
NCFP’s Policy Central includes sample policies and practices in the areas of governance, grantmaking, family dynamics, engaging the next generation, investments, management, and staffing. New samples are added frequently, and are here when you need them!
- Please submit your own policy or sample to share through the NCFP Knowledge Center.
- If you represent a foundation that has an updated version of a sample included here, please contact NCFP staff to update it.
- For assessment tools and other resources related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in family philanthropy, please see our Content Collection on Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Getting Started
Looking for sample bylaws, donor legacy or intent statements, or sample mission statements? Need an example of a donor advised fund agreement? Start here!

Boards and Governance
Boards that anticipate and plan for potential bumps in the road are far more likely to avoid difficult situations than those who create policies while in the middle of crisis. Included here are samples of policies that all well-run boards should consider, including conflict of interest policies, board position descriptions, election and rotation policies, and much more.

Policy Central: Board Meetings, Board Job Descriptions, and Rotation Policies
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Policy Central: Engaging Next Gen and Extended Family
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Policy Central: Board Committees
SampleGrantmaking and Evaluation
Grantmaking policies are essential for boards and staffs seeking to develop efficient systems for tracking, evaluating, and managing progress on current and prospective grants. Included here are samples policies and checklists for budgets, site visits, evaluation forms, discretionary grants, and much more.

Policy Central: Grantmaking and Strategy
SampleInvestments, Impact Investing, and Spending Policies
Family foundation boards and their staff must develop investment and spending policies and practices that meet legal requirements and are consistent with the goals and mission of their philanthropy. The policies and checklists on this page will help any foundation board seeking to oversee and manage it’s investment strategy.

Policy Central: Investing, Impact Investing, and Spending Policies
SampleManagement, Operations, and Staffing
Management and staffing policies are at the heart of good practice for many family philanthropies. Included here are consultant agreements, employee handbooks, internship program descriptions, personnel policies, and polices on record retention, recruitment, reimbursement, personnel evaluation, and more.

Policy Central: Management and Operations Policies
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