Accountability Self-Assessment Tool

The Accountability Self-Assessment Tool is designed to be a comprehensive and flexible resource to help private foundations (family, independent or corporate) assess how well they are complying with key federal laws and regulations and are engaging in generally recommended good practices for being accountable to the public.  

The tool was developed by the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers in Washington, D.C., a national network of regional associations of grantmakers that includes the Grantmakers Forum of New York.  

The comprehensive tool covers all key accountability issues that private foundations (staffed or unstaffed) need to address, as well as all legal compliance issues for foundations.  The tool is designed with some flexibility so that a foundation can use the self-assessment tool in ways that best meet its specific interests and needs.

To use the tool, download: the form which includes instructions and all questions; the worksheet to record and analyze your answers.  The Legal Compliance Checklist is a short form which stands alone.

Glossary of Terms

A listing of terms used in the Tool.

For Staffed Foundations

Staffed Self-Assessment Form (MS Word format)

Staffed Self-Assessment Worksheet (MS Excel format)

Staffed Legal Compliance Checklist (MS Word format)

For Unstaffed Foundations

Unstaffed Self-Assessment Form (Ms Word format)

Unstaffed Self-Assessment Worksheet (MS Excel format)

Unstaffed Legal Compliance Checklist (MS Word format)

NEW REPORT
Challenges Ahead: Upstate NY Philanthropy and the Economy   (+additional materials for grantmakers)

Foundations             On The Hill                March 24-25, 2009

Webinars for Grantmakers   Register now

Philanthropy in Challenging Times      December 4, 2008 Register now.

Regional Events and education of interest to funders