Foundation Spending Strategies Vary for 2020

In April 2020, Cambridge Associates conducted a survey of our foundation clients to gauge sentiment about spending for the current year and to understand potential sources of flexibility and liquidity in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year has brought tremendous disruption and uncertainty, but foundations are approaching these challenges with responsive philanthropy and a long-term view, so they can support important causes in 2020 and beyond.

May 2020

Endowment Governance

The “secret sauce” to long-term investment success is, in most cases, the governance that guides and oversees the investment program. In this series, we discuss the roles and responsibilities of governance; highlight the steps to build a diverse and collaborative committee, and outline the culture of a well-functioning committee.

May 2020

Endowment Governance Part 1 – The Job Description

The “secret sauce” to long-term investment success is, in most cases, the governance that guides and oversees the investment program. In this series, we discuss the roles and responsibilities of governance; highlight the steps to build a diverse and collaborative committee, and outline the culture of a well-functioning committee.

May 2020

Endowment Governance Part 2 – Building the Team

The “secret sauce” to long-term investment success is, in most cases, the governance that guides and oversees the investment program. In this series, we discuss the roles and responsibilities of governance; highlight the steps to build a diverse and collaborative committee, and outline the culture of a well-functioning committee.

May 2020

Endowment Governance Part 3 – Process and Engagement

The “secret sauce” to long-term investment success is, in most cases, the governance that guides and oversees the investment program. In this series, we discuss the roles and responsibilities of governance; highlight the steps to build a diverse and collaborative committee, and outline the culture of a well-functioning committee.

May 2020

Balancing the Financial Equation: Your Closest Supporters Have Never Been More Important

For non-profit institutions, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 virus, and the speed by which these disruptions have materialized, create a perfect financial storm.

April 2020

Community Foundations: The Power of Aggregated Capital

Community foundation assets have grown steadily over the years, accumulating a mix of endowment funds and funds with more expedient spend-down expectations. With the right expertise and attention, the endowment model can be applied to these complex, dynamic assets to differentiate the foundation and deliver on its mission.

August 2019

Proposed Tax on Endowment Income Would Mean Difficult Choices for Many Schools

College and university leaders are paying close attention to the tax plans moving through the Senate and House. As currently written, both proposals would levy a 1.4% tax on net investment income earned during the tax year for private colleges and universities. The House version proposed the tax be applied to schools with assets of at […]

December 2017