News and Analysis of Foundation Investment Performance

Foundation Advocate

Foundation Assets Estimated at $1.23 Trillion as of September 30, Down Slightly from June Record

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FoundationMark models indicate that U.S. foundations' assets stood at $1.23 trillion as of September 30, 2021, down slightly from the June 30 record. In the 3rd quarter, FoundationMark estimates that foundations investment performance was down 0.6%, However, since the start of the year, asset levels are projected to be up about $65 billion, driven by the 8.6% year-to-date of … [Read more...] about Foundation Assets Estimated at $1.23 Trillion as of September 30, Down Slightly from June Record

Holdings Disclosure: Who Owns What? And Who is not Saying

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Disclosure Spectrum Foundations are required to report the fair market value of their assets every year. The IRS further requires foundations to list their holdings by asset class on their balance sheet and provide schedules of their holdings, however, foundations interpretations of "additional detail" can vary enormously. Some foundations provide extensive lists of … [Read more...] about Holdings Disclosure: Who Owns What? And Who is not Saying

Foundation Assets Estimated at $1.24 Trillion as of June 30, New Record

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FoundationMark models indicate that U.S. foundations' assets rose to $1.24 trillion as of June 30, 2021.  The recent growth in foundation assets is primarily attributable to investment gains of 9.3% for the GIV Index in the six months to June 30, 2021.  Since the pandemic low in March 2020, global equity markets have delivered strong returns, fueling foundation asset and giving … [Read more...] about Foundation Assets Estimated at $1.24 Trillion as of June 30, New Record

Payout Ratios – Why is it so Complicated to Get a Simple Answer?

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One would think that calculating a payout ratio is a very straightforward task.  You just need a numerator and a denominator, therefor simple division leaves you with a ratio. For example, if you wanted to know a baseball teams winning percentage, you take the number of games won, divide by number of games played, and viola, you have a ratio. Naturally it follows, that if you … [Read more...] about Payout Ratios – Why is it so Complicated to Get a Simple Answer?