Frequently Asked Questions All
FAQ's
What exactly is a 990-PF?
A 990-PF is the annual tax return that a US Private Foundation files with the IRS. They are considered public information, and are available:
- on the Internet
- from the IRS
- from the state’s Attorney General’s Office
- from the foundation itself
Why is it important?
- May be the only source where you can find a complete grants list, particularly for smaller and mid-sized foundations
- Larger foundations often issue annual reports and/or have Web sites which contain this information
What Information is included?
- Financial data
- Application guidelines
- Names of foundation’s board/officers/trustees
- Complete list of grants awarded
How current is the information?
Typically one to two years behind
Can I locate these on the web?
- GuideStar at http://www.guidestar.org/
- 990 Finder at http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990finder/
- Grantsmart at http://www.grantsmart.org/
How can I find the information I need on a 990-PF?
- Page 1, top section & line 25: Date, name, address, assets, grants paid
- Page 6, Part VIII, line 1: List of board/officers/trustees*
- Page 9, Part XV, line 2, a, b c, d: Application information*
- Page 10, Part XV, line 3: Grants paid*
*Often you will be referred to supplementary pages at the end of the form for this information. For example, "See Statement 6, 8, etc."
Here is an excellent tutorial, Demystifying the 990-PF.
Source: Aleah Weltha , Funding Information Center Coordinator
Date: March 7, 2007