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Why the Way You Count Matters and Why Comparing One-Year Returns Does Not
As we near the end of the performance reporting season for larger higher ed institutions this year, I am once again struck by the focus the media and others place on a single fiscal year return.
A Closer Look at Higher Education Endowments Less Often in the Spotlight
Earlier this year, Commonfund, in partnership with the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), released the 2024 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments (NCSE, or,... Learn More
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...
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...
AI and the Productivity Paradox: Are We Finally Seeing the Payoff?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) remains the most compelling theme in global markets today. With OpenAI and Anthropic recently valued at $300 billion and $183 billion, respectively, and tech giants, like...
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...
U.S. Government Shutdown Ends: Economic Impact and Next Steps