Voices from the Field

The Effects of Family Culture on Family Foundations

Posted on June 10, 2019 by Council on Foundations

family silhouette at sunset
Yet it is exactly this—a characteristic way of thinking, feeling, judging, and acting—that defines a culture. In direct and subtle ways, children are molded by the family culture into which they are born. Growing up, their assumptions about what is right and wrong, good and bad, reflect the beliefs, values and traditions of the family culture. Most take for granted their family’s ways, and they carry into adulthood numerous attitudes and behaviors acquired in childhood… Read More
Voices from the Field

You Can’t Hack Trust

Posted on June 7, 2019 by Yvonne Moore

Trust Key On Keyboard Meaning Believe Faith Or Trustful
While we live in an age of disruption, instantaneous global communication and rapid solutions, some things simply cannot be achieved via short-cuts. Working with individuals and families on their giving is no different. Authentic and trusting relationships take time, patience, and a sincere belief that each donor’s visions and dreams are as important to you as they are to their family… Read More
Voices from the Field

Transparency Case Study: Barr Foundation

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Elaine Gast Fawcett

light graphics: microphoto of wrapped plastic foil in polarized light
What choices do family foundations and funds have when it comes to transparency? And what approaches do other families take when it comes to managing transparency, communications, and privacy? NCFP’s new guide, Transparency in Family Philanthropy: Opening to the Possibilities examines how family funders are thinking, acting—and, in some cases, not acting—when it comes to how open and accessible they are with others. … Read More
Voices from the Field

The Power of Shareholder Engagement

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Fran Teplitz

A beech tree forest in Germany
Most of us think first about the impact funds have when allocated for specific purposes like building a school or hospital, supporting job training, or funding advocacy campaigns. Others may also think about the impacts of where funds are invested, for example, in a community development financial institution that supports economically marginalized neighborhoods and individuals, or in a clean energy fund advancing new technologies… Read More
Voices from the Field

Giving Is Not Like Investing

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Phil Buchanan

A hand holds a dollar bill that is shaped like an origami heart
I remember sitting in a second-year elective course as an MBA student nearly two decades ago, listening to a guest lecturer describe how the “venture philanthropy” organization where she worked was applying the “principles of venture capital investing” to its work. She heaped disdain on what she called “traditional philanthropy,” which, she argued, hadn’t achieved results… Read More
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Family Philanthropy Board Chairs: Leading with Joy and Effectiveness

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Elaine Gast Fawcett

Two white women sit at a table, looking off camera to illustrate the Passages issue brief on Board Chairs
Who typically serves as the board chair of a family foundation, and how does the board choose who will be placed in this essential role? What are the responsibilities of board chairs, and what skills, qualities, and aptitudes are likely to lead to better board dynamics and performance? What are the common challenges that board chairs face, and what tips do existing chairs for tackling these challenge? And how do board chairs and leadership staff work together to strengthen board and foundation performance?… Read More
Voices from the Field

Let’s Be Candid About Board Succession Planning

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Katie Ensign, Deidre Garton, Megan Bell

Board meeting where people are analyzing numbers on a sheet
The Wilson Foundation was started in 1963 by Joe Wilson, founder of Xerox Corporation, and his wife, Peggy. The foundation embarked on strategic planning to revisit their giving priorities, but they quickly realized their impact goals would be successful only if they had the proper governance structure. In this blog, they share their board succession planning process… Read More

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