Ask CMF
As a member benefit, this customized service brings the best of CMF’s expertise to your organization, responding to your unique needs.
CMF is dedicated to supporting and strengthening our community of philanthropy. Our Ask CMF team of experts is here to answer your questions and provide insights on legal issues and operations, track down research and sample documents, connect you with high-quality practices in equity-centered grantmaking, governance and impact investing, and more.
Your Ask CMF questions have led to new ideas, solutions and resources that have become a valued part of foundations’ work across Michigan and around the country. We look forward to helping you with current challenges and connecting you with opportunities on the horizon for our field.
Submit a Question Meet our team of experts!
Please note: The information provided by Ask CMF, a technical assistance service of the Council of Michigan Foundations, is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
How do I submit a question or data request?
- After logging into the CMF website, access the online Ask CMF form.
- Tell us your name and email address, then briefly describe your question or request for assistance.
- We will respond within one business day to confirm receipt of your message and answer your question. If the request requires more extensive research or data gathering, we’ll let you know.
What kind of questions can I submit for the Ask CMF team?
Our experts in residence respond to hundreds of Ask CMF questions throughout the year, ranging in scope and issue area. Common questions and data requests include:
- Board policies and procedures
- Community needs assessments
- Conflict of interest and self-dealing situations
- Corporate giving best practices
- Disaster grantmaking and operations
- Family foundation succession planning and next generation involvement
- Giving trends
- Grantmaking and nonprofit engagement
- Legal requirements
- Performance evaluations
- Sample documents
- Scholarship program policies
- Staff salary and benefits data
What is the cost of this service?
This is a free service exclusively available to CMF members. While there are no defined limits on the number of questions or touchpoints with our Experts in Residence, CMF staff or an EIR may indicate that select requests should be directed to the organization’s legal counsel or other provider or may suggest the organization engage a professional advisor or other longer-term consultant for in-depth support. In those instances, the Ask CMF team is happy to provide potential providers, including individuals in CMF’s Consultant Network.
Please note: The information provided by Ask CMF, a technical assistance service of the Council of Michigan Foundations, is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Questions? Ask CMF!
Our team of experts is here to answer your technical questions, track down research and connect you with emerging, high-quality practices in grantmaking, legal and operational insights, sample documents and more.