News and Analysis of Foundation Investment Performance

Newsletters

First Quarter Investment Performance

By

Foundations Notch a 6.6% Investment Gain in First Quarter The Grantmaker Investment Value Index ("GIV") rose 6.6% in the first quarter, continuing the upward trajectory after 2023's 15.5% gain. Foundation investment performance annualized at 6.8% per year for the ten years ended March, 31 2024, ahead of the required 5% payout ratio, but not after accounting for inflation … [Read more...] about First Quarter Investment Performance

First Quarter Off to a Good Start

By

FoundationMark models indicate that U.S. foundations' assets rose by about $85 billion, or about 5.8%, in the first quarter of 2024 pushing assets to a record $1.55 trillion.Foundation asset levels are a function of three variables: incoming contributions, outgoing grants and expenses, and investment performance. The Grantmaker Investment Value ("GIV") Index was up 6.6% in the … [Read more...] about First Quarter Off to a Good Start

Fourth Quarter Investment Performance

By

Solid Fourth Quarter Returns Across the Board The Grantmaker Investment Value Index ("GIV") rose 8.5% in the fourth quarter bringing full year 2023 performance to a 17.3%, the second best year in the past decade. Foundation investment performance annualized at 6.3% per year for the ten years ended December, 2023, modestly ahead of the required 5% payout ratio, but still … [Read more...] about Fourth Quarter Investment Performance

Fourth Quarter Rebound

By

FoundationMark models indicate that U.S. foundations' assets rose by about $100 billion, or about 7.7%, in the fourth quarter of 2023 pushing assets to a record $1.5 trillion. Foundation asset levels are a function of three variables: incoming contributions, outgoing grants and expenses, and investment performance. The Grantmaker Investment Value ("GIV") Index was up 17.3% … [Read more...] about Fourth Quarter Rebound

Disbursements Forecast Update: December 2023

By

Disbursements Likely Up 5.5% in 2023 In 2023 asset levels rebounded from 2022's losses to reach a record $1.5 trillion. 2023's asset gain of nearly $200 pushed total assets past the previous high water mark of $1.45 trillion in 2021. Based on the two important caveats (see box) regarding asset levels and payout ratios that we highlight, we expect foundation disbursements … [Read more...] about Disbursements Forecast Update: December 2023