Passing the “Mirror Test”: Ethics and family philanthropy

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Michael Rion

Your family’s philanthropic values – your sense of stewardship, your personal commitments and interests, and your desire to foster charitable impulses in your children and future generations – are the foundation of your family’s philanthropy.  Articulating and discussing values on a regular basis is part of ethically responsible giving. … Read More

The Rockefeller Brothers Fund: Executive Committee Charter policy

Posted on August 7, 2015

Bylaws, Article VIII, Section (a) states:There shall be an executive committee of the Board consisting of the chair and up to seven but no less than six other trustees elected by the vote of a majority of the entire Board at the annual meeting each year. The chair of the executive committee shall be the chair of the Board. A… Read More

George Family Foundation: Responsibilities of the Board Chair

Posted on June 19, 2015 by George Family Foundation

Oversee fulfillment of the mission and goals of the foundation: Make sure GFF is serving society effectively and fulfilling its strategic and organizational goals Periodically revisit the mission, operating principles, “Constitution” of the GFF Be a spokesperson with influential audiences in focus areas of key interest Engage with activities that involve promoting the GFF “brand” (PR, written materials, etc.) Regularly… Read More

Can the foundation reimburse expenses for a family gathering that takes place during a board meeting?

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Andras Kosaras

A foundation may only incur expenses for meetings/events that are related to carrying out its exempt purposes (including reasonable and necessary administrative expenses).  If a board member wants to invite all board and family members to a family event, the foundation may only reimburse the board member for the expenses incurred if the event is for the purposes of the… Read More