Payout Planning in Volatile Times Grant Makers in Health Conference March 13, 2013
Foundation Alignment Spending Policy Program Strategy Asset Allocation Strategy
Spending Policy § RWJF should exist in perpetuity § RWJF seeks to maintain purchasing power over time § RWJF can reduce purchasing power for periods of time
Progress Since 1972
Program Strategy We drive social change to improve health Target defined areas (Impact Framework) Make dollar commitments to certain fields public (e.g., Childhood Obesity) Approve multi-year awards and programs
Program Strategy We drive social change to improve health Target defined areas (Impact Framework) Make dollar commitments to certain fields public (e.g., Childhood Obesity) Approve multi-year awards and programs This approach Uses the strength of our brand and reputation Enables us to attract some of the best scientists and leaders Allows for sustained focus to drive change
Program Strategy We drive social change to improve health Target defined areas (Impact Framework) Make dollar commitments to certain fields public (e.g., Childhood Obesity) Approve multi-year awards and programs But this approach creates financial challenges
RWJF Programming Program Budget Approved Awards Cash Approved Authorizations Draw down Awards Cash Current Year Current & Future Years Approvals
Approvals are Not the Same as Payout 2012 Approvals 2012Payout 2012 Approved and Paid
Program Inventory $ in Millions
Asset Allocation Question § Should we limit volatility given programming style? or § Adjust programming style to absorb volatility?
How to Manage in Downturns § Protecting against downturns: Reduce the length of program authorizations and awards Limit ratio of commitments to average assets § To get there: Approve shorter programs Approve “up to” (not fixed) amounts for some programs Use more planning grants and milestone funding Be cautious about beginning new branded programs § Side benefit: more frequent program assessment
How to Manage Growth § Scale up without long-term commitments Absorb Growth with awards that payout quickly Keep multi-year budgets steady; increase gradually
How to Manage Growth § Scale up without long-term commitments Absorb Growth with awards that payout quickly Keep multi-year budgets steady; increase gradually § Ways to get there Waiting lists of additional projects Pre-funding disaster relief or future studies Pre-funding programs for accelerated payment
Foundation Alignment Spending Policy Program Strategy Asset Allocation Strategy