Board Members

Demystifying Decision Making in Family Philanthropy

Posted on June 10, 2021 by Ann Shulman

This Passages Issue Brief examines the kinds of decisions that family foundations often face and sets out practical, easy-to-apply guidelines for ensuring that the foundation’s decision-making methods vary appropriately, as conditions and circumstances change. It includes factors to consider when selecting a decision-making method, guidance on how to communicate clearly, simple tools to help make good decisions, and short case… Read More

Limited Life Foundations: Lessons from CEOs

Posted on June 8, 2021 by John Esterle, Joe Del Guercio, Teri Behrens, Glen Galaich, Ellen Friedman

Philanthropic purpose, impact, and perpetuity are on the minds of giving families more than ever before. Many are reconsidering the lifespan of their giving effort with a fresh lens as community needs increase and the sector evolves. Yet the opportunities of limited lifespan are often not clear or not fully understood, and neither are the potential challenges. In this webinar,… Read More

Water of Systems Change

Posted on June 4, 2021 by Mark R. Kramer

Foundations involved in systems change can increase their odds for success by focusing on less explicit but more powerful conditions for change, while also turning the lens on themselves… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Adding Non-family Board Members

Posted on May 26, 2021 by Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Jaimie Mayer

Are you considering adding independent directors to your board? Join Elizabeth Bonner and Jaimie Mayer to discuss the preparation, conversations, and engagement necessary to successfully add non-family members to your board. The final 30 minutes will be peer breakout groups for networking and any timely discussions. As a reminder, our Peer Network events are not recorded.  If you are unable… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: A Conversation with Susan Packard Orr

Posted on May 25, 2021 by Susan Packard Orr

Join experienced, former board chair Susan Packard Orr for a discussion about navigating transition, legacy, and multigenerational engagement, as well as the complexities of family philanthropy. Bring your questions and challenges to this peer learning space. The final 30 minutes will be peer discussion and breakouts. As a reminder, our Peer Network events are not recorded.  If you are unable… Read More

Legacy in Family Philanthropy: A Modern Framework

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Shira Saperstein, Janice Simsohn Shaw

Adult hand holding child's hand - legacy
Legacy is a fundamental consideration in the practice of effective family philanthropy, yet it remains one of the most ambiguous and often overlooked concepts in our field. Many families approach legacy with a retrospective lens—one that reflects on a philanthropic effort across a number of years or even generations. However, legacy is emergent and iterative. It ought to be considered… Read More

Application Deadline: Mission Investing Institute and Action Cohorts

Posted on May 16, 2021

About the Institute Join us for the Mission Investing Institute and Action Cohorts, a six-month virtual learning program presented by the National Center for Family Philanthropy in partnership with Mission Investors Exchange and Philanthropy California. This learning opportunity will deepen your knowledge in impact investing, build your relationships with leaders in philanthropy, and learn practical tools to implement an effective impact… Read More

Philanthropy’s Connection to the Interwoven Histories of Wealth and Poverty

Posted on May 14, 2021 by C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser

What are the pervasive narratives around wealth and how wealth is made? And how do we situate our own stories into, or outside of, those narratives? Attendees will grapple with these questions and examine the way that systems, structures, and labor contribute to building wealth. Philanthropy is beginning to interrogate these wealth origin stories and to consider the fact that… Read More

Engaging Youth Peer Network Retreat Follow Up Call

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Tiffany Kelly, Karen Weatherford

Join Tiffany Kelly and Karen Weatherford for a follow-up check-in and support about engaging youth in learning and conversations about structure and systematic racism. Don’t forget to check out the handout and presentation from our last call posted below. Related Resources Social Justice Philanthropy Toolkit (Andrus Family Fund)  Podcast: How the AFF Board is Meeting the Moment (Andrus Family Fund)… Read More

Nexus of Strategy and Governance

Posted on May 6, 2021 by Renee Kaplan, Nicholas A. Tedesco, Sapphira Goradia Shaw, Ashley Blanchard

Family philanthropy is a complex pursuit—one that requires clearly defined goals and objectives. However, strategy is only as good as the governance structures in place to support it, and social impact cannot be realized without a defined strategy and effective decision-making. Tying the National Center for Family Philanthropy’s expertise in family governance and The Philanthropy Workshop’s tools for effective strategy, join… Read More

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