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FINANCE & GOVERNANCE

As nonprofit organizations, local education foundations are legally accountable for ensuring their funds are collected, disbursed, and reported properly. Foundations also have an ethical and business responsibility to provide fiscal oversight that honors the mission of the organization and the intent and trust of donors.

District/Foundation Partnership Information

IRS Governance Checklist

BoardEffect -  Robert's Rules of Order

Public Information Act Handbook

 

  • Consider the context of your community when determining the role the Superintendent or School Board Trustee(s) will play in your education foundation. In many rural communities, it is natural and expected for these figureheads to be actively involved. In larger, more urban communities, stakeholders may be more comfortable with these roles serving in an ex-officio, non-voting capacity while still demonstrating support for the foundation.

  • 2026 is an election year, work with your education foundation's counsel to review what activities are and are not allowed for tax-exempt organizations. Typically, "political activity" involves people and is prohibited. "Lobbying" is about legislation and it is allowed in a limited capacity. 

Check back frequently for more best practices and resources!

Development Tools

Finance & Governance Tools

Texas Education Foundation Network
National Association Education Foundations

© 2025 Foundation Innovation

Texas School Public Relations Associations
Texas Association of School Administrators
Texas Association of School Boards
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