Each quarter we pull together the published results of three leading measures of foundation performance, the FoundationMark GIV Index, the Northern Trust Foundation and Endowment Universe, and the foundation subgroup of the BNY Mellon U.S. Master Trust Universe. The results are shown in the table and graph below. Periods ended September 30, 2020 … [Read more...] about Third Quarter 2020 Performance Round-Up
Second Quarter 2020 Performance Round-Up
Each quarter we pull together the published results of three leading measures of foundation performance, the FoundationMark GIV Index, the Northern Trust Foundation and Endowment Universe, and the foundation subgroup of the BNY Mellon U.S. Master Trust Universe. The results are shown in the table and graph below. Periods ended June 30, 2020 … [Read more...] about Second Quarter 2020 Performance Round-Up
How Much do Foundations Give Per Year?
Measuring Giving in Dollars and as a Percent of Assets Examining foundation giving is best approached from two perspectives, first, in terms of actual dollars distributed by foundations each year, and secondly as a percentage of assets. Below we provide answers to both. In doing so, we hope to demonstrate the relationship between asset levels and giving, as well as provide … [Read more...] about How Much do Foundations Give Per Year?
Measuring Foundation Asset Levels
Last summer our research indicated that foundation assets crossed the $1 trillion threshold for the first time at some point in 2017, about 18 months prior to our discovery. Curious to learn more about this watershed moment, we looked for news stories but found none. After triple checking all our data, we mentioned this to the leading philanthropic publication, the Chronicle … [Read more...] about Measuring Foundation Asset Levels
Foundations Disburse 8% of Average Assets in Grants and Expenses per Year
Mandated Five Percent is a Floor Not a Ceiling Most people in the philanthropic world are familiar with the 5% payout requirement that nonprofits must observe to maintain their tax exempt status. Therefor, it's quite natural to assume that foundations take the 5% rate as scripture and rarely deviate from it. The filings of some of the largest foundations - Ford, Lilly, … [Read more...] about Foundations Disburse 8% of Average Assets in Grants and Expenses per Year