Foundation Operations and Management Report

The Foundation Operations and Management Report is the tool for small foundation benchmarking. The 2011 edition contains more than 50 pages of easy-to-read data and commentary on small foundation administration, boards, grantmaking, and investments, as reported by more than 750 ASF members.

All ASF members (primary contacts) receive one complimentary hard copy of the report..

ASF members

Non-members

Snapshots From the Report

  • 36% of foundations surveyed said they provide compensation for routine board service and committee service. Family foundations are less likely to compensative for routine board service than independent foundations.

  • Lack of asset growth or income was identified as the single most important issue facing foundations, with board/generational succession and need for greater focus/impact in grantmaking tying for second.

  • The average investment return for calendar year 2010 was 11.2%.

  • For each $1 in grants, foundations typically spend $0.13 in charitable operating costs.

  • The two most common types of grant support are for specific programs and general operating support. 73% of foundations give specific program support, 71% provide general operating support.

Special thanks to Bernstein Global Wealth Management, our sponsor for the investment chapter of the 2011 Foundation Operations and Management Report.