Many Foundations at some point confront the question of what to leave behind and may choose to establish an archive. Some perpetual foundations have created archives that are continually updated, and the decision to archive has long been a consideration for foundations choosing limited life.
In this collection of reports and articles, professionals from across the field of philanthropy discuss the purpose of foundation archives, their various contents and uses, archival trends in the philanthropic sector, and approaches to the archival process.
Foundation Archives: Perspectives and Practices
The Atlantic Philanthropies and Its Archives: Limited Life, Enduring Legacy
Report
In December 2016, The Atlantic Philanthropies made its final awards, becoming the largest limited life philanthropy to complete its grantmaking. The end of this aspect of its organizational life has been long-planned and purposeful – a fulfillment of donor Charles F. (“Chuck”) Feeney’s commitment to Giving While Living. Many of…
Transparency Talk: Archives
Article
Included here are perspectives from: Sally Crowley, communications director for The John R. Oishei Foundation Alan S. Divack, Senior Project Manager for Archives and Knowledge Management at the Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program John E. Craig, Jr., is Executive Vice President & COO of The Commonwealth Fund Emily Keller, Editorial…
The Archives of U.S. Foundations: An Endangered Species
Report
Using data collected on the 300 largest U.S. foundations through a survey commissioned by The Commonwealth Fund in fall 2012, this report discusses the status of archiving in the foundation sector and recommends ways to improve policies and practices in an area that is often overlooked.
