For further information or questions regarding the 2012 Endowment Institute please contact Allison Parker, Commonfund Institute, at (203)563-5021 or click here. 

Course Objectives:

Level I will introduce nonprofit financial staff and trustees to the basic concepts involved in investing long-term assets for nonprofits. It is conducted as a series of lectures by well-known academic experts and managers/practitioners. While it requires little knowledge of technical terms, some experience in investing and knowledge of basic terms is helpful. It does involve fairly extensive prior reading and we encourage class participation and group study with peers. Click here to view a sample Level I agenda.

Level II will explore the leading edge of theory and practice as it relates to the management of long-term funds in nonprofit organizations. The Level II curriculum primarily consists of longer (1.5 - 3.0 hour) sessions which are interactive and based on case studies. There is extensive required reading both before and during the course, as well as mandatory daily group study and discussion. Click here to view a sample Level II agenda.

Learning Objectives:

• In Level I, participants will be introduced to Modern Portfolio Theory and the history of the Equity Risk Premium.  They will be able to differentiate between the primary asset classes and strategies  – marketable securities, hedge funds, real estate, private capital & commodities;  assess the benefits and limitations of various spending formulas common among nonprofits and their impact on the portfolios they manage for their institutions; implement the basic steps of portfolio risk management and due diligence, and understand how they can apply them to their managers searches and internal practices.  Registrants for this intermediate course must have a thorough understanding of financial and investment terms.  Depending upon the sessions attended, a maximum of 27 CPE credits* may be earned for classroom time.  Additional credits may be earned for time spent in course mandated study groups.  One credit is earned for every 50 minutes of class/study time. 

• Participants in Level II will gain an in-depth understanding of how to maintain intergenerational equity in their endowments; the selection and implementation of spending rules; and the keys to effective governance and fiduciary duties. They will become conversant in the theory and practice of portfolio construction, asset allocation, risk management, and the provision for liquidity in their long term portfolios and in the financial structure of their institutions. Registrants for this advanced course must complete Level I or have an extensive background in finance and/or nonprofit endowment management. Depending upon the sessions attended, a maximum of 21 CPE credits* may be earned for classroom time. Additional credits may be earned for time spent in course mandated study groups.  One credit is earned for every 50 minutes of class/study time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Tuition
Full tuition and study materials for the program are $2,750 for Commonfund clients and $3,000 for non-clients. The fee covers tuition, meals and course materials. Participants are responsible for travel, hotel and personal expenses.

Hotel/Accomodations
Commonfund has reserved a block of rooms at the Omni New Haven Hotel for participants. To make a reservation in this block and receive a special rate of $179 per night, please call the hotel directly at (203) 772-6664 and mention "Commonfund Institute".

Meals
All meals will be provided.

Dress
Dress for the program is business casual.

Airport/Travel Info
Click here for detailed airport and travel information.