Preparing for and Managing a Productive Board Chair Transition

Posted on December 7, 2022 by Sean Boyd, Pete Helsell, Sarah Walczyk, C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser

Board Chair Transition Family Philanthropy
A board chair transition is an important moment for a family philanthropy, often prompting larger decisions or a revisiting of the organization’s purpose and practices. All members of the board have a role to play in preparing for and managing these inevitable leadership shifts, and need clarity about the strategies that will prepare the organization—family, staff, and other stakeholders—for the… Read More

Balancing Individual and Family Interests in Collective Giving

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Wendy R. Ulaszek, Ph.D., Ashley Blanchard

Multiple stones on left side balanced by single, larger stone on right side
For many, family philanthropy presents an opportunity to create a shared experience, unifying the family by working together toward a lasting legacy of impact. Family philanthropy can also give participants an opportunity to explore and cultivate their personal—and sometimes separate—philanthropic passions. There can be an inherent tension between these two goals, and many families struggle with how to address it—especially… Read More

Philanthropic Purpose, Motivations, and Values

Posted on November 29, 2022 by Nancy Bacon

For your philanthropy to be meaningful and effective, it is important to define, refine, and periodically revisit your philanthropic purpose: to understand your motivations for giving, the collective values that guide your philanthropy, and establish clarity around the various priorities and approaches your family will utilize in its giving. This interactive program is designed to both guide families through initial… Read More

Strategic Lifespan Peer Network: The Spend Down Journey—Timing is Everything

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Rhonnel Sotelo, Anne Marie Toccket, Priscilla Enriquez, Glen Galaich

The length of the spend down journey varies from foundation to foundation. The nature of decisions also varies depending on the length of time remaining in the foundation’s lifespan. What is top of mind at the different times of the spend down journey? What can a spend down foundation with more than 10 years remaining learn from a foundation with… Read More

Strategic Lifespan Peer Network: Spending Down—Trade-offs and Opportunities

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Anne Marie Toccket, Laurel Randi, Priscilla Enriquez, Glen Galaich

When a family makes the decision to spend down their philanthropic resources, that is just the beginning to many other decisions that affect the impact of the family’s giving. Trade-offs will need to be made related to staffing, investments and grantmaking. How can one maximize the opportunities that spending at a faster payout rate provides? How can one minimize missed… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Workforce Development in Rural Communities

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Katie Hughes, Gretchen Schmidt, PhD, Dr. Ben Stafford, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

In rural communities, where populations are more dispersed and farther from major job centers, labor markets face different challenges than those in urban areas. Currently labor shortages in healthcare and education are particularly acute in rural areas. But investment in workforce development tailored to rural communities can significantly improve this situation. Join us for a conversation to learn about best… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Rural Capacity Building–The Rural Partners Network

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Christine Sorensen, Lee A. Jones, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

The Rural Partners Network (RPN) is a government program where a number of federal agencies collaborate together with rural communities to find resources and funding to create jobs, build infrastructure, and support long-term economic stability. RPN has created community networks in several states to help federal agencies develop improved service delivery models, program processes, and funding priorities for the benefit… Read More

Emerging Family Leaders Peer Network: Leading Difficult Conversations

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Didier Sylvain

several people talking around boardroom table
Navigating difficult conversations is a challenging but critical component of being an effective leader in family philanthropy. In this workshop, explore how to use a powerful and straightforward framework to tackle difficult conversations. Using case studies, exercises, and their own real-life challenges, participants will learn: How to engage in difficult conversations successfully How to transform difficult conversations into opportunities for… Read More

Conflict of Interest Policy (George Family Foundation)

Posted on July 22, 2022 by George Family Foundation

The George Family Foundation (GFF) is committed to avoiding transactions or arrangements that give rise to a conflict of interest, potential conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest. POTENTIAL Personal-Gain CONFLICTS No less than once a year, GFF Directors and staff will review a list of all GFF grantees, vendors, and other business partners — disclosing… Read More

Effective Family Philanthropy: Tegan and Brian Acton

Posted on July 14, 2022 by Ade Adeniji, Inside Philanthropy

Brian and Tegan Acton
How Billionaire Couple Tegan and Brian Acton Are Giving in the Bay Area and Beyond Brian and Tegan Acton, in their 40s and worth some $3 billion, are among a new cohort of Silicon Valley donors engaging in major philanthropy. Stanford computer science graduate Brian Acton worked at Yahoo! with Jan Koum, where the two would link up for ultimate… Read More