NCFP Blog

Voices from the Field

Flipping The Script Through Impact Investing

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Richard Woo

A green sprout on a branch
In impact investing, we are witnessing the flipping of the script between the old and the new. Investors are striving to transform the mental formations (mindsets, deal sheets, and return expectations) that many times collide with the limits of natural resources, the call for equitable financial outcomes, and the health and well-being of people, places, and the planet… Read More
Voices from the Field

Obstacles and Pathways to Greater Giving for Social Change

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Alison Powell, Susan Wolf Ditkoff, Nidhi Sahni

Wooden pathway in the forest
America’s philanthropic landscape is filled with many bright spots. In 2017, Americans gave away over $400 billion to charity for the first time. Giving has also reached historical highs amongst America’s wealthiest families. The most recent data show that households with $500 million or more in assets contributed around $45 billion to charity in 2017… Read More
Voices from the Field

Building the Family in Family Foundations Through Mentorship

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Julien Goulet

As Mark Twain alludes to and those who have raised kids know—at a certain age, kids will only listen to a trusted confidant such as a teacher, a scout leader, a coach… or a mentor! Mentorship has been proven to have positive long-term benefits such as increased academic performance, college attendance, and reduced drug and alcohol use. It also has been shown to increase confidence and help unleash a young person’s potential… Read More
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
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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

Family Funders: Always Important in Rural Communities

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Allen Smart

The history of the United States is marked by wealth created in rural America. Timber and wood products in the northwest and northeast; fossil fuels in Appalachia, the southwest and Rocky Mountains; textiles in the south, among others. Related philanthropic funds have been created alongside these rural industries—often from multi-generational family commitments to these rural communities. With the renewed focus… Read More

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