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Six Simple Steps to a Successful, Stress-Free Family Meeting
Article
Like so many other things preparation for a family meeting is vital to its success. With a little planning you can orchestrate and carry off a family meeting that accomplishes your philanthropic goals, strengthens your family’s commitment to effective governance of your giving vehicle, and is more enjoyable than you…

Reinvigorating Your Family Meetings
Article
If you are wondering how it is possible that everyone in your family is offering an excuse for missing the family meeting date, then it is time for some new ideas or approaches to turn these meetings into events that no one wants to miss. How? By planning a purposeful…

Demystifying Decision Making in Family Philanthropy
Passages Issue Briefs
This Passages Issue Brief examines the kinds of decisions that family foundations often face and sets out practical, easy-to-apply guidelines for ensuring that the foundation’s decision-making methods vary appropriately, as conditions and circumstances change. It includes factors to consider when selecting a decision-making method, guidance on how to communicate clearly,…
Case Studies

August 13, 2020
Planning a Family Retreat
Getting your family together for a retreat is a great way to spend quality time together, as well as focus on your family’s giving with the foundation. Families use a variety of resources to build community and discuss important topics in their philanthropy. In this webinar, you will hear how…
Tools + Sample Policies & Practices

Retreat Manual (Longbrake Family Foundation, 2021)
Sample
The Longbrake Family Foundation created this step-by-step guide to plan and carryout family and board retreats that include time for engaging the next generation. The checklist includes details around planning for accommodations and catering, making travel reservations, booking babysitters, and designing and running a service project.

Sample Family Foundation Meetings Ground Rules
Sample
Sample ground rules for family foundation meetings that accompanied the August 2010 Teleconference, Creative Agendas for More Effective Family Meetings.

Statement of Board Culture (Surdna Foundation)
Sample
This statement from the Surdna Foundation describes the Board’s goals for the culture of its staff and board interactions.