Starting a Foundation

The following titles are books held in the Grants Information Collection in room 262 D/E of Memorial Library at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Creating and Funding Educational Foundations: A Guide for Local School Districts. By James J. Muro. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1995. 256 p. (GIC: LB 2825 M789 1995)

The author states that this book "is a resource for schools and communities who wish to expand or create a private foundation in a public school setting." A textbook on the subject.

Establishing a University Foundation. Donald L. Lemish. Washington, D.C.: American Association of State Colleges and Universities, 1989. 40 p. (GIC: LB 2336 L45 1989)

Provides the most basic practical guidelines on the subject.

First Steps in Starting a Foundation By John A. Edie. Fifth ed. Washington, DC: Council on Foundations, 2001. 134 p. (GIC: KF 740 Z9 E35 2001)

Defines types of foundations and choosing the right type, with guidelines on how to start one. Covers tax implications, reporting requirements, and more, with lists of further resources. Provides sample bylaws, articles of incorporation, and other helpful aids.

Founder's Guide to the Family Foundation: How to Use, Enjoy and Govern Your Family Foundation By Douglas K. Freeman and Lee Hausner. Washington, DC: Council on Foundations, 1996. 34 p. (GIC: HV 40 F74 1996)

An easy-to-follow basic guide on the bare essentials of starting and governing a family foundation.

Managing a Private Foundation: Maintaining the Donor's Intent. By Paul K. Rhoads. Washington, DC: Philanthropy Roundtable, 1997. 99 p. (GIC: HV 91 R485 1997)

This handbook by a Chicago lawyer focuses on how to effectively manage one's foundation and the business of giving. Includes planning considerations, trustee organizations, meetings, investments, grants management, and legal responsibilities and liabilities of trustees.

Starting a Private Foundation: Carrying out the Donor's Intent. By Paul K. Rhoads and Stephanie H. Denby. Washington, D.C.: The Philanthropy Roundtable, 1997. 51 p. (GIC: HV 91 R49 1997)

This booklet covers giving alternatives, benefits and drawbacks of the private foundation, and how to define and carry out one's mission as a donor. The Philanthropy Roundtable is a national association of donors.