We Build the Infrastructure So You Can Focus on the Mission.
Governance and operations partner for public charities and private foundations. From formation to board development to ongoing management — we build what your organization needs and stay involved as long as you need us.
Public Charities
Building Strong Nonprofits
Formation support, governance setup, and board development for nonprofits at every stage. Whether you're just getting started or strengthening what you've already built.
- Nonprofit formation guidance (Startup Navigator)
- Governance reviews and remediation
- Board development and orientation
- Advisory calls for specific challenges
Private Foundations
Operational Backbone for Foundations
Operational management, governance guidance, and transition support for private foundations — especially those navigating a leadership or generational change.
- Guided transitions for inherited foundations
- Foundation governance reviews
- Ongoing operational retainers
- Expert advisory on foundation compliance
Meet Your Advisor
Wylie Advisory was founded by Ian Wylie Hedrick — a decade-plus in mission-driven work, former AmeriCorps member, founder of City Farmers, and advisor to private foundations with eight-figure assets. Ian brings a hands-on, builder's approach to governance and operations.
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Coinbase Update the System Summit, Washington DC, 2024
Not Just Advice — Infrastructure
Most consultants advise. We build. Wylie Advisory is a governance and operations partner — we create the policies, systems, and governance infrastructure your organization actually needs, and we stay involved as long as it takes to get them working.
The practical operational work that doesn't require a JD but absolutely needs to get done — that's what we do. And the depth of our involvement scales with your needs, from a single advisory call to a full engagement.
Featured Services
Hands-on support at whatever level your organization needs.
Board Governance Package
Comprehensive board development — Governance Review, facilitated Board Orientation session, customized Board Manual, and all gap-closing policies.
From $2,500
Learn MoreNonprofit Startup Navigator
Full-service guidance through formation — incorporation, bylaws, policies, and 501(c)(3) determination. We handle the complexity.
$2,000 – $3,000
Learn MoreFoundation Transition Navigator
Guided transition for inherited foundations — assessment, compliance audit, governance review, board training, and first-year support.
$7,500
Learn MoreGovernance Review
Full-scope review of your organization's governance and operational health, with a written report and prioritized action plan.
From $1,000
Learn MoreFrom the Blog
Practical guidance on nonprofit governance, formation, and operations.
Fiscal Sponsorship vs. Starting Your Own Nonprofit: How to Decide
Fiscal sponsorship lets you accept tax-deductible donations under an existing 501(c)(3) without forming your own. Here's how the two real models differ, why the sponsor must legally be able to redirect your money, what the 5–15% fee actually buys, and how to plan your exit before you sign.
Read more →ComplianceUnrelated Business Income Tax: When Your Nonprofit Owes Tax on Its Revenue
Tax-exempt doesn't mean tax-free. If your nonprofit earns revenue from activities that aren't substantially related to its mission, you may owe unrelated business income tax at 21% and file Form 990-T. Here's the three-part test, the exceptions that save most organizations, and the sponsorship line nearly everyone crosses.
Read more →Private FoundationsHow to Set Up a Private Foundation Scholarship Program
Private foundations can award scholarships, but only with IRS-approved procedures in place first. Here's the step-by-step process — from designing your program to getting IRS approval to managing ongoing compliance — so your foundation can fund individuals without triggering excise taxes.
Read more →Nonprofit governance tips, delivered.
Get practical advice on governance, compliance, and operations for nonprofits and foundations — free.