Foundation
Don’t go it alone. For over 20 years, we’ve been the experts in establishing new foundations. Our SureStart nonprofit formation system for Private Foundations provides professional assistance and peace of mind to giving families and others venturing into the world of philanthropy. <more>
Should I Incorporate My Nonprofit in Delaware?
If you have experience in the for-profit world, you have likely heard the common advice…
How to Start a Private Foundation: Expert Tips for Beginners
If you’re passionate about a cause, you’re likely eager to take action and make a…
Private Foundation vs. Public Charity: Spot the Difference
When starting a 501(c)(3) organization, there are generally two choices for classifying the organization: private…
Nonprofit Bylaws – The Dos and Don’ts
Bring up the subject of a nonprofit’s bylaws and you are sure to get an…
Private Foundation vs Private Operating Foundation: Understanding the Key Differences
We have talked at length about the differences between the two primary categories of 501(c)(3)…
Nonprofit Compliance Basics
After incorporating in your state and setting up your nonprofit's 501(c)(3) status with the IRS,…
How to Protect Your Nonprofit’s Board Members
Your board of directors is one of the most important assets your nonprofit has. Assuming…
What is a Disqualified Person in a Nonprofit?
The IRS has all sorts of rules about what your nonprofit can and can't do…
The Dangers of Nonprofit Inurement and Private Benefit
In working with thousands of nonprofit startups over the years, one of the most frequent…
Using a 509(a)(3) Supporting Organization as a Private Foundation Alternative
“What Is a 509(a)(3) Supporting Organization?”. Now, we want to take a look at one…
3 Key Considerations for Charities and Foundations Offering Scholarships
Scholarships are an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact and support the objectives and…
What is IRS Form 990-PF?
Private foundations are a unique class of 501(c)(3) organization…so unique, in fact, that they have…
Charitable Lead Trust, Charitable Remainder Trust, and Private Foundation Comparison
When it comes to the intersection of estate planning, charity, and philanthropy, there are many…
Private Foundation Vs Donor Advised Fund
When it comes to establishing an appropriate philanthropic vehicle, the two most often chosen are…
Importance of Nonprofit Board Meeting Minutes
We get a lot of questions from our clients about their organizations’ meeting minutes. Our…
Nonprofit Board Members – Choose Wisely
No decision you make regarding your nonprofit organization carries more importance than who is chosen…
Why You Should Trust a Professional for Nonprofit Startup and Compliance Needs
Once you’ve decided your mission, developed an operations strategy and started building a team, it’s…
Nonprofit Structure: Public Charity, Private Foundation, or Private Operating Foundation?
Once you know the purpose of your nonprofit organization and have an understanding of your…
Nonprofit Ownership & Control
For a visionary individual who wants to start a nonprofit, the concept of ownership can…
Legal Liability for Nonprofit Board Members (Part Two)
In our last article, we discussed legal liability of board members as it relates to…
Legal Liability for Nonprofit Board Members (Part One)
In real world practice, becoming a board member for a nonprofit organization usually comes with…