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Cathy Cha, Kimberly Myers Hewlett, and Allison Magee are co-chairs of the 2022 Forum advisory committees. Two-plus years into a global pandemic, urgent discussions about climate change, and a long-overdue reckoning with racial inequities are transforming our social norms and society overall. We invite you to embrace family philanthropy’s role as a lever for change and join us in person… Read More

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. Early governance tends to be informal… 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

  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 more work than you’re typically prepared for.  All board members have a responsibility for effective governance. But the board chair is tasked with helping clarify the board’s roles and… 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