Policy Central: Getting Started with Family Philanthropy
Posted on March 27, 2012
Sample bylaws, legacy statements, and values and mission statements, along with resources on choice of philanthropic vehicle and governance structures… Read More
Advisors and Consultants
Tools and Tips for Next Gen Philanthropists
Posted on February 9, 2012 by Lana Volftsun, Lisa Parker
Most philanthropic families say they want the next generation at the table. Yet how do new trustees develop their personal values and ideas to contribute to the discussions? And when and if the next gen has a sense of how they’d like to give, will the board actually welcome their perspectives? How can your foundation actively facilitate this process?… Read More
Finding Common Ground, Valuing Different Views
Posted on January 12, 2012 by Bobbi Hapgood, Chris Renner, Terry Hunt, Tony Macklin
In this candid, behind the scenes look at two family foundations, we explore strategies and techniques to promote civil discourse… Read More
Discretionary Grants: Encouraging Participation… or Pandora’s Box?
Posted on December 8, 2011 by Susan Crites Price, Greg Cantori, Karie Brown
Family foundation boards that offer discretionary grants to their individual trustees and staff have a variety of reasons for doing so. Those who do not cite a number of potential barriers - both practical and philosophical - for this decision… Read More
Discretionary Grants: Engaging Family… or Pandora’s Box?
Posted on December 8, 2011 by Susan Crites Price
If you asked at a gathering of family foundation folks whether using discretionary grants is a good idea, you’d never reach consensus. Many family foundations don’t use them. Those that do have widely varied policies governing how much money is available, who is eligible to make the grants, and whether the grants must be within the foundation’s mission and guidelines… Read More
Building a Solid Foundation for Your Family with Mission Statements
Posted on October 13, 2011 by Molly Stranahan, Patricia Angus
What are family mission statements and how do they differ from family foundation mission statements? How do families create these statements and what is a good process for creating one?… Read More
Philanthropy’s Role in Developing Responsible Adults
Posted on October 10, 2011 by Allison Sole, Sam Davis III
Families of wealth face unique challenges. In most cases, children cannot avoid being set apart because of the communities in which they live, the kinds of cars they drive, the vacations they take, and the affluent friends whose company they keep. They can afford to attend elite private schools and receive the support of coaches and tutors. The extent of… Read More
A Letter to Seniors (and will be seniors): Planning for Your Future in Philanthropy
Posted on September 13, 2011 by Alice Buhl
Their stories are fascinating reminders of the many philanthropic paths available, whatever your age. Their stories fall into four categories of approaches to how they planned their own as well as their family’s philanthropic futures: senior generation members who chose to stay actively involved in leading the family’s foundation. seniors who passed on leadership but stayed active in the foundation… Read More
The 6 Practices of Donors Who Change the World
Posted on May 12, 2011 by Leslie Crutchfield
Leslie Crutchfield presents her latest study of high-impact family foundations and donors that have successfully catalyzed change… Read More
Keeping Grantmakers and Grant Seekers from Drowning in Paperwork
Posted on April 14, 2011 by Jessica Bearman, Kathy Reich
Inefficient grant application and reporting procedures make extra work for both grantmakers and grantseekers. A number of new tools and practices to ease the paperwork burden are now available thanks to Project Streamline, a collaboration of several organizations and managed by the Grants Managers Network… Read More