Research Center
Select a Topic:
.svg){kind=icon}
What a Government Shutdown Means for the Nonprofit Sector: Why It Matters to Boards
At midnight on October 1st, the U.S. government shut down after Congress failed to pass a short-term funding bill. The shutdown is a culmination of contentious policy differences between Republicans...
Venture Capital Essentials: Principles and Market Trends
Are you curious about how investors navigate the dynamic world of venture capital? This Commonfund Institute Online workshop offers a practical roadmap for understanding the principles of endowment... Learn More
A Closer Look at Health Conversion Foundations
Commonfund, in partnership with the Council on Foundations (COF), recently released the 2024 Council on Foundations-Commonfund Study of Investment of Endowments for Private and Community Foundations...
Health Conversion Foundations: Preserving Community Health in a Changing Landscape
In the evolving terrain of American healthcare, health conversion foundations, also known as health legacy foundations, have emerged as powerful stewards of community well-being. These philanthropic...
Insights on Private Equity and Market Trends
Join hosts George Suttles, Executive Director, and Amanda Novello, Sr. Policy and Research Analyst, in this episode of "Espresso Chats," a series by the Commonfund Institute serving up strong, short...
Understanding the Venture Capital Investment Opportunity
Venture capital (VC) has long been a powerful engine for innovation, fueling the growth of transformative companies and shaping entire industries. From prior technology platform shifts – such as the...
Growing Use of OCIO by Private and Community Foundations
In the annual Council on Foundations-Commonfund Study of Investment of Endowments for Private and Community Foundations® (CCSF; the "Study") data show concerns are rising regarding the ability to...
Themes from the 2025 FAOG Conference for Community Foundations
Last week in Oklahoma City the 2025 FAOG (Finance, Administration & Operations Group) Conference convened experts and over 300 delegates from community foundations around the country to explore the...
A Closer Look at Long-term Returns
In the annual Council on Foundations-Commonfund Study of Investment of Endowments for Private and Community Foundations® (CCSF; the "Study") data was collected on longer-term returns for the first...
Innovative Community Health in Southeast Idaho
Portneuf Health Trust is forging a new path that serves as an example of the power of aligning mission and money for the greater good.
Study of Foundations - Key Highlights [Infographic] 2024
In this infographic, we report the key highlights from the 2024 Council on Foundations-Commonfund Study of Foundations. For the year ended December 31, 2024, participating foundations produced...
Higher Education Price Index Forecast August 2025
According to Commonfund Institute's latest update, the HEPI forecasts a 3.7 percent inflation rate for U.S. colleges and universities in fiscal year 2025. The latest forecast, based on data through...
Foundations' Endowed Portfolios Produced Double-Digit Investment Returns in 2024
Long-Term Return Data Also Positive Council on Foundations-Commonfund Study finds Outsourcing on the rise; gifts to community foundations increased Wilton, Conn. (August 27, 2025) — In the volatile...
AI and the Productivity Paradox: Are We Finally Seeing the Payoff?