Using detailed and comprehensive analysis, Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations examines continuity and leadership over time within family foundations. Based upon a study of foundations in the United States and Canada that have survived through at least two generations, the authors ask probing questions, including:
- Why were these foundations started?
- What did they look like at the beginning?
- How did the families of the founders come to be involved?
- And how did they organize themselves to do their work from year to year, decade to decade?
Although the foundations in the study are quite diverse in their goals and management, they have all had to confront and survive a common set of challenges. At the core of this volume is the study of two aspects of philanthropy: funding and volunteers—each essential to the survival of a foundation. This study is about the “why” and the “how” of these two crucial aspects.
Note: Selected excerpts from Generations of Giving are available to all NCFP visitors below. PDFs of the complete books is available exclusively to current Friends and members of one of our Partner Subscriber communities.
Table of Contents: PDFs of All Chapters
Generations of Giving: Introduction
Book Chapter
This is the introduction for Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations, the landmark 2006 study by a team of researchers led by Kelin Gersick and co-published by the National Center for Family Philanthropy. This introduction features the lead author’s proposition that the concept of “success” in family…
Generations of Giving: Transitions in Family Foundations
Book Chapter
This excerpt from the introduction for Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations, explores the six components of transitions in a typical family foundation, introduced as follows: The overall time span of a transition may be a few months or several years, depending on the type of transition…
Generations of Giving: Chapter 1 – Understanding Family Foundations
Book Chapter
Chapter One of Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations, the landmark 2006 study by a team of researchers led by Kelin Gersick and co-published by the National Center for Family Philanthropy. This chapter features a description of the research project and a summary of core themes raised…
Generations of Giving: Chapter 2 – Family Philanthropy in North America
Book Chapter
This is Chapter 2 of Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations, the landmark 2006 study by a team of researchers led by Kelin Gersick and co-published by the National Center for Family Philanthropy. This Chapter features a look at the history of early family philanthropy in America,…
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Generations of Giving: Chapter 4 – The Collaborative Family Foundation
Book Chapter
Chapter 4 of Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations, the landmark 2006 study by a team of researchers led by Kelin Gersick and co-published by the National Center for Family Philanthropy. This Chapter introduces the concept of “The Collaborative Family Foundation” and looks at the characteristics and…
Generations of Giving: Chapter 5 – The Family-Governed, Staff-Managed Foundation
Book Chapter
Chapter 5 – The Family-Governed, Staff-Managed Foundation Chapter 5 of Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations, the landmark 2006 study by a team of researchers led by Kelin Gersick and co-published by the National Center for Family Philanthropy. This Chapter introduces the concept of “The Family-Governed, Staff-Managed…
Generations of Giving: Chapter 7 – Family Dynamics
Book Chapter
Chapter 7 of Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations, the landmark 2006 study by a team of researchers led by Kelin Gersick and co-published by the National Center for Family Philanthropy. This Chapter features an in-depth look at the role of family dynamics in multi-generational family foundations.…
Generations of Giving: Chapter 8 – Developing the Organizational Structure
Book Chapter
Chapter 8 of Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations, a landmark 2006 study by a team of researchers led by Kelin Gersick and co-published by the National Center for Family Philanthropy. This chapter features the authors conclusions regarding the importance of organizational structure for achieving the mission…
Generations of Giving: Chapter 9 – Preparing for Future Generations
Book Chapter
Chapter 9 of Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations, the landmark 2006 study by a team of researchers led by Kelin Gersick and co-published by the National Center for Family Philanthropy. This chapter features sections on “Five Reasons that Families Avoid Succession Planning” as well as on…
Generations of Giving: Chapter 10 – The Promise of Generations of Giving
Book Chapter
This is the concluding chapter to Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations, the landmark 2006 study by a team of researchers led by Kelin Gersick and co-published by the National Center for Family Philanthropy. The Chapter includes parting advice from the authors, as well as words of…
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