Embracing the Power: Perpetuity or Immediacy

Ginny Esposito

“Although there is some debate in philanthropy about the question of perpetuity, in the end no single correct approach is right for all donors.  The decision to create a foundation for the ages or for the moment is a highly individual choice.  It should be guided by the philanthropic goals laid out by donors and their families.  The bottom line is that some charitable purposes require urgent attention and others will plague society for many generations.  Philanthropic resources should be available to deal with both types of issues.”

                                                                      — Vincent Stehle, Living the Legacy: The Values of a Family’s Philanthropy Across Generations

Since the early years of the 20th Century, philanthropists have been debating the value of sustaining a giving program over time or expending those funds in a limited period.  One of the earliest proponents of the limited lifespan for private foundations, Julius Rosenwald, an owner of Sears, Roebuck, established his foundation in 1917 and spent it out by 1948.

Despite Rosenwald’s passionate advocacy for the short term foundation, the discussion was essentially dormant for more than 50 years. It wasn’t until a combination of circumstances affecting the longevity of foundations occurred in the late 20th and early 21st Centuries that the issue has taken on more vibrancy.

Most of the reason for the lack of attention doesn’t seem to be intentional much less nefarious.  It just wasn’t brought up in the philanthropic planning stages.  Attorneys rarely inquired into the donor’s goals for the giving and, thereby, the lifespan.  The few limited lifespan foundations were seen as idiosyncratic exceptions or aberrations.  Finally, most of philanthropic theory and practice was dominated by independent foundations.  The question of perpetuity is one that largely (and curiously) has been directed at family foundations… few independent foundations consider, much less choose, the “go out of business” route.

The changing circumstances that have brought greater attention to the question of perpetuity include:

  • The creation of a variety of giving options that can be linked to your charitable goals;
  • Less interest among newer donors in “institution building;”
  • Third generation foundations are finding that perpetuity isn’t easy and are now considering spending out a foundation that might have been intended to exist forever;
  • A renewed emphasis on preserving donor intent and setting up the foundation to be guided by the founders and those who knew them;
  • An opportunity to have a significant programmatic impact in a limited period of time; and
  • The attention that followed the announcement by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that this, the largest foundation in the country, would not exist in perpetuity.

Founders have many choices when setting up a private foundation: to exist forever; to sunset (a closing date is set at inception); to spend down (regularly exceed the 5% payout knowing that may shorten the foundation’s life); to spend out (plan specifically to spend the assets in a set time period); to split up (either formally or informally).

And it’s not always the founder’s choice.  Future trustees may split the foundation up, set a spend out plan, or turn the assets over to another entity.

For those who choose perpetuity, the opportunity to invest for growth and greater effectiveness over the long term is irresistible.

  • Greater cash flow can be generated over a period of time to address current and future problems in the area of interest.
  • They may be guided by a desire to build knowledge and experience over time – making them more effective in addressing issues related to its mission.
  • Funders may want the time to tackle deep-seated and complex social problems.
  • They may look to create a legacy for what is really important and for which the donor truly wishes to be remembered.
  • Engaging your family or community for generations may be the best way to extend charitable values and commitment.

There are also many advantages to limiting the lifespan from the outset:

  • You want to actively participate in your own giving.
  • You recognize a critical opportunity to affect a current issue or problem – a moment in time.
  • You believe founders (often entrepreneurs) may be bolder than successors or inheritors.
  • You fear the change, bureaucracy, or lack of respect for your wishes that might follow your death.
  • You don’t want to impose your charitable goals on others or burden those with no interest.

And why might the board of a perpetual foundation choose to change course?

  • They see their mission as accomplished or no longer relevant.
  • They find an opportunity to make a bold investment in a critical funding area.
  • The assets have shrunk.
  • There is a lack of future leaders who have the interest, the common ground (or the capacity to find common ground), and the ongoing connection to the focus of the giving.
  • As I said, perpetuity is not for the faint of heart!

Over the past 25 years, the National Center for Family Philanthropy has been a partner in telling the stories of many family foundations that have made the strategic decision to spend out. We are enormously grateful to all of these families for their willingness to tell their stories with candor and courage in the hopes it will help other families make or confirm their choices – those interested in being part of ongoing discussions amongst spend down and spend down curious foundations should consider joining our our Strategic Lifespan Peer Network, launched in 2015 with support from the Quixote Foundation and the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.

At the same time, NCFP will also continue to proudly share the stories of those who have sustained perpetuity over five and even six generations. If you have questions about the question of perpetuity or a story to tell, please let us know. As always, we welcome your reflections and your experiences.