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Year-End Update and 2026 Investment Outlook
Calendar year 2025 delivered strong equity market returns globally, continuing the outsized performance of the past two years. In the U.S., the S&P 500 index returned 17.9 percent. Not to be outdone,... Learn More
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...
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...
Aligning Mission and Impact
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...
Benchmarks for Boards
This paper attempts to serve as a guide for trustees and boards that aspire to excel, with particular emphasis on the board’s fiduciary role.
Private Markets Year in Review and 2026 Outlook
As we enter our 38th year, we write to share with you our year-end letter and observations of what may be ahead in 2026 in the private equity investment environment.