servicesteamcontact pfs resources


About PFS

The PFS Team

Since 1987, Pacific Foundation Services, LLC (PFS) has worked with private foundations to plan, execute, and oversee their strategic giving. Built on a tradition of respect and accountability to both foundation clients and nonprofit grant seekers, PFS applies extensive knowledge of the nonprofit sector to help clients enhance the depth, scope and outcomes of their philanthropic contributions.

History

PFS was founded by Lyman Casey, who had managed the Bothin Foundation for many years. When three other foundations approached him for management advice, he saw the logic and efficiency of sharing the overhead and staffing costs of all four foundations. PFS’ model has proven successful, and today PFS continues to offer customized management, strategic, program, consulting and administrative services to a growing group of clients.

Customized Approach

Every family foundation is different. For that reason, we offer a personalized approach to serving foundations, working with families to create a philanthropic vision and tailoring a set of administrative and program services to achieve their goals.

Why PFS?

PFS is a cost-effective alternative to independently staffing your foundation. PFS offers you an efficient way to take advantage of the strategic and programmatic expertise of the team and the sophisticated back-office infrastructure. PFS also serves as a filter, giving you the privacy you deem appropriate as a donor, and as a navigation tool to maximize your grants in the best organizations around.

  • You share PFS’ staff and services, which multiplies expertise while decreasing operating costs.
  • We help you focus on the most rewarding aspects of your giving, while allowing you to stay in control of your philanthropic endeavors. Unlike a donor advised fund, a foundation provides the greatest degree of flexibility and command of any charitable vehicle.
  • We work to enhance your enjoyment in giving, because just as your philanthropy should make a real difference in the lives of others, so should it be a satisfying part of your life.

Podcast icon
Click here to listen to Mary Gregory discussing the giving priorities of the foundations that are managed by Pacific Foundation Services and trends in the family foundation field.