While family philanthropy is often typified by prominent family foundations, giving families have been involved in community foundations since the first such charity was created in Cleveland in 1914. Members of philanthropic families are donors, board members, and partners to community foundations around the world.

Families turn to community foundations for the convenience, tax benefits, and privacy that donor-advised funds can provide them and for the advice, experience, and expertise that community foundation staff can provide their giving programs. It’s not uncommon for families to use multiple charitable vehicles in the service of various charitable goals, and the resulting “philanthropic toolbox” will often involve a community foundation. Indeed, families with family foundations frequently seek out community foundations for their program expertise, as potential collaborators, and to grow and support philanthropy in a specific area or region.

Community foundations frequently turn to the National Center for information to help them serve families. Hundreds of community foundation staff members have downloaded our management tool to explore family philanthropy services options. To download your copy of the management tool, visit our Topics section of our website.  Here you will also find more information and free resources on Family Philanthropy in Community Foundations.