Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

Learning Together for Exponential Results: How Two Flora Family Foundation Leaders Activated Shared Knowledge

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Flora Birdzell, Kimberly Myers Hewlett, Maggie McGoldrick

Flora Birdzell and Kimberly Myers Hewlett, both members of the Flora Family Foundation (FFF) Family Council, have participated in two NCFP Learning and Action Cohorts together. We talked to them to learn about the benefits of learning together and how they applied what they learned, particularly to FFF’s Black Maternal Health Initiative.  Recent research from NCFP affirmed that continuous reflection… Read More
From the Archive

From the Archive: Avoiding Avoidance—Managing and Addressing Conflict in Family Philanthropy

Posted on June 1, 2024

NCFP’s From the Archive series highlights resources from our Knowledge Center that have stood the test of time and continue to provide valuable guidance for the field.  While conflict is a natural part of any relationship, it can be particularly apparent in a family philanthropy context. Funders must manage conflict well in order to ensure their internal dynamics do not… Read More
Network News

May 2024: News and Notes from NCFP’s Members and Partners

Posted on May 16, 2024

close up of colorful flowers, they are yellow
NCFP strives to connect its members to resources, best practices, and to peer funders. Network News highlights updates from our members and partners, showcasing accomplishments, new approaches or giving areas, innovative ideas, and staff and board transitions, and more.  We encourage our members and parters to email us with news that you would like to be shared.  Claire Peeps, Outgoing… Read More
Ask NCFP

Ask NCFP: Should my family foundation board have term limits? 

Posted on May 8, 2024 by Miki Akimoto

NCFP receives a number of questions about family philanthropy and is particularly equipped to answer inquiries about philanthropic purpose, governance, next-generation engagement, family dynamics, and succession and legacy. This series is designed to answer commonly asked questions and provide resources and considerations for family funders. If you have a family philanthropy question, consider posting to NCFP’s Peer Exchange Platform for… Read More
Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

Strategies for Scaling Philanthropic Impact Through Values-Aligned Investing

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Daniel Gould

The Marguerite Casey Foundation (MCF) updated its investment policy statement to align its endowment with its grantmaking work. The foundation’s endowment continues to grow, beating industry benchmarks, while supporting the mission of the organization. Dan Gould, vice president of investments and operations at MCF, outlines four pillars that inform MCF’s values-aligned investing, including diversifying asset managers and engaging in shareholder… Read More
From NCFP

How to Successfully Engage in Your Family’s Philanthropy as an Adult

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Cara Binder-Kopchick

In our recent publication, A Guide to Meaningfully Engaging Next-Generation Adults in Your Philanthropy, we explore ways for those who are currently managing a family’s philanthropy to thoughtfully welcome next-generation adults. While so many of the formal transition responsibilities lie with the philanthropy’s current leaders, the incoming adult leaders also have several opportunities position themselves for success and to actively… Read More
Network News

April 2024: News and Notes from NCFP’s Members and Partners

Posted on April 17, 2024

lavender flower field
NCFP strives to connect its members to resources, best practices, and to peer funders. Network News highlights updates from our members and partners, showcacsing accomplishments, new approaches or giving areas, innovative ideas, and staff and board transitions, and more.  We encourage our members and parters to email us with news that you would like to be shared. Dilnaz Waraich and… Read More
From the Archive

From the Archive: Things We Wish Our Founders Had Told Us

Posted on April 11, 2024

NCFP’s From the Archive series highlights resources from our Knowledge Center that have stood the test of time and continue to provide valuable guidance for the field.  In 2016, 20 years after the death of her father, Susan Packard Orr reflected on the challenges of interpreting donor legacy. Susan wrote that, after asking her father to share what he wanted… Read More
From NCFP, Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

Know Your Neighbors: Building Trusting Relationships in Family Philanthropy

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Erin Borla, Sokol Shtylla

Collaboration and partnership are the cornerstones to accomplishing meaningful impact on pressing social issues. But both are difficult to come by due to the inherent power imbalance that exists in philanthropy, where funders control resources needed to support the wellbeing of communities. Trust is required to foster collaborative partnerships between funders and grantees. But how can trust occur if you… Read More
From NCFP

Navigating Philanthropy and its Shifts: Insights from Philanthropic Advisors

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Shannon Jeffries

In recent years, the philanthropic landscape has evolved in response to issues of equity and justice. Consequently, many donor families seek guidance and support from philanthropic advisors to help them navigate the complexities of these shifts, ensuring that philanthropic efforts align with and are informed by the communities they serve.  As families work to translate their philanthropic purpose to impact… Read More