Philanthropists are using different strategies to effect change with their money.

• More and more philanthropists are taking on spending deadlines and sunset (aka “spend-down”) provisions to promote the urgency that is called for by their causes.
• The current economic and political climate has people determined to make big change.
• Ten years ago, the Beldon Fund (a New York-based environmental-policy foundation) opened its doors with a mandate to build national consensus for a healthy planet within 10 years. As promised, it closes its doors this month but will keep its site up as an example for other philanthropists.

Facts & Figures

• 10% of active family foundations are limited-life foundations (like the Beldon Fund).
• Warren Buffet and Bill Gates are among the leading philanthropists who have incorporated sunset provisions into projects recently.

Best Quote

“Let the next generation create new philanthropic capital for their own priorities and mission.” – Melissa Berman, President and Chief Executive of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, on the implications of philanthropists spending down

Tags: family foundation, limited-life foundation, spend-down, sunset provisions