Final evaluation report (Meadows Foundation)
Posted on October 28, 2003 by Meadows Foundation
Final evaluation report form used by the Texas-based Meadows Foundation… Read More
Perpetuity, lifespan, and spend down
Family foundations: The next generation, an interview with Kelin Gersick
Posted on October 28, 2003 by Pamela Gerloff
Family foundations can perpetuate family dynamics problems, allowing the same dilemmas to occur repeatedly. In this interview, Kelin Gersick explains how foundations can evolve to avoid these recurring dilemmas, giving tips for building flexibility into the transferrence of leadership… Read More
Giving Until It Hurts: Coping With a Tough Economy
Posted on June 4, 2003 by Deborah Brody Hamilton
In early 2003, following two years of steady stock market declines, many nonprofits faced what commentators described as a ‘perfect storm’ in their funding. This Passages Issue Brief describes strategies that foundations and non-profits have used to survive these and other related cut backs… Read More
Example of a family foundation spending policy
Posted on October 28, 2002 by National Center for Family Philanthropy
Sample policy describing the goals of one foundation’s annual spending policy, and the methods it will use to achieve those goals… Read More
Criteria and term limits (Andrus Family Fund)
Posted on October 27, 2002 by Deanne Stone
This excerpt from ‘Sustaining Tradition: The Andrus Family Philanthropy Program,’ describes the Andrus family’s criteria for participation, and it’s policy on term limits with regard to the foundation… Read More
Establishing Your Intent
Posted on October 28, 2001 by Paul K. Rhoads
It is important to think about ways to educate new and existing board members to better understand your intent, values, and history of giving… Read More
When Is It Time To Say Goodbye?: Exit Strategies And Venture Philanthropy Funds
Posted on September 20, 2001 by Jed Emerson, Kim Alter, Melinda Tuan, Paul Shoemaker
In the emerging practice of 'venture philanthropy' (VP) (or engaged grant making), one of the most interesting and least understood pillars of the approach is the 'exit strategy.'… Read More
The Five Percent Minimum Payout Requirement
Posted on December 1, 2000 by Council on Foundations
The purpose behind the minimum payout requirement is to prevent foundations from simply receiving gifts, investing the assets and never spending any funds on charitable purposes. This report, developed by the Council on Foundations, describes the payout requirement, how to calculate payout, penalties for violating the rule, and other details relating to this important requirement for private foundations… Read More
Considering the question of perpetuity
Posted on February 20, 1999 by Vince Stehle
Although there is some debate within philanthropy about the question of perpetuity, in the end no single correct approach is right for all donors. The decision to create a foundation for the ages or for the moment is a highly individual choice. It should be guided by the philanthropic goals laid out by donors and their families… Read More