The National Center for Family Philanthropy is engaged in a research project to articulate the value of family involvement in philanthropy, both for families and for society. National Center Founding President Virginia Esposito shares key findings from a nationwide conversation that has already involved groups of philanthropists in 12 cities.  What are the greatest challenges and greatest opportunities facing donor families?  How will those change in the next decade?  How will the views of government officials play into that future?  What are your hopes for the field?

All foundations face changes as they mature. These include issues such as the death of the donor, geographic dispersion, an influx of assets, involving the next generation and decisions around perpetuity versus spending down. Having strategies in place for dealing with them will make the journey easier.