FOUNDER:  Janet Nava Bandera

Born in St. Louis County, Janet graduated, magna cum laude from the University of Missouri- St. Louis with a degree in Business Administration.  She earned her Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law in 1995, graduating cum laude.

In addition to her role as a foundation mentor, Janet is a practicing attorney concentrating on estate planning and charitable giving. Janet served on the board of the Journal of Practical Estate Planning, published by CCH, for 7 years and authored a bi-monthly column on charitable giving techniques.

Janet lectures on estate planning and charitable giving for local non-profit groups as well as financial services firms.  She is a trustee of the Moneta Group Charitable Foundation, the Chair of the University of Missouri-St. Louis Planned Giving Committee, Ronald McDonald House Planned Giving Committee and the Women's Leadership Council and Friends Board of the Missouri Humane Society. She is a past Board Member of Gilda’s Club, AMC Cancer Research Center and the American Cancer Society Heritage Society Board.

In 2008, Janet was appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt to the Missouri Women's Council, an organization committed to assisting women in business development.

MORE ABOUT US

Why do I need Foundation Mentors?
Federal tax law provides tax benefits to nonprofit organizations recognized under IRC 501(c)(3), however, you must comply with the law to maintain your tax-exempt status and to avoid penalties.  Foundation Mentors helps you implement policies and procedures to comply.

Do you help foundations raise money?
We do not participate in fund raising but can refer you to our strategic partners.

Do you manage investments?
We do not manage assets, we work with your existing asset manager.

Do you serve on our board?
No, our role is not to become a board member it is to provide the foundation with the basis for good governance by its board.  We are happy to provide referrals to other resources that offer both board training and individuals looking for a board on which to serve.

Are you a law firm?
No, although our founder is an attorney, FOUNDATION MENTORS is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.  Any necessary legal services can be provided by your family attorney.

Do you ever work for free?
Individually we volunteer for community organizations and provide our expertise where requested.  However, please do not send a request for a volunteer as we personally select the organizations for which we volunteer.