For the past few years, investors have enjoyed a long period of relative calm in the markets. In recent months, however, market volatility has begun to rear its head. This volatility can naturally be unnerving, but one must remember that volatility is, in fact, a normal part of the investing cycle. Those of us that... Read More
The Foundation Operations and Management Report—the only resource of its kind for foundations operating with few or no staff—offers key industry benchmarks and long-term data on the evolution of lean foundations. Based on our annual survey of members, this report has insights into the grantmaking, operations, and management of foundations with few or no staff.... Read More
This webinar, presented in partnership with Glenmede, will cover what you should know and consider before, during, and after the RFP process. We will examine key considerations and the types of questions that should be asked at each stage. We will also place special emphasis on understanding and evaluating investment costs as this is an... Read More
One session at the Exponent Philanthropy National Conference this past fall prompted a question that I’ve continued to ponder. I attended the session “A Framework for Foundation Investing in a Low-Return Environment.” Full disclosure: As a relative newcomer to philanthropy, I often feel anxious in discussions about organizational budgets and investing. But it’s an important... Read More
Consider a community foundation with assets of $12 million. A foundation of that size might make a little over $600,000 in grants in a year and raise $750,000. The foundation works carefully to oversee the funds going out and coming in, but what about the remaining $11.4 million in its endowment? $11.4 million. If the... Read More
Foundations can no longer rely on fixed income investments to generate strong returns with low risk. As returns on fixed income have declined, many foundations have taken on more risk (via equity investments) to fill the earnings gap. What if there is a way for your foundation to generate investment income without changing your risk... Read More