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Discover how to file the 990-PF form with our easy-to-follow instructions. Learn the key steps and requirements to ensure accurate submission. Simplify the process and stay compliant with our comprehensive guide.
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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE FORM 990PF WWW.FOUNDATIONSEARCH.COM
CONTENT 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 IDENTITY AND TAX STATUS HOW MUCH INCOME DID THE ORGANIZATION RECEIVE AND FROM WHAT SOURCES? WHAT WERE THE FOUNDATION'S OPERATING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES? WHAT CAN THE PROSPECT RESEARCHER DETERMINE FROM NET ASSETS? WHO ARE THE BOARD MEMBERS AND WHY IS THIS RELEVANT TO THE PROSPECT RESEARCHER? WHAT KINDS OF PROGRAMS DOES THE FOUNDATION RUN AND HOW MUCH DOES IT SPEND ON THEM? WHERE CAN I LOCATE INFORMATION ABOUT SPECIFIC FUNDING RECIPIENTS, EITHER INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS? HOW CAN I LOCATE NEW FOUNDATIONS BY USING THE FORM 990-PF? HOW DO I DETERMINE THE TAX YEAR OR FISCAL YEAR FOR THE FORM 990-PF I AM VIEWING? DOES THE ORGANIZATION LOBBY SPECIAL INTERESTS?
ITEM 1: IDENTITY AND TAX STATUS The section at the top of page 1 of the Form 990-PF contains the name of the filing organization and other useful information such as contact information, the Foundation's "Employer Identification Number" and the State &/or City that where the Foundation is based.
ITEM 2 - HOW MUCH INCOME DID THE FOUNDATION RECEIVE AND FROM WHAT SOURCES? By going directly to Line 12, you can find out how much total income the organization received during the year. This will give you some idea of the size of the foundation's operations.
ITEM 3 - WHAT WERE THE FOUNDATION'S OPERATING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES? The total expenses and disbursements reported at Line 26 are a good way to get a quick idea of how extensive a foundation's activities are.
ITEM 4: WHAT CAN THE PROSPECT RESEARCHER DETERMINE FROM NET ASSETS? Page 2, Part II summarizes the foundations assets and liabilities. Net assets provide some indication of the level of resources the foundation has to help support its activities in the future.
ITEM 5 - WHO ARE THE BOARD MEMBERS AND WHY IS THIS RELEVANT TO THE PROSPECT RESEARCHER? Part VIII (List of Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees) on page 6 of the Form 990-PF contains information of considerable interest.
ITEM 6 - WHAT TYPES OF PROGRAMS DOES THE FOUNDATION RUN AND HOW MUCH DOES IT SPEND ON THEM? Part IX-A on page 6 of the Form 990-PF describes the foundation's interests. The foundation is required to state its four direct charitable activities. Then for each program it conducts, it must describe each such program's purpose.
ITEM 7 - WHERE CAN I LOCATE INFORMATION ABOUT SPECIFIC FUNDING RECIPIENTS, EITHER INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS? Part XV - Line 3 ("Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment") This section is one of the most valuable sources of information available in the Form 990-PF.
ITEM 8 - HOW CAN I LOCATE NEW FOUNDATIONS BY USING THE FORM 990-PF? Making connections early in the funding cycle of a foundation can help to establish your organization as a recipient.
ITEM 9 - HOW DO I DETERMINE THE TAX YEAR OR FISCAL YEAR FOR THE FORM 990-PF I AM VIEWING? Knowing when a new year of granting begins or capitalizing on what remains left in a budget near the end of a fiscal year is relevant prospect research information.
ITEM 10 - DOES THE ORGANIZATION LOBBY SPECIAL INTERESTS? A number of nonprofit groups advocate for changes in public policy and as part of their advocacy efforts engage in lobbying.