More family philanthropies are questioning their lifespan and weighing whether to remain in perpetuity or spend down all their assets. Included here are checklists, timelines, and statement documents capturing how some philanthropies have discussed their lifespan or approached spending down. For more examples or guidance, please reach out to the NCFP team here.
Visit the policy central homepage for details on our disclaimer and on submitting your own policy.
We also recommend checking out the following strategic lifespan resources:
- Spending down: Laurie Dachs answers questions for family philanthropies
- Before Sunset: Recommendations for Spending Down a Foundation and Extending Impact
- End-Game Evaluation: Building a Legacy of Learning in a Limited-Life Foundation
Sample Policies
- Bylaws for a Limited Life Foundation (Robina Foundation, 2010)
- Sunset Theory of Change (Brainerd Foundation, 2020)
- Sunsetting Task Checklist (Pierce Family Foundation, 2023)
- Organizational Norms: Activating the Values (S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation, 2018)
Statements Of Limited Life
Staffing Strategies
- Talent Development Workbook (S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation, 2019)
- Transition Assistance Policy (S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation, 2018)