FoundationMark models indicate that U.S. foundations’ assets increased by over $100 billion, or 6.9%, in the second quarter of 2025 bringing the total to $1.678 trillion, a new record. Foundation asset levels are a function of three variables: incoming contributions, outgoing grants and expenses, and investment performance. The Grantmaker Investment Value (“GIV”) Index rose 7.7% […]

Disbursements Projected to Increase 5.6% in 2025 Disbursement projections are a function of two variables; 1) asset level, and 2) payout ratio.  Estimated June 2025 foundation assets were $1.678 trillion. Based on the two important caveats (see box) regarding asset levels and payout ratios that we highlight, we project foundation disbursements to rise 8.7% to […]

Foundation Portfolios Rebound 7.7% in Second Quarter The Grantmaker Investment Value Index (“GIV”) rose 7.7% in the second quarter, bringing year-to-date gains to 5.4%.  This was a sharp reversal from the first quarter when the index fell 2.1%.  The GIV Index stood at a record high as of June 30, 2025 with 10-year returns annualized […]