Effective Foundation Boards: The Importance of Roles
Posted on June 9, 2005
Achieving role clarity, influence in decision-making and responsibility for impact are three keys to more effective foundation governance… Read More
Governance
Family Governance: a Primer for Families
Posted on June 8, 2005 by Patricia Angus
Many families working together in philanthropy find that managing the work that must be accomplished as a group can be as complex as the grantmaking itself. Typically, a family’s philanthropy, whether formal or less structured, is only one of a number of ways in which family members interact with one another. In this session, Patricia Angus of Asset Management Advisors… Read More
Investment policy statement (Gogian Family Foundation)
Posted on April 15, 2005 by John Gogian Family Foundation
The investment policy statement for the John Gogian Family Foundation… Read More
Generations of Giving: Lessons on Governance and Continuity
Posted on February 25, 2005 by Kelin E. Gersick, Ph.D.
For every family member involved in a family foundation or advised fund, there are two fundamental questions: Why are we doing this? And why am I participating? The second in a two-part series, Kelin Gersick presented key lessons on governance and explored questions in the areas of reviewing and reinventing mission, considering family dynamics, and preparing for future generations involvement… Read More
Generations of Giving: the Development of the Family Foundation
Posted on December 8, 2004 by Kelin E. Gersick, Ph.D.
For every family member involved in a family foundation or advised fund, there are two fundamental questions: Why are we doing this? And why am I participating?… Read More
Questions to Consider When Setting Policy on Eligibility for Service
Posted on October 24, 2004 by Deanne Stone
This list of questions is designed to help families consider who within the extended family will be eligible for service within the family philanthropy… Read More
Families In Flux: Guidelines for Participation in Your Family’s Philanthropy
Posted on October 4, 2004 by Deanne Stone
Family members marry, divorce, remarry, form domestic partnerships and, in many cases, move far away from the family home. With families growing ever more complex, varied, and far-flung, foundations and donor-advised funds need clear guidelines regarding who participates in their philanthropy and in what roles. This Passages report addresses changing family composition and circumstances and how philanthropic families may deal… Read More
Code of ethics (Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation)
Posted on June 4, 2004 by Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation
This sample policy from the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation outlines the foundation's code of ethics, including the foundation's thinking on reporting, finances, staff compensation, trustee fees, and conflicts of interest… Read More
Family Governance: A Primer for Philanthropic Families
Posted on June 4, 2004 by Patricia Angus
This Passages Issue Brief focuses on the principles, practices, and policies of family governance. Typically, a family’s philanthropy, whether formal or less structured, is only one of a number of ways in which family members interact with one another. This article aims to help philanthropic families understand the theory and practice of effective family governance… Read More
10 common errors to avoid in completing a private foundation’s form 990-PF
Posted on April 13, 2004 by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
This checklist, intended for all audiences, highlights the most common errors that foundations make when filling out the Form 990 that could cast legitimate activity in a bad light, e.g., not filling out the entire form, not attaching appropriate schedules, or documenting administrative expenses incorrectly… Read More