Foundation Portfolios Up 5.2% in 3rd Quarter The Grantmaker Investment Value Index (“GIV”) rose 5.2% in the second quarter, bringing year-to-date gains to 9.9%.  The GIV Index stood at a record high as of September 30, 2025 with 10-year returns annualized at 8.0%. However, foundations continue to lag the traditional institutional portfolio mix comprised of […]

Disbursements Projected to Increase 8.6% in 2025 Disbursement projections are a function of two variables; 1) asset level, and 2) payout ratio.  Estimated September 2025 foundation assets were $1.757 trillion. Based on the two important caveats (see box) regarding asset levels and payout ratios that we highlight, we project foundation disbursements to rise 8.6% to […]

FoundationMark models indicate that U.S. foundations’ assets increased by over $75 billion, or 4.4%, in the third quarter of 2025 bringing the total to $1.757 trillion, a new record.  Foundation asset levels are a function of three variables: incoming contributions, outgoing grants and expenses, and investment performance. The Grantmaker Investment Value (“GIV”) Index rose 5.2% […]