New to Family Giving

New to the world of family philanthropy? Let the National Center be your guide to this inspiring, challenging, and fast-growing field.

What is family philanthropy?
“Family philanthropy” refers to the organized commitment of a family’s private wealth—time, talent, or treasure—to public purposes. From the million-dollar grants made by the world’s largest family foundations to the important hours dedicated to charity by families everywhere, the philanthropic work of giving families forms a critical and inspiring part of our vibrant civil society. Learn more about this field.  

Who are today’s giving families?
It’s often said, “If you’ve met one giving family, you’ve met one giving family.” Family foundations and funds are as diverse as the families who create and maintain them. But they are united in their dual-commitment to community and family—and the joys and challenges therein. Learn more about the trends affecting today’s giving families.

What is the National Center?
Learn more about the nation’s only nonprofit resource dedicated exclusively to giving families in Who We Are and What We Do.

FUN FACTS

In 1913, John D. Rockefeller, Sr. made gifts totaling $35 million to the newly chartered Rockefeller Foundation. A year later, he added $65 million. The Rockefeller Foundation currently has $4 billion in assets and has given away more than $14 billion.