National Center for Family Philanthropy

Contributions

The Theodore R. & Vivian M. Johnson Scholarship Foundation

Posted on April 15, 2007 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

“Mr. Johnson felt he had been ‘lucky.’ Those were his words: ‘You know, we’ve been lucky with money.’” Theodore “Ted” Johnson returned from service as a gunnery officer in World War I and took a job with Merchants Parcel Delivery, a private messenger and delivery service. Johnson would work his way through college and up in the company, obtaining an… Read More

Case Studies

The Hill-Snowdon Foundation

Posted on March 15, 2007 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Arthur B. Hill, a pharmaceutical salesman with no formal education who worked his way to the board of directors of Johnson & Johnson, created the Arthur B. Hill Foundation in 1959. For years, the foundation would operate as a “kitchen table” philanthropy with volunteer family members managing the assets and supporting personal interests. Ashley Snowdon, Arthur Hill’s great-granddaughter and now… Read More

Case Studies

The Durfee Foundation: Supporting Sabbaticals for Nonprofit Leaders

Posted on February 15, 2007 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Stan and Dorothy founded what would become the Durfee Foundation in 1960. In those days, it bore the Avery name as did their flourishing business. As the company became more successful, though, the family suggested taking on Dorothy’s name Durfee to distinguish between the company’s philanthropy and the family’s philanthropy. In 1977, the family foundation became the Durfee Foundation and… Read More

The 990-PF in a Nutshell: What You Need to Know

Posted on August 15, 2004

What is the 990-PF and who needs to fill one out? The 990-PF is the tax return used for all private foundations filing under tax-exempt status, which inventories all of a foundation’s assets, investments, revenue, expenses, and charitable disbursements throughout the fiscal year. It also lists foundation officers, trustees, and the number of staff, itemizes its grants, and gives information… Read More

Forming An Adjunct Or Associates Board: Questions To Consider

Posted on October 29, 2003 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

This list of questions is designed to help decide whether or not to form an associate, adjunct, or next generation board… Read More

Obtaining directors and officers liability insurance

Posted on October 31, 2002 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Every foundation should consider obtaining insurance coverage for its trustees and officers. This insurance – commonly known as directors and officers or D&O insurance – should cover defense costs as well as any damages, taxes, or fines that must be paid… Read More

Making your form 990-PF public and available

Posted on October 30, 2002 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Rules governing the requirements of a private foundation to make it’s form 990-PF available to the public… Read More

Example of a family foundation spending policy

Posted on October 28, 2002 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Sample policy describing the goals of one foundation’s annual spending policy, and the methods it will use to achieve those goals… Read More

Alan B. Slifka: One man’s faith based mission

Posted on October 21, 2002 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

This profile from NCFP's 'Faith and Family Philanthropy' journal describes that late philanthropist Alan B. Slifka's faith-based mission and efforts to teach and support Israeli Arabs and Jews to be respectful neighbors… Read More

Checklist of Fiduciary Responsibilities

Posted on June 13, 1999 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

This checklist of board fiduciary responsibilities from 'Investment Issues for Family Funds' includes questions on the areas of investment knowledge and oversight; reporting requirements; and planning for the future… Read More