Search results for: Aspen Institute

Original Source While existing in perpetuity continues to be the norm for the majority of family foundations, 25 percent say they are currently undecided about their lifespan options, while 12 percent plan to limit their lifespan, a new report released jointly by the Foundation Center…

Original Source 5 Questions for... Gary Bass, Founder and Executive Director, OMB Watch Founded in 1983 with the goal of lifting the veil of secrecy then shrouding the White House Office of Management and Budget, OMB Watch is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization that…

Summary: An article from The Aspen Institute discussing its community roundtable project on racial equity. Atlantic provided support for its June 2006 seminar.

President Obama’s election has unquestionably transformed discussions of race in the United States. At the recent Black Entertainment Television Honors Awards, Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina declared that now that an African-American man holds the most powerful position in the world, “Every child has…

While understanding of foundation activity has increased significantly in recent decades, there are still major gaps in knowledge about these important institutions. Unfortunately, the knowledge gaps make it difficult for donors, foundation and nonprofit leaders, policymakers and others concerned about foundations to make informed decisions…

Are foundations with set periods for spending down their assets more effective as grantmakers than their peers who are established to exist in perpetuity?

By Betsy Brill.  Last month Bill Gates and Warren Buffett issued a call to action to their fellow billionaires to publicly pledge at least half of their fortunes to philanthropy. The "Giving Pledge" initiative has already triggered generous responses from high-profile donors. In response, Eli…

As nonprofit institutions have seen donations and investments grow spectacularly in recent years, the urge to keep the money rolling in is being supplemented by a new pressure: make it flow out faster. Politicians, consultants, watchdog groups and even some philanthropists say that foundations, universities,…

The United States budget plan for 2006 calls for cuts totalling nearly $250 billion in domestic programmes – many of which will adversely affect disadvantaged families with children. Since 1981, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has provided independent, well-researched analyses to inform the…

Five U.S. foundations that spent all of their assets offer lessons for modern donors who might also consider a limited lifespan for their foundations, according to this report by the Aspen Institute’s Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation. Time is of the Essence: Foundations and…