Northern California Grantmakers : Beyond Five Percent: The New Foundation Payout Menu: "Beyond Five Percent: The New Foundation Payout Menu
Executive Summary

The majority of US foundations are set up to exist in perpetuity. Most pay out, in grants and administrative costs, around 5% of their assets each year, the minimum required by US law. However, some donors and foundations, driven by their missions, have moved beyond the 'default' positions of perpetuity and 5% payout."