A business can generate goodwill through its philanthropic efforts, and such efforts can be good for business. For instance, the IRS has made clear that foundation expenditures that raise awareness of charitable causes can incidentally enhance the general reputation or prestige of its sponsoring company and this would not be an act of self-dealing. A foundation’s program that generates business or results in an economic benefit for the company, however, regardless of charitable intent, will likely violate the self-dealing rules.
Self-Dealing
Section 501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from engaging in activities that result in “inurement” of the organizations earnings to insiders, such as founders, directors and officers. The essence of inurement is that a person in a position to influence the decisions of an organization receives disproportionate benefits. Find questions and answers on common self-dealing snares such as sharing office equipment, employees and receiving free tickets and other tangible gifts.
In-Depth knowledge on Self-Dealing
With Congress and the media focusing on corporate governance and foundation administration, it is a good time to make sure that all grantmakers have a strong conflict of interest policy in place. Both private foundations and public charities (such as community foundations) should have clear guidelines on financial or other interests that must be disclosed and transactions that must be scrutinized or avoided. The policy should cover both board members and foundation staff. A robust conflicts policy can not only help a grantmaker stay on the right side of the law but can also keep the organization from engaging in behavior that gives even the appearance of conflict.
The persistent scrutiny of nonprofit governance has prompted leaders at many types of organizations to take steps to assure that their own houses are in good legal and financial order. For private foundations, this checklist is a good place to start.
This question regarding the permissibility of a corporate matching gift contribution to a public television station, when appreciation gifts are provided.
Can a company and its related private foundation share office equipment and supplies?
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Tickets to Fundraisers
What should corporate foundations and the parent company consider when purchasing tickets to fundraisers?
Slide presentation reviewing the basics of self-dealing for family foundations.
Why do Council on Foundations membership materials and invoices state that if my foundation and corporate giving program share a membership, dues must be paid by the corporation? Is this true for other memberships as well?
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Sharing Office Space
Can a company provide office space to the company foundation?
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