From NCFP

Family philanthropy mirrors so much of what we care about and who we love that it is often reflected in many different aspects of our lives. It’s about relationships, passions, and the way we would like to make the world a better place.  Little things can remind us why we care about excellence in family philanthropy. Consequently, it should not… Read More

“Democracy does not give the people the most skillful government, but it produces what the ablest governments are frequently unable to create; namely, an all-pervading and restless activity, a superabundant force, and an energy which is inseparable from it and which may, however unfavorable circumstances may be, produce wonders.  These are the true advantages of democracy.” The above quotation, one… Read More

“As I see it, there is no other way that as few people can raise the quality of the whole American society as far and as fast as can trustees and directors of our voluntary institutions, using the strength they now have in the positions they now hold.” – Robert K. Greenleaf One of the most compelling thought leaders on… Read More

Last week, the National Center for Family Philanthropy held its annual board retreat. We returned to The Pocantico Center of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund in Tarrytown, New York for the first time since our first board retreat more than 15 years ago. We spent most of our first retreat developing our values statement and refining our mission and program agenda,… Read More

“Foundations change, like it or not. The fundamental issue is whether they will change by chance or for significant reasons. The latter comes about only through conscious effort.” – Frederick deWolfe Bolman Transitions in family philanthropy are those moments in the life-cycle of your philanthropy – prompted by family, foundation/fund, or community circumstances – that signal some significant shift. The… Read More