National Center for Family Philanthropy

Contributions

How do we ensure that the family will not lose “control” of the foundation over time?

Posted on May 15, 2011 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Our foundation has begun discussions to add nonfamily trustees to enhance and complement the skills and perspectives currently on our all-family board. How do we ensure that the family will not lose “control” of the foundation over time? There are a variety of strategies that family foundations around the country have used to retain control while engaging non-family board members… Read More

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Donor Legacy Statements, Values Statements, and Ethical Wills

Posted on March 15, 2011 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

I work for a small family foundation as their non-family executive director. The foundation has been in existence for 25 years. In the near term, I will be sitting down with the founder, who is preparing to write his legacy. I am wondering if you’re familiar with other founders who have shared excerpts concerning their vision for philanthropy that you thought to be… Read More

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What is the 5% payout rule?

Posted on October 15, 2008 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

This familiar, if complex, rule is getting additional attention from family foundations looking at the fourth quarter of the year amid an economic downturn. What do the rules require? And what will that mean next year for foundations and the nonprofits they support? So what exactly are the rules? The figure below from Splendid Legacy 2: Creating and Re-creating Your… Read More

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Questions from NCFP Members on Board Compensation

Posted on March 15, 2008 by National Center for Family Philanthropy, Andrew Schulz

Q: Our foundation’s third generation is coming on the board and some have young children. Some family members say the lack of child care during board meetings hinders participation. Can the foundation pay for child care so that parents can attend board meetings?… Read More

The 990-PF in a Nutshell: What You Need to Know

Posted on August 15, 2004

What is the 990-PF and who needs to fill one out? The 990-PF is the tax return used for all private foundations filing under tax-exempt status, which inventories all of a foundation’s assets, investments, revenue, expenses, and charitable disbursements throughout the fiscal year. It also lists foundation officers, trustees, and the number of staff, itemizes its grants, and gives information… Read More

Obtaining directors and officers liability insurance

Posted on October 31, 2002 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Every foundation should consider obtaining insurance coverage for its trustees and officers. This insurance – commonly known as directors and officers or D&O insurance – should cover defense costs as well as any damages, taxes, or fines that must be paid… Read More

Alan B. Slifka: One man’s faith based mission

Posted on October 21, 2002 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

This profile from NCFP's 'Faith and Family Philanthropy' journal describes that late philanthropist Alan B. Slifka's faith-based mission and efforts to teach and support Israeli Arabs and Jews to be respectful neighbors… Read More

Checklist of Fiduciary Responsibilities (NCFP, 1999)

Posted on June 13, 1999 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

This checklist of board fiduciary responsibilities from ‘Investment Issues for Family Funds’ includes questions on the areas of investment knowledge and oversight; reporting requirements; and planning for the future… Read More