Voices from the Field

Looking Ahead: Featuring NCFP Peer Network Co-chairs

Posted on July 22, 2021 by Katie Scott

Courtesy of Jopwell from Pexels The National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) activates and connects a diverse and engaged community of philanthropic families and partners and seeks to foster unique opportunities for learning and inspiration. A hallmark of our work and area for growth in our future is our Peer Networks. Peer Networks are peer-led groups for a specific role… Read More
Voices from the Field

Takeaways Blog on Grantee Relationships and Power Dynamics

Posted on July 21, 2021 by Jen Crino

Courtesy of Alexander Suhorucov from Pexels This blog summarizes key notes from our July Fundamentals of Family Philanthropy Webinar. Power dynamics are inherent any funder and grantee relationship, and this imbalance between giver and receiver can inhibit productive, honest partnerships. Often nonprofits make shifts to accommodate funder guidelines for grant dollars they are seeking, to fit the specific grant application… Read More
Voices from the Field

Strengthening Your Board’s Decision-making Process

Posted on July 13, 2021 by Ann Shulman

This blog post is excerpted from the new Passages Issue Brief: Demystifying Decision Making in Family Philanthropy How does your Board of Directors make decisions? Do you gather around a table with a clear, concise packet of relevant materials, a well-prepared agenda that spells out which decision-making process will be used, then calmly discuss various proposals until you reach a decision… Read More
Voices from the Field

Moving from Deceit to Trust: The Necessity of Listening

Posted on July 9, 2021 by Melinda Tuan

Courtesy of Christina Morillo from Pexels This article was originally published by The Center For Effective Philanthropy and is re-posted here with permission. A colleague recently asked me how much has changed since I wrote “The Dance of Deceit,” a 2004 Stanford Social Innovation Review article in which I reflected on my seven years as managing director of REDF and the power imbalances I… Read More
Voices from the Field

Engaging Youth Retreat: A Recap

Posted on June 22, 2021 by Jen Crino

Courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash This article was originally published by Foundant and is re-posted here with permission. For families interested in engaging multiple generations in their philanthropy, younger family members need opportunities to learn and build skills and competencies necessary for future leadership. These skills and family philanthropy knowledge should be taught in tandem with a broader… Read More
Voices from the Field

The Juneteenth Legacy Project and the “Absolute Equality” Mural

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Sheridan Lorenz

The Juneteenth Legacy Project Mural. Courtesy of Reginald Adams. On Juneteenth, 2020 I received a call from Galveston historian, Samuel C. Collins. His call was in response to an op-ed published in the Galveston Daily News that day. In it, I wrote that white people must acknowledge systemic racism; to deny it exists is to be complicit. After the horror… Read More
Voices from the Field

Takeaways Blog on Building a Social Impact Strategy and Approach

Posted on June 16, 2021 by Jen Crino

Courtesy of Mikael Blomkvist from Pexels This blog summarizes key notes from our June Fundamentals of Family Philanthropy Webinar. A social impact strategy is the fundamental element of a family philanthropy effort. The practice of grantmaking actualizes the motivations of a donor, advances their values, and accomplishes their aims and objectives. However, it requires careful planning and consideration. A family… Read More
Voices from the Field

Intentional Collaboration is a Group Effort (Part 1 of 4)

Posted on June 10, 2021 by Debi Blizard, Zoe True

Courtesy of Brooke Cagle on Unsplash As philanthropists lean into global challenges like climate change and economic inequality, it is easy to see that no one person or organization can shift the tide on these issues by themselves. To move the needle on these complex problems we must understand how to work together better, both externally with our partners as… Read More
Voices from the Field

Generational Challenges in a Family Foundation

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Barbara Randell

Photo via Adobe Stock Photos Understanding generational differences can be confusing (if we’re even thinking about it). Have you heard the ringing refrain “Ok Boomer!” or “Damn Millennials!”? We certainly have. For the first time in history, our family’s philanthropy has five unique generations working and serving together on boards: Traditionalists (b.1927-1946), Boomers (b. 1943-1963), Generation X (b.1964-1980), Generation Y… Read More
Voices from the Field

The Art of Working Together at Our Family Foundation

Posted on May 27, 2021 by Sharon Shapiro, Shira Ruderman

Courtesy of the Ruderman Family Foundation. From left to right is Sharon Shapiro, Jay Ruderman, and Shira Ruderman. “Do not go into business with family.” It is a common warning—and we could not disagree more. Our personal and professional worlds collided 20 years ago when we became sisters-in-law and, later, colleagues at the Ruderman Family Foundation. Growing up, both of… Read More