Effective Family Philanthropy: The Kendeda Fund

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Ade Adeniji

The Kendeda Fund is Writing its Last Checks — and the Last Chapter of a 30-Year Story of Giving About 30 years ago, Diana Blank began to ramp up her philanthropy through what became known as the Kendeda Fund, drawing the name from her three children, Kenny, Dena and Danielle. Tapping into wealth derived from the Home Depot empire, which… Read More

BIPOC Leaders Peer Network: Welcome & Network Launch

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Dr. LaTonya Penny, Audrey Jacobs

Be a part of the inaugural BIPOC Leaders Peer Network at NCFP. This network, centering community, connection, and celebration, is designed for leaders and practitioners of color in family philanthropy. At the first meeting, attendees will gather and reflect on the unique needs of BIPOC professionals working within family philanthropies and family systems. Join our network co-chairs, Dr. LaTonya Penny… Read More

The Black Belt Community Foundation: Taking a Multi-Faceted Approach to Rural Funding

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Felecia Lucky, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) utilizes a variety of funding sources and partnerships to pursue its philanthropic mission and to provide services to its rural region and rural constituents. BBCF President Felecia Lucky will discuss how the community foundation aggregates resources from individuals and other grant programs to fund their work. She will also share broader implications for private philanthropy’s engagement with rural… Read More

Strategic Lifespan Peer Network: Insights from the Kendeda Fund

Posted on August 7, 2023 by David Brotherton, Dena Kimball, Anne Marie Toccket, Priscilla Enriquez, Glen Galaich

Every family foundation that has decided to sunset has a unique spend down journey. But every family foundation learns throughout that journey. The Kendeda Fund has committed to spending out the remainder of its assets and ending grantmaking operations by the end of 2023. Since their founder, Diana Blank, began her philanthropic journey nearly 30 years ago, Kendeda has worked… Read More

Sustainable Investing as Part of a 10-Year Spend Down at The John Merck Fund

Posted on August 7, 2023 by The John Merck Fund

When The John Merck Fund embarked on a 10-year spendout of its assets in 2012, the board aimed to maximize its grantmaking clout across four core program areas. The board also set another challenge: to finance the effort as much as possible with sustainable investments consistent with the Fund's philanthropic mission—and, what’s more, to do this without sacrificing market-rate returns… Read More