Seminars

Check the Educational Programs calendar for all upcoming seminars.

Our daylong seminars give you a chance to focus, learn from top facilitators, and connect with other grantmakers. Offerings include:

990-PF Tax Seminar

Taught by top accountants and lawyers, this program includes a page-by-page analysis of the IRS Form 990-PF and tax planning tips.

Foundations 101

New to philanthropy? New trustees and staff, or anyone needing a refresher, will get up to speed on foundations, including legal essentials and practical systems to save time and money. Build your network as you learn with and from foundation colleagues.

Getting to Impact: From Vision to Strategy

Making a real difference with your foundation is possible, but you must first define what you want to achieve and how you’re going to get there. Starting with a mission and your vision of success, we will walk you through the essential questions that help you formulate a clear and thoughtful grantmaking strategy to achieve your desired impact. This session is the first of two that are critical for foundation leaders who ask, “How do we know we’re really making a difference?”

Evaluating for Impact

Learn how to look beneath the surface and determine what your giving is accomplishing. Address common misconceptions about “evaluation” and “impact,” two buzzwords of the field, while learning how to approach evaluation in simple ways that can help you achieve your foundation’s goals.

Investment Essentials

Over the long haul, good investment decisions can lead to more grants and greater impact. So how can you be prepared to make good decisions? Knowing pertinent building blocks of investment management will guide your foundation on the road to good financial health. Learn how to assess what’s important, why it’s important, and strategies to maximize your investment returns.

Investments: Beyond the Basics

Gain a better understanding of how your foundation is doing in terms of process, investment return, and governance, and locate at least one area where you may be able to save or make money.

Legal Essentials

Find out what the attorneys know! This one-day seminar introduces basic legal requirements of private foundations. Learn best practices and get practical tools to stay legal.

Next Generation Programs

ASF’s programming for the next generation of family foundation trustees includes dinner programs and retreats. The programs offer a comfortable space to discuss the joys, challenges, and realities of being involved in family philanthropy. Explore your family’s history and your own values in a relaxed environment with other young people.

All in the Family Seminar

Join others who are looking for meaningful and effective ways to engage their families in philanthropy. Explore motivational values, family dynamics, and succession as tools for advancing your family’s philanthropy.

Trustee Leadership Seminar

What does being a trustee really mean? Gain insight in our signature program designed for trustees of all levels of experience and key staff who work closely with the board.