Exploring Donor and Family Legacy

Legacy is a fundamental consideration in the practice of effective family philanthropy, yet it remains one of the most ambiguous and often overlooked concepts in our field. Many families approach legacy with a retrospective lens—one that reflects on a philanthropic effort across a number of years or even generations. However,…

In this primer, you will consider three important questions: What is the consequence and significance of your philanthropy? Who will steward your philanthropy after you’re gone? How and when will you prepare and involve these future stewards, ensuring the continuity you desire?

This special NCFP Distinguished Fellow Essay by Susan Packard Orr explores the questions that Susan and her fellow trustees wished they had asked of the founders when they were still alive. From the introduction: This year marks the 20th anniversary of our father’s death. Our mother has been gone almost…

I work for a small family foundation as their non-family executive director. The foundation has been in existence for 25 years. In the near term, I will be sitting down with the founder, who is preparing to write his legacy. I am wondering if you’re familiar with other founders who have shared excerpts…

Capturing and sharing your family’s history is critical to understanding and appreciating your philanthropy, providing a window into the rich heritage of your extended family. Elders in your family often have particularly interesting stories to tell, and can help family members of all ages feel more connected with the generations…

The loss of a loved one is difficult for any family to bear, and the desire to celebrate and honor his or her life and accomplishments is natural and common. For philanthropic families, if the lost family member has played a significant role in their giving, grief and sadness can…

The death of a foundation leader or senior family member is likely the most emotional change a foundation will undergo. Suddenly, or not so suddenly, family members and the board face grief and loss, and also an onslaught of financial, legal, and organizational issues. How can you plan ahead, as…

To help families begin or continue legacy conversations with a modern framework, this short guide offers a collection of ten discussion modules on a wide variety of questions related to philanthropic legacy.

A description of the life, values, and philanthropic legacy of R. Howard Dobbs, Jr, the founder of the R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation.

This statement from Gary Brinson, founder of The Brinson Foundation, shares his hopes and reasons for establishing the foundation.