Spending Policy
A spending policy is a rule for how much an endowment/foundation distributes each year to fund operations or beneficiaries.
Allocator relevance: A key constraint on liquidity and risk—spending needs shape asset allocation, liquidity budgets, and pacing.
Expanded Definition
Spending policies often target a fixed percentage of portfolio value (sometimes smoothed over multiple years). This creates a persistent cash requirement regardless of market conditions. During downturns, spending needs can force sales or constrain commitments if liquidity planning is weak.
Spending policy is one reason endowments and foundations care deeply about liquidity sleeves, rebalancing rules, and stress testing.
How It Works in Practice
Institutions set annual spending based on policy and governance approval. Investment teams manage the portfolio to support spending while maintaining long-term purchasing power.
Decision Authority and Governance
Boards or committees set spending policy. Governance ties spending to IPS constraints and liquidity budgets, ensuring the investment program supports operational sustainability.
Common Misconceptions
- Spending policy is purely a finance decision, not investment-related.
- Spending rates can be maintained without liquidity planning.
- Spending policy is stable regardless of market regime.
Key Takeaways
- Spending creates ongoing liquidity obligations.
- It shapes risk tolerance and pacing.
- Governance links spending to portfolio construction.