Grantmaking Strategy and Evaluation

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

When projects flounder

Posted on November 18, 2004 by William Ryan

What warning signs might alert you that a project is floundering? In this guide, grant makers recount their experiences with troubled projects and tell how they responded – or how they wish they’d responded. With the benefit of hindsight, veterans describe what they learned and offer advice on the most effective and timely way to handle distress signals… Read More

Using competitions and RFPs: Requests for proposals

Posted on November 18, 2004 by Ellen Arrick

When does it make sense to hold a grant competition or use an RFP? In addition to looking at management issues to consider along the way, this guide explores how grant makers shape competitions to serve larger strategic goals, communicate with wider audiences, create a learning community, and find ways to work with those who are not selected. Now with… 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

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