This event is cosponsored by
The Urban Institute's Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy
and The Nonprofit Quarterly
Thursday, March 26, 2009
9:00-11:30 am ET
As foundations struggle with reduced assets in a still declining economy, what are the considerations regarding the current state of foundations and charitable life span? With a range of strategies to consider, how should foundations approach their asset base? Publications by panelist Francie Ostrower and Arthur Schmidt will frame the discussion.
Speakers:
Dr. Francie Ostrower, University of Texas at Austin
"Limited Life Foundations: Motivations, Experiences and Strategies" draws on survey data on over 800 private foundations with varied longevity plans, and in-depth interviews with 31 foundations that have considered or plan termination.
http://www.urban.org/publications/411836.html.
Arthur “Buzz” Schmidt, GuideStar / F.B. Heron Foundation
Escaping the Perpetuity Mindset Trap, argues that an assumption of perpetuity may blind many charitable foundations from achieving optimal social impact. Schmidt makes a number of arguments about deployment strategies for foundation assets that may potentially have more impact over the long term.
http://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/content/view/748/1.
Discussants:
• Virginia Esposito, President
National Center for Family Philanthropy
• Adam Meyerson, President
Philanthropy Roundtable
