Board selection, training, roles, and responsibilities

How should a foundation deal with a obvious self-dealing situation if it was set up by our legal counsel?

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Andras Kosaras, James P. Joseph

If a family foundation’s attorney designs an obviously self-dealing relationship on behalf of one of the foundation’s trustees, and with the awareness and participation of all of the other foundation trustees, does the foundation remain free of liability for taxation or penalty, simply because legal counsel designed and approved the relationship? Is there any legal accountability on the part of… Read More

Is it self-dealing to attend a gala representing our foundation?

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Andras Kosaras, James P. Joseph

I have a self- dealing question. Our family foundation is being honored by one of our grantees at their upcoming gala. I have read that attending the gala under such circumstances is considered official foundation business. However, if the foundation purchases tickets for staff and board members to attend the gala, or sponsors a table, does the foundation need to… Read More

A Steadying Hand: The Critical Role of Non-family Board Members

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Susan Packard Orr

This special Passages Issue Brief written by NCFP Distinguished Fellow Susan Packard Orr describes the various skills, expertise, and perspectives that non-family board members can provide, as well as some of the common challenges for families seeking to add their first non-family board members, and tips for how to set clear expectations for this role… Read More

Trustee Position Description sample

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Anonymous

_______ FoundationPosition Description Position Title: TRUSTEE Reports to: Fellow Trustees Date: June 2008 Function:The mission of the _____ Foundation, a family foundation, is to improve the quality of life through grants to charitable organizations. Trustees are responsible for the governance of the Foundation and report to the Directors. Trustees are organized into grant groups and committees.  Responsibilities:1. Defining and overseeing… Read More

R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation Trustee Responsibilities

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Jr. Foundation, The R. Howard Dobbs Jr. Foundation

R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation Trustee Responsibilities ARTICLE THREE Board of Trustees 3.1 Authority and Responsibility of the Board of Trustees. (a) The supreme authority of the Foundation and the government and management of the affairs of the Foundation shall be vested in the Board of Trustees; and all the powers, duties, and functions of the Foundation conferred by the… Read More

Statement of Director Expectations

Posted on August 7, 2015

As members of the Board of Directors of The ____________ Foundation, we recognize and confirm our fiduciary obligations to the Foundation. We have ultimate authority and responsibility for the Foundation’s strategies, policies, procedures and operations. As part of this responsibility, we have established expectations for the members of the Board. In keeping with our fiduciary duty, we commit ourselves to… Read More

The Rockefeller Brothers Fund: Executive Committee Charter policy

Posted on August 7, 2015

Bylaws, Article VIII, Section (a) states:There shall be an executive committee of the Board consisting of the chair and up to seven but no less than six other trustees elected by the vote of a majority of the entire Board at the annual meeting each year. The chair of the executive committee shall be the chair of the Board. A… Read More

Code of Conduct policy sample

Posted on August 7, 2015 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

____________ Foundation Code of Conduct   1. Preamble To ensure that The _______ Foundation fulfills its mission and pursues its vision in an exemplary manner and in accordance with its beliefs and the highest standards of ethical conduct, the Board of Directors has adopted this Code of Conduct. This Code should be read with the Foundation’s mission, vision and beliefs… Read More

Conflict of Interest Policy Template

Posted on August 7, 2015 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

This Policy is to protect the interests of The ______ Foundation by: (i) preventing the personal interest of Members, Directors, Officers, Employees or Independent Contractors from interfering with the performance of their duties to the Foundation and (ii) avoiding any inappropriate personal financial, professional or political gain on the part of such persons at the expense of the Foundation. … Read More

We’re here to equip you with the tools you need to make a meaningful impact. Contact NCFP for support.

Get in Touch

Keep up with trends in family philanthropy. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Signup

Gain access to personalized support and a network of peers. Join our community!

Join Now