Measuring Effectiveness as a Family Philanthropy

Posted on November 10, 2005 by Doug Bauer

While no family launches a charitable giving vehicle with the intention of spending time and resources without results, it can often be difficult to quantify or even evaluate the results of your philanthropy. Certainly every family hopes that their giving will have a positive impact on the lives of those in their communities, but how can the results of your… Read More

Alternatives to Perpetuity: A Conversation Every Foundation Should Have

Posted on October 21, 2005 by Deanne Stone

This Passages is aimed at new donors considering a limited lifespan for their foundation, existing foundations that have already set a closing date, or any family contemplating the question of perpetuity. Author Deanne Stone gives background on the perpetuity vs. spending down debate and discusses the motivations for considering an alternative to perpetuity. The paper then identifies the basic challenges… Read More

Investment policy statement with focus on socially responsible investing (Needmor Fund)

Posted on April 15, 2004 by Needmor Fund

An investment policy with a special focus on socially responsible investing. From the policy’s introduction: We believe that a foundation lives out its mission and values not only through the organizations it supports, but also by how it uses its assets. Mission related investing is an investment process that considers the social and environmental consequences of investments in addition to… Read More

Model for foundations with many eligible trustee candidates

Posted on October 30, 2002 by Elaine Perachio

The Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund focuses its grant-making efforts on the greater Galveston, Texas, area. Board and family members reside in locations throughout the country. The Fund has developed an effective model for involving current and future generations of family members in the work of the foundation. … Read More

Difficult Discussions at Difficult Times

Posted on March 4, 2002 by Deanne Stone

This Passages Issue Brief offers suggestions for preparing for and responding to the effect of crises of different magnitude on philanthropic families. These include personal crises such as death, illness, and interpersonal conflicts, as well as community and national crises — including natural disasters, riots, economic recession, and terrorism… Read More