Thinking about Hiring Someone to Manage Your Private Foundation? Start with These Questions
- vanbergenamy
- Jan 12
- 4 min read
Private, corporate and family foundations are deeply personal. They’re often born from a lifetime of values, lived experience, family or corporate legacy, or a desire to give back in a meaningful way. That makes the decision to hire someone to help manage one both important—and surprisingly complex.
Over the years, I’ve seen foundations thrive when they hire the right person and struggle when they don’t ask the right questions upfront. Whether your foundation is newly formed or well-established but evolving, here are some essential questions to ask before bringing on a foundation manager or consultant.
1. Do they understand both the heart and the mechanics of philanthropy?
Managing a foundation is not just about compliance, spreadsheets, and grant cycles. It’s about translating values into action.
You want someone who understands:
* Why your foundation exists
* What impact you hope to create
* How to turn that vision into practical, legal, and ethical systems
Ask: "How do you balance the emotional and values-driven side of philanthropy with the operational realities?"
Listen for someone who can speak fluently about both.
2. Have they worked with family (or corporate) dynamics before?
There are different kinds of foundations and family foundations are not like corporate nonprofits. They come with:
* Multiple generations
* Differing priorities
* Evolving roles
* Sometimes, complicated histories
A strong foundation manager knows how to navigate these dynamics with respect, discretion, and clarity.
Ask: "How do you facilitate decision-making when family members disagree?" "How do you handle sensitive or emotional conversations?" "What does good governance look like in a family or corporate context?"
If they’ve only worked in traditional nonprofit environments, they may not yet understand how personal this work can be.
3. Do they see structure as supportive—not restrictive?
Some people hear “policies” and “processes” and imagine bureaucracy. In reality, good structure *frees* you to focus on impact instead of chaos.
A strong foundation manager will help you:
* Clarify your mission
* Create clear grant guidelines
* Establish transparent decision-making
* Document processes
* Build continuity across generations
Ask: "How do you help foundations build systems that feel supportive rather than rigid?"
The right answer will emphasize flexibility, clarity, and sustainability.
4. Are they proactive, or do they wait to be told what to do?
This is a big one.
You don’t want someone who just executes tasks. You want someone who:
* Anticipates issues
* Identifies opportunities
* Suggests improvements
* Keeps you ahead of deadlines and risks
* Brings ideas, not just checklists
Ask: "Can you give me an example of a time you identified a problem or opportunity before a client did?"
This tells you whether they think strategically or just operationally.
5. Do they understand compliance—and explain it clearly?
Tax filings, payout requirements, conflict-of-interest policies, and recordkeeping matter. But what matters just as much is whether they can explain those things in plain language.
Ask: "How do you stay current on compliance requirements?" "How do you communicate those requirements to board or family members?"
If they make it feel scary, confusing, or inaccessible, that’s a red flag. You want clarity, not intimidation.
6. How do they define success?
Some people measure success by dollars moved. Others by systems built. Others by stories of impact.
Ask: "What does success look like for you in this role?"
The best answers usually involve:
* Strong governance
* Aligned decision-making
* Reduced stress for family members
* Clear impact
* Long-term sustainability
7. Are they comfortable being both a guide and a partner?
A foundation manager isn’t just an administrator. They are often:
* A sounding board
* A translator between vision and reality
* A neutral facilitator
* A long-term steward of your intentions
Ask: "How do you see your role in relation to the family or board of trustees?"
You want someone who respects your authority while offering honest expertise.
Final Thoughts
Hiring someone to help manage your foundation is not about outsourcing responsibility—it’s about building the right partnership.
The right person will help you:
* Clarify your purpose
* Reduce friction
* Increase impact
* Protect your legacy
* Make philanthropy feel meaningful instead of overwhelming
If you’re considering this step, take your time. Ask thoughtful questions. And don’t be afraid to look for someone who understands both the people and the process.
Start with a Conversation
If you’re exploring what it might look like to have a trusted partner help steward your foundation—someone who understands both the emotional weight of giving and the operational realities—I’d be glad to have a conversation.
My work centers on helping families and individuals clarify their philanthropic vision, build sustainable systems, and feel confident that their foundation reflects their values—not just on paper, but in practice. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reimagining an existing structure, thoughtful guidance can make the process feel less daunting and far more meaningful.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out. Sometimes the most important step is simply having the right conversation.
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