Voices from the Field

Open Calls in Philanthropy: An Uncommon Approach that Can Reveal Weaknesses and Maximize Strengths

Posted on July 14, 2022 by Kathleen Simpson

hand pulling back white paper to reveal mountain backdrop
This article was originally published by Mission Investors Exchange and is re-posted here with permission. In philanthropy, the open call interview process to fill board- and committee-level positions is not typically a common practice. These positions are often filled by those who already have an existing relationship with the foundation, such as colleagues and associates, friends and family members. Reasons… Read More
Network News

July 2022: News and Notes from NCFP’s Friends of the Family Network

Posted on July 6, 2022

white flower by roadside. Nature outdoor autumn photo
Friends Focus highlights updates from members of our Friends of the Family network and their work. Are you a current Friend or Leadership Circle member of NCFP with an update or good news about your foundation that you would like to share with Family Giving News readers? Please email us. Interested in learning more about the families involved in NCFP’s Friends of the Family network? Go… Read More
Voices from the Field

Five Questions for Kimberly Myers Hewlett

Posted on July 5, 2022 by Kimberly Myers Hewlett

Anniversaries are times for reflection on and celebration of the past, as well as an opportunity to imagine the future. As the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) celebrates our 25th anniversary, we are speaking with community members about their reflections on the evolutions of their own philanthropy, the sector, and NCFP as well as their hopes for the future. … Read More
Voices from the Field

Open Letter to Family Philanthropists: Please, Invest in Our Democracy While We Still Can

Posted on June 24, 2022 by Adrienne Bousian

Black woman at voting polls with American flag in the background
“When you read about these near misses [of stable democracies staving off authoritarian threats], two factors prove decisive again and again: when a society’s elite stands up to an authoritarian faction, using their power to beat it back, and when the mass public organizes and demonstrates in favor of democracy.” – Zack Beauchamp, American democracy is tottering. It’s not clear… Read More
From NCFP

A Focus on Effectiveness: Meet NCFP’s New COO

Posted on June 13, 2022 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Diana Heath headshot
We are delighted to welcome Diana Tyler Heath to the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) team as our chief operating officer. Diana joins a leadership team that includes President and CEO Nick Tedesco and Chief Impact Officer Miki Akimoto. Together, the team is partnering to implement an ambitious strategic plan. While implementing a plan that helps families be more… Read More
From NCFP

Demystifying the Hidden Figure of ‘Effectiveness’

Posted on May 17, 2022 by Nicholas A. Tedesco

In philanthropy, effectiveness is our north star—it is the bar we measure ourselves against and the standard we strive to uphold. But what exactly does it mean to “successfully achieve an intended result” or “fulfill a specified function,” particularly when our structures, practices, and beliefs are called into question? What does it mean to be effective not just as funders,… Read More
From NCFP

Racial Justice in Family Philanthropy: A Conversation Between Nick Tedesco and June Wilson

Posted on January 19, 2022 by Nicholas A. Tedesco, June L. Wilson

Prior to Nick Tedesco’s official start as president and CEO of the National Center for Family (NCFP), he attended NCFP’s conference where Edgar Villanueva discussed white supremacy and racism in philanthropy. In a candid conversation with Compton Foundation Executive Director June Wilson, Nick reflects on his reaction to Edgar’s session at the Forum and how that was a catalyst on… Read More
From NCFP

Racial Equity is Fundamental to Effective Family Philanthropy

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Kimberly Myers Hewlett, Kelly D. Nowlin

Learning opportunities bring us the delight of something new: we hear or do something for the first time, we might—metaphorically—or actually—scrape our knees, we pick ourselves up, and we enjoy a sense of accomplishment as we recognize that new thing we know or can do. Much like viewing the world through the eyes of young children, the National Center for… Read More
From NCFP

Moving Strategy to Action: Meet NCFP’s New CIO

Posted on December 8, 2021

We are thrilled to welcome Miki Akimoto to the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) team as our inaugural chief impact officer. In this new role, Miki will partner with our President and CEO, Nick Tedesco, to implement an ambitious strategic plan: aligning and integrating relationship management, revenue, and program strategies, enhancing sector partnerships, and ensuring a strong measurement and… Read More
From NCFP

We Can Be Bold Together

Posted on December 1, 2021 by Nicholas A. Tedesco

Today, the family philanthropy field is at a point of inflection. We are amidst a culminating moment in which our social, economic, and political landscapes are significantly changing. Now it is time for us to reflect on our purpose, pace, and practice to decide how we will meet this moment. Will family philanthropy maintain the status quo? Or will we… Read More