3. Philanthropy

What to look for: Do they have a personal foundation? If so, who else sits on the board with them? Where do they give grants to? Does the foundation give any money to organizations that support police or right-wing causes? Are they connected to a foundation? If so, where does that foundation give grants to? Does the foundation give any money to organizations that support police or right-wing causes? Does their company have a philanthropic foundation? If so, where does that foundation give grants to? Does the foundation give any money to organizations that support right-wing causes? Are they listed as major donors to area charities? (in event programs, annual reports, on websites, etc)?

Where to find it: Google, Insidephilanthropy.com can also be useful (especially for ultra-wealthy people), Guidestar.org or ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. 

Reading Non-profit Organizations’ Tax Returns

Tax-exempt organizations are required to file tax return forms, most commonly Form 990. These forms are publicly available and can be searched on a number of free and subscription-based websites, including GuideStar.org and ProPublica’s Non-Profit Explorer. Form 990 includes lots of interesting information, including the organization’s leadership and board, highest compensated executives, expenses, and investments. 

Board members and executives can be found in Part VII Section A of an organization’s 990.