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Courtesy of Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels About this Series In the early days of a family foundation, the donors and other enthusiastic family members tend to turn first to the excitement of grantmaking and, soon thereafter, to the practicalities of management and investment needs. Governance doesn’t often make it into the conversation right away— and that makes a certain sense… Read More

Change is upon us. Change for the world, where social norms and constructs are transforming. Change for the sector, where the purpose and practice of philanthropy is shifting. Change for philanthropic families, whose new leaders are emerging.  The National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) recognizes opportunity in change, because it marks moments ripe for innovation, learning, and collaboration. Today marks… Read More

Defining motivations and values is in many ways the most critical step a family takes as they chart a path forward in their philanthropy. Understanding the reasons why families give and the values that connect them together will help guide families through their philanthropic effort. Motivations and values not only give families a common purpose, but also inform their approaches… Read More

NCFP will be launching a new Peer Network for current and prospective family foundation board chairs in the first quarter of 2021. If interested, please contact Katie Scott at katie.scott@ncfp.org During NCFP’s recent Trustee Education Institute (TEI), I heard a recurring theme especially applicable to current and future board chairs of family foundations: effective governance of a family foundation takes… Read More

“I feel like a bit of a fish out of water when talking with people who know nothing about foundations.” “I married into a family with a foundation and I’m looking for help.” “We didn’t grow up with this wealth. It is difficult to discuss.” Three attendees shared these thoughts during NCFP’s recent Trustee Education Institute. Their sentiments are common… Read More

Like many of you, when lockdowns came, we felt like we were in the midst of the crisis of our generation. No one could have anticipated that the months following would bring a cascade of additional crises, that together have the potential to fundamentally change this country for generations. We have all watched grantees pivot and respond to each emerging… Read More