Private Foundation Service
Foundation Transition Navigator
Guided support for inherited foundations and generational transitions. Assessment, compliance, governance, board training, and first-year management.
$7,500
Fixed price. Paid from foundation funds as a qualified administrative expense.
What's Included
- Foundation assessment and stakeholder interviews
- Compliance audit (excise taxes, distribution requirements, filing status)
- Governance document review and recommendations
- Transition plan with 12-month roadmap
- Investment policy review and recommendations
- Grantmaking strategy and procedures
- First-year budget and distribution planning
- Board training session
- Quarterly check-ins for first year
- 990-PF review support and filing guidance
- Distribution compliance and deadline calendar
Plus unlimited email support during the engagement period.
Who This Is For
- Foundation inheritors navigating a foundation you didn't create
- Families going through generational leadership transitions
- Anyone suddenly responsible for a private foundation and needing guidance
- Foundations with unclear governance or compliance history
How It Works
- Kickoff call with you and key stakeholders
- Foundation assessment—we review documents, ask questions, understand where things stand
- Compliance audit and governance review—we identify any gaps or areas needing attention
- Transition plan—prioritized roadmap with timelines and ownership
- Board training session covering governance, compliance, grantmaking
- Quarterly check-ins through month 12 to ensure everything stays on track
Why This Service Exists
Inheriting a foundation often means inheriting unfamiliar responsibility. You may be grieving, feeling the weight of stewardship, and facing a long list of compliance requirements you don't fully understand. That's the opposite of empowering.
The Transition Navigator exists to change that. We take the assessment, compliance audit, governance review, and first-year setup work off your plate. We help you understand what you're responsible for, where the real risks are, and how to move forward with confidence. We're the knowledgeable guide who has done this before.
At $7,500, we're well under what you'd pay for attorney-led transition work ($10,000–$25,000). And because it's a fixed price, you know exactly what you're paying for—no surprises.
About the Price
$7,500 is a fixed price—not hourly, not contingent on foundation size or complexity. This signals our confidence and removes the friction of "how much will this really cost?"
The price is also set so it can be paid directly from foundation funds as a qualified administrative expense. You don't need to cover it from personal assets.
If your foundation is still early in understanding its own compliance status and you're not sure what you need, start with the Foundation Governance Review ($2,000). It gives you a clear picture of your foundation's health and what, if anything, needs attention. Then you can decide if the full Transition Navigator is the right next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $7,500 really a fixed price?
Yes. We charge a single fixed fee regardless of foundation size, complexity, or how much time we spend. This removes friction and signals our confidence in the process.
What if my foundation has serious compliance gaps?
We'll identify them and create a prioritized action plan. Some issues can be resolved quickly; others may require ongoing support or legal counsel, which we'll flag clearly.
Do I need a lawyer for the transition?
Not necessarily. We handle the operational and governance work that doesn't require legal expertise. If legal issues arise—document amendments, complex trust language—we'll help you identify when outside counsel is needed.
How long does the full engagement take?
Typically 2–3 months from kickoff through the final quarterly check-in. We move at a pace that lets us deliver thorough, thoughtful work without dragging things out.
Can you help if I've already started the transition?
Absolutely. We can pick up at any stage—whether you need a full assessment, a compliance review, or just governance guidance for the path ahead.
What happens after the first year?
That's your choice. Many clients move to the Foundation Management Retainer (starting at $1,500/mo) for ongoing support. Others use Advisory Calls ($275/hr) for specific questions. Some go it alone with the systems and roadmap we've set up.
Related Articles
Inheriting a Private Foundation: What You Need to Know
A practical guide to excise tax traps, distribution requirements, and governance obligations for new foundation stewards.
Read more →Private Foundation Annual Compliance Checklist
Every filing deadline, distribution requirement, and governance task your foundation needs to complete each year.
Read more →Ready to take the first step?
Book a free consultation to discuss your foundation's situation and how we can help.
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