Voices from the Field

Ken Burns and Cokie Roberts said it best at the NCFP opening plenary – “It makes it more meaningful to carry on the legacy of the family when you know those family stories.” It was the perfect lead-in to our session on Preserving Donor and Family Legacy: New Tools and Techniques. … Read More

If there’s one thing I’m hearing in sessions and social hours at NCFP’s 20th Anniversary Forum, it’s about how important it is in family philanthropy to listen… Read More

No matter their mission, family foundations exist to create a better future. But their vision for the future is often shaped by the past — by the triumphs and tragedies of their founders and the subsequent experiences of the generations that follow them… Read More

The Hewlett Foundation is pretty unique among foundations to set term limits for program staff. Many worry this system creates uncertainty for grantees or loss of institutional knowledge. But I’m convinced that term limits are absolutely great for everyone involved: the person leaving, the foundation, the grantees, and the broader field… Read More

I wanted to explore whether philanthropy practitioners have used adaptive leadership as a form of reflective practice. The B. Robert Williamson Jr. Foundation funds these programs and I wanted to learn how this foundation came to support a form of reflective practice as capacity building. That’s how I began my conversation with the foundation’s Executive Director, Caroline Williamson… Read More

As we continue to navigate the generational differences that face our society, I encourage you to explore a few insights from a millennial embracing her family’s wealth through philanthropy… Read More

At Robins Foundation, our board and staff aspires to connect equity with transformational change for children and families across our region. We are reflecting on opportunities in our own organization. This includes our governance, our management and our process of funding. This includes raising our awareness and deeper understanding of the past and its influence on dialogues locally and beyond. … Read More

We are seeing more family foundations committing their assets (both endowment and “payout”) to impact investing, regardless of asset size. The reasons are multiple and depend on the family, but we are starting to notice some trends… Read More

With all the changes in the political climate over the past year, I’ve been especially concerned for immigrants and refugees. Many families in my city and community have been affected by the new executive orders and administrative actions, and I’ve read stories about many others across the country that are at risk… Read More