Does Your Investment Policy Statement Measure Up?

Association of Small Foundations

Scott Thayer

An article from their newsletter, "Essentials" about the importance of investment policy statements and the idea that they alone may be insufficient to manage risk. Login required.

http://www.smallfoundations.org/site/apps/s/search2.asp?c=fvKRI7MPJqF&b=2646967

Investments: What Every Grantmaker Should Know

Minnesota Council on Foundations

Aug/Sept 2004

From the MCF series "Notes", an in-depth look at investments for nonprofits.

http://www.mcf.org/publictrust/wegsk_investments.htm

Kate Cassidy

Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers

Considering Your Foundation's Investment Strategy
Fidelity Private Foundation Services
A good summary of a foundation’s basic fiduciary responsibilities regarding investments.
www.fidelityprivatefoundations.com/resources_foundadmin_strategy.html

Understanding Private Foundation Regulations: Jeopardy Investments
Fidelity Private Foundation Services
A good summary of a foundation’s basic legal compliance issues regarding jeopardizing investments.
https://www.fidelityprivatefoundations.com/resources_foundadmin_jeopardy.html

Spending Policies and Investment Planning for Foundations: A Structure for Determining a Foundation's Asset Mix
Council on Foundations
This study can help board members review and determine the appropriate asset allocation and spending policies for their foundation. Available for purchase.
www.cof.org/publications

Asset Allocation and Spending Policy Analysis Questionnaire (PDF)
IKnow.org, Raffa & Associates, P.C.
This questionnaire is designed to collect information necessary to perform an analysis of a foundation’s endowment fund based on current asset allocation, spending policy and other factors that have a material impact upon the fund’s total return.
www.iknow.org/images/SEIAsses.pdf

Investment Planning for Family Foundations (PDF)
Association of Small Foundations
This article summarizes seven basic steps for effective foundation investment management (reprinted from “Family Matters,” Council on Foundations).
www.foundationinabox.org/guide/investment/need_for_investment_planning/file

Investment Issues for Family Funds: Managing and Maximizing Your Philanthropic Assets (National Center Journal, Volume 2)
National Center for Family Philanthropy
This Journal provides easy-to-understand answers to a full range of questions regarding foundation investment, including spending policies, investment guidelines, mission-related investing, and risk tolerance. Available for purchase.
www.ncfp.org/publications-main.html

Financial Committees
BoardSource
This guidebook provides an in-depth look at the functions of a board’s finance, audit and investment committees. Available for purchase.
www.boardsource.org/Bookstore.asp

Engaging Investment Advisors (PDF)
Association of Small Foundations
This article outlines the key considerations and criteria for foundations to consider when seeking investment help (reprinted from “Resources for Family Philanthropy,” National Center for Family Philanthropy).
www.foundationinabox.org/guide/investment/choosing_an_investment/file

Investing Wisely (PDF)
Council on Foundations
This “Family Matters” newsletter reprint includes articles on investing in a changing economy, changing asset allocations and choosing investment consultants.
www.cof.org/files/Documents/Newsletters/FamilyMatters/fmwinter02.pdf

Managing Foundation Investments: Policies & Practices (PDF)
Council on Foundations
This booklet covers several key legal and ethical issues regarding foundation investments.
www.cof.org/files/Documents/Building%20Strong%20Ethical%20Foundations/Investment_Policies.pdf

Conflicts of Interest, Part III: Foundation Investments
Council on Foundations
This article covers the basic legal and ethical issues regarding conflicts of interest related to foundation investments.
www.foundationnews.org/CME/article.cfm?id=3006

Investing in Your Mission
National Center for Family Philanthropy
Articles from Family Giving News on ways for a foundation to link its investment strategies to its mission.
www.ncfp.org/FGN-Mar_2003/Up_Front.htm

Megan Wentworth

For Additional Resources, please see the Investment Policy section of the Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington website: