Tax-exempt organizations are created to serve a public good, not the people creating or governing the organization. No officer, director, or other insider can therefore receive any benefit for which they have not appropriately paid. Loans to board members are not permitted. In general, a board needs to pay close attention to compensation, purchases and sales, or other financial transactions with insiders. Transactions with insiders cannot exceed fair market value.
The IRS can impose financial penalties on insiders that violate rules around private benefit, as well as on directors who approve such dealings. The organization may have its tax-exempt status revoked.