Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers

10 Common Errors to Avoid in Completing a Private Foundation's Form 990-PF (PDF)
Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
Directed toward the actual tax preparers of the 990-PF, this publication highlights those areas most commonly completed incorrectly and provides explanations and directions for proper completion.
www.givingforum.org/cgi-bin/doc_rep/public/file.pl/3355/preparers.pdf

What You Should Know Before Signing Your Organization's Form 990-PF
Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
Written for the chairpersons of private foundations and other top officers who are accountable for the organization and sign the Form 990-PF, this publication delineates the important safeguards they should undertake before signing the tax return.
www.givingforum.org/cgi-bin/doc_rep/public/file.pl/3356/signers.pdf

Making the Most of Your Form 990-PF Tip Sheet (PDF)
Minnesota Council on Foundations
www.mcf.org/MCF/resource/990Tips.pdf

Demystifying the 990-PF
The Foundation Center
This online "Learning Lab" is written for grantseekers, but provides some basic information that can be helpful to grantmakers.

http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/demystify/

Understanding the 990-PF
National Center For Family Philanthropy
General advice for family foundations on understanding, completing and utilizing their 990-PF and help put forward their best image to the public.
www.ncfp.org/FGN-Aug_2004/UpFront.html

Common Errors Made by Exempt Organizations, Filing Tips for form 990-PF
Internal Revenue Service
www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96321,00.html

e-file for Charities and Non-Profits
Internal Revenue Service
Information on filing a 990-PF electronically.
www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=108211,00.html

Instructions for Form 990-PF
Internal Revenue Service
www.irs.gov/instructions/i990pf

Megan Wentworth

Interpreting Form 990-PF: Looking Beyond Foundation Administrative Expense

Donors Forum of Chicago

http://www.donorsforum.org/forms_pdf/990PF-report.pdf

Kate Cassidy

For Additional Resources, please see the 990-PF section of the Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington website: