
What are the roles and tasks of family foundation board members? How do you make decisions about board structure and responsibilities? Trusteeship is—first and foremost—a very personal commitment to a public trust. This Content Collection provides both introductory resources as well as more detailed looks at many of the most important aspects of foundation governance. These resources will provide you with the opportunity to explore the roles and responsibilities of trusteeship: what does it mean to you and others, including your fellow trustees, and—unknown to you now—those who may one day take a role as a trustee of your foundation.
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Featured Resources


Twelve qualities of the good trustee
New Media



Ethics and Values



Investments and Fiduciary Responsibilities

Managing Risk: Board Oversight of Foundation Investments
Passages Issue Briefs

Navigating Family Dynamics

Six tips for managing family dynamics
New Media

Managing Conflict and Family Dynamics In Your Family’s Philanthropy
Passages Issue BriefsSpecial Topics and Legal Issues

Avoiding conflicts of interest and self-dealing for family foundation boards
Passages Issue Briefs
Board Compensation: Reasonable and Necessary?
Passages Issue Briefs
Measuring What Counts: Meaningful Evaluation for Family Foundations
Passages Issue Briefs
Discretionary Grants: Engaging Family… or Pandora’s Box?
Passages Issue BriefsAdditional Resources: Videos, Slideshows, and Webinars






Sample Policies, Forms, and Letters






Criteria for trusteeship
Sample