From NCFP

Creating a Masterpiece and Other Everyday Tasks

Posted on April 15, 2010 by Virginia M. Esposito

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
From NCFP

Strategies for Family Giving in Difficult Times

Posted on January 15, 2009 by Virginia M. Esposito

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
From NCFP

An Open Letter to Elected Officials

Posted on November 15, 2008 by Virginia M. Esposito

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
From NCFP

Motivated Giving- from Serendipity to Certainty

Posted on June 15, 2008 by Virginia M. Esposito

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
From NCFP

A Community of Support

Posted on May 15, 2008 by Virginia M. Esposito

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
From NCFP

The Legacy of Paul Ylvisaker

Posted on February 15, 2008 by Virginia M. Esposito

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
From NCFP

The Voices of Family Philanthropy

Posted on January 15, 2008 by Virginia M. Esposito

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