The Courage to Lead in Family Philanthropy: a Special Pre-Forum Retreat for Board Members and CEOs

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Cindy Johnson, Thomas Beech

This special retreat is an opportunity for participants to explore fundamental questions of leadership, impact, sustainability and self-care. It is based on the work of Parker Palmer, noted author and co-founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal, offering time for small group dialogue and reflection in a safe, trustworthy space. The retreat will focus on the alignment of our personal… Read More

In Times of Growth: Planning for an Influx of Assets

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Elaine Gast Fawcett

An influx of assets is a powerful transition point in your philanthropy. With rising resources comes the budding potential to do more of what you’re already doing—or, perhaps, try something new. This Passages Issue Brief will help you plan now for growth tomorrow, and manage change if you’re in the midst of it today… Read More

Planning for an Influx of Assets

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Tara Brown, Katherine Lorenz, Elaine Gast Fawcett

An influx of assets—whether sudden or expected—is a powerful transition point in your family’s philanthropy. With rising resources comes the budding potential to do more of what you’re already doing: making a difference according to your foundation’s mission. For family foundations—particularly those for whom the influx comes as a complete surprise—a change in asset size can feel downright disorienting. … Read More

Conflict of Interest and Self-Dealing Policy

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Anonymous

_________ Foundation Policies and Procedures Conflict of Interest and Self-Dealing Purpose This policy provides guidance on dealing with two common issues faced by the Foundation’s Trustees and staff: self-dealing (issues involving financial gains) and conflicts of interest (issues involving personal motivations and loyalties). It protects the Foundation’s tax-exempt status and reputation and protects the Trustees and staff from IRS penalties… Read More

Trustee Position Description sample

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Anonymous

_______ FoundationPosition Description Position Title: TRUSTEE Reports to: Fellow Trustees Date: June 2008 Function:The mission of the _____ Foundation, a family foundation, is to improve the quality of life through grants to charitable organizations. Trustees are responsible for the governance of the Foundation and report to the Directors. Trustees are organized into grant groups and committees.  Responsibilities:1. Defining and overseeing… Read More

R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation Trustee Responsibilities

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Jr. Foundation, The R. Howard Dobbs Jr. Foundation

R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation Trustee Responsibilities ARTICLE THREE Board of Trustees 3.1 Authority and Responsibility of the Board of Trustees. (a) The supreme authority of the Foundation and the government and management of the affairs of the Foundation shall be vested in the Board of Trustees; and all the powers, duties, and functions of the Foundation conferred by the… Read More

Code of ethics (anonymous sample)

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Anonymous

________ Foundation Policies and Procedures Code of Ethics Background In June 2008, the Trustees of the ________ Foundation agreed to be guided by the Council on Foundations’ Stewardship Principles for Family Foundations. These principles, which were closely reviewed one-by-one by the Executive Committee, spelled out best practices in governance, ethics and accountability, and family legacy. One of the best practices… Read More

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

General Policy on Self-Dealing (Anonymous Family Foundation)

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Anonymous

The Foundation will not knowingly engage in any “self dealing” activity. Self-dealing is any “prohibited financial transaction” between The Foundation and a “disqualified person.” 1. Prohibited Financial Transactions a. The sale, exchange or leasing or property (such as purchasing stationery, supplies, printing, graphic design or insurance from a disqualified person). b. The lending of money or the extension of credit… Read More