From NCFP

When it comes to working in the philanthropic sector, it can be easy to be so overwhelmed by all the challenges that you miss celebrating the little wins much less your overall progress toward mission. There is too little time and too little money. There are too many good ideas and an uncertain path to finding the great ones. We… Read More

One of the many privileges of my work is the opportunity to speak with, share a little experience, and – often – sympathize with grantmaking families on a daily basis. The phones have been busy quite a bit over the last several months and, for the first time in my almost 29-year history in this work, the number one topic… Read More

In these economically challenging times, it would not be unusual for the new President, Congress, governors, and state and local officials to see everything in terms of the costs they represent. Certainly there is a history of seeing private philanthropy primarily as the tax deduction donors receive or the decision-making processes they use to allocate funds. I write to encourage… Read More

A great enthusiasm is building for getting the most out of your charitable giving, for working with your family in this pursuit, and for focusing for greater impact… in Israel!… Read More

Preparing to give a workshop or speech often includes exploring new themes or re-visiting some from past work. But background work for an upcoming trip to Israel means all of the above. Taking best advantage of all those airline miles means I’ll be making several presentations, covering both the basics and some specialty topics as well… Read More

Having recently attended the Council on Foundations’ Summit here in the Washington area, and after having attended more than 25 of these conferences (and countless others) over the years, I’m struck by how much I still learn when the philanthropic world gathers. There are amazing insights to be found in the experiences of those who have much to teach… Read More

Spring must be here. Washington, D.C. is showing off cherry blossoms and red tulips and my travel schedule has gotten a lot busier. This month I have been invited to speak at a few family foundation retreats and my hosts must all be in “spring cleaning” mode. Everyone seems to be dusting off their policies and practices in the interest… Read More

It is one of the great privileges of my work that I travel the country meeting donor families and their staff partners. No one who spends time with these grantmakers could doubt the value of the passion, generosity, and optimism these remarkable families bring to their personal commitment to the public good… Read More

Those who have read my writing or heard me speak have invariably come across a reference to Paul Ylvisaker. It is important to me that my work includes stories and quotes of our philanthropic thinkers and mentors, particularly those who have shaped the tradition and practice we carry on today. Philanthropy’s need to respond to current demands and even anticipate… Read More

It’s January and the New Year is still young enough to leave most of us feeling invigorated by its possibilities. I think of possibilities when I think of New Year’s resolutions, but I’m not sure that is the prevailing attitude. Consequently, resolutions tend to be reflections of regrets and guilt — no wonder they are forgotten by mid-January… Read More