FoundationMark models indicate that U.S. foundations’ assets increased by $150 billion, or 9.1%, in the 2025 bringing the total to $1.786 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 1.6% in the fourth quarter […]

Disbursements Projected to Increase 7.1% in 2025 Disbursement projections are a function of two variables; 1) asset level, and 2) payout ratio.  Estimated September 2025 foundation assets were $1.786 trillion. Based on the two important caveats (see box) regarding asset levels and payout ratios that we highlight, we project foundation disbursements to rise 7.1% to […]

Foundation Portfolios Up 1.6% in 4th Quarter The Grantmaker Investment Value Index (“GIV”) rose 1.6% in the third quarter, bringing year-to-date gains to 11.4%.  The GIV Index stood at a record high as of December 31, 2025 with 10-year returns annualized at 7.7%. However, foundations continue to lag the traditional institutional portfolio mix comprised of […]