At ASF, we field dozens of questions each month from philanthropists with few or no staff. Here are just some of the hundreds of FAQs we catalog and share online. Use them to inform your giving, or—if you are an ASF member—be inspired to contact us with your questions!
How can I create a mission?
To create a mission for your philanthropy, the key question to ask yourself is: What do I wish to accomplish? To answer this question, ask… Read the full answer
Will a mission restrict me too much?
Donors use missions to guide grantmaking, but nothing (not even the law) prohibits giving beyond mission. Donors go beyond mission to take advantage of… Read the full answer
What are some of the ways boards come to consensus about focus?
Boards settle on a focus in many different ways. There is no one right way, and many use a combination of the methods to inform their final decisions. For example, some choose… Read the full answer
What is required, legally, to make a grant?
For most grantmaking in the United States, very little is legally required in terms of due diligence. There is no required paperwork, no process that must be followed, and no post-grant reporting required to make a grant to most domestic public charities. Most organizations… Read the full answer
Should it be a goal of a foundation to spend as little on administration as possible?
Whereas some foundations can best achieve their missions by spending more on grants and less on administration, not all foundations should make it a goal to spend a minimal amount on administration. For example… Read the full answer
Are online storage services secure enough for sensitive information?
Online storage services are very secure, but they rely on individual users to supplement their security. Protect your documents and computer by… Read the full answer
What are key characteristics that make a board effective?
According to a leading survey of trustees and CEOs, the main characteristics that make boards effective are their ability to… Read the full answer
Why do we need a board membership policy?
Deciding who will serve on your board is one of the most important policy decisions your board will make. A board membership policy can help. If board membership is not already included in your bylaws (or does not give sufficient direction), you should consider creating a policy to… Read the full answer
Who can we turn to for help with succession planning?
Some donors seek the help of outside consultants as they think about succession issues. An outside expert can help you understand the dynamics of your family or foundation, so that everyone’s voice can be heard in a productive way. Sources such as… Read the full answer
Browse our full catalog of FAQs
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