What is the difference between a 990 and a 990 PF, where can I find them online, and how do I read them?
The 990 is the tax return for a public foundation (more commonly called a public charity) and 990-PF is the tax return U.S. private foundations file. This public document provides fiscal data for the organization, names of trustees and officers, application information, and a complete grants list. Line 22 of Part II on the 990 form will indicate the total amount of grants paid out during the fiscal or calendar year for a public charity, with a list of those grants in the appendix. Page 10 of the 990 PF lists grants paid out during the previous year, including recipient organizations, project name, and amount. More information about how to read these forms can be found here. To search for a 990 or 990 PF, use either The Foundation Center or Guidestar.org.
