2024 Community Foundations Family Philanthropy Network Workshop

About the Workshop

What

The Community Foundations Family Philanthropy Network Workshop is an opportunity to learn from your peers and build professional skills. The workshop will include both skill-building sessions on topics top of mind for community foundation staff who work with philanthropic families, and time for networking with peers from community foundations across the country.

Where

The workshop will take place at the Loews Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.

When

This will be an all-day workshop taking place on September 17, 2024.

Who

The workshop is exclusively available for members of NCFP’s Community Foundations Family Philanthropy Network. Space is limited—network members may register up to two staff member attendees at no cost.

Cost

The workshop is free to attend. Attendees will make their own arrangements and will pay for their travel, hotel, and the meals not provided during the workshop.

Accommodations

A list of hotels near the workshop location can be found here.

Agenda

Please see the workshop agenda below.  Additional details will be added as they are finalized

8:30     Breakfast and Check-In

9:00     Welcome

9:15     Connecting and Re-Connecting: Peer-To-Peer Introductions (small groups)

10:00   Overcoming Psychological Barriers to Giving (read the report)

• Betsy Erickson, Head of Family and Individual Services, Arabella Advisors

Getting started with—and scaling up—philanthropic giving is hard. We’ve seen even the most enthusiastic and driven donors become overwhelmed and anxious, causing them to put off, stall, or curtail their giving. All of which hinders impact and strips the joy out of philanthropy. Why are so many otherwise accomplished donors stuck? What are the most common barriers to giving and what are the actionable ways you can use with philanthropic families to help them overcome them?

This new report explores the behavioral science behind the 10 most common barriers to giving—such as too many choices, fear of uncomfortable family dynamics, and lack of urgency—and provides effective ways for donors to overcome them. In this session you will explore how these insights can strengthen your practice and approach to serving donor families.

11:00   Break

11:15   Playing Multiple Roles as a Philanthropic Advisor

• Audrey Jacobs, Founder and Principal, Sarafina Group
• Tony Macklin, Advisor, Tony Macklin Consulting

As philanthropic services staff at community foundations, we’re called to play many, sometimes conflicting roles: order taker, steward, expert consultant, facilitator, influencer, salesperson, and more. How can we effectively clarify and balance the expectations of these roles within and across the families we support?

12:15   Lunch available

12:30   Guest Speakers: Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

• Sarah Kirsch, Managing Director of Housing, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
• Marc Pollack, Chairman Emeritus, RangeWater
• Michael Russell, Chief Executive Officer, H.J. Russell & Company
• Lauren Butler, Senior Vice President, Truist

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta has implemented a successful strategy focusing on increasing the availability of affordable housing in the Greater Atlanta region. This strategy has been made possible by philanthropic families who are supporting the community foundation’s efforts in this area. Please join us for a lunch conversation about this work with leaders from the community foundation and their donor family partners.

1:30     Break

1:45     A Guide to Meaningfully Engaging Next-Generation Adults in Philanthropy (read the report)

• Cara Binder-Kopchick, Principal, CBK Philanthropy

One of the most important moments in the life of a family’s philanthropy is when the those who are currently managing the efforts formally welcome members of the next generation—or generations—into the work. Welcoming next-generation family members at any stage requires careful planning, but formally doing so when they are adults can be particularly complex. Bringing adults into the family philanthropy in a substantial way without a thoughtful strategy can lead to both generations feeling frustration and disappointment, and it can hinder impact. Doing it well, however, can bring great personal meaning, bolster a family’s legacy, and move it closer to achieving the positive changes they seek in our world.

From creating the positive conditions and expectations for next-generation participation, to effective onboarding and designing an ongoing process for success and continued learning, the guide maps out a path for meaningful engagement. In this session you will learn more about this research and gain practice using the various steps outlined in the guide.

3:00     Break

3:15    Peer Learning Breakouts by Topics and Action Planning

4:30     Closing Remarks and Next Steps

5:00     Workshop Ends

6:00     Reception and Panel Discussion at Inspired Generosity Exhibit

Location: Auburn Avenue Research Library (transportation will be provided)
Dilnaz Waraich, President, WF Fund, is one of the five current NCFP Fellows (learn more about the Fellows Program here). Her fellowship project is focused on telling the story of philanthropy in the Muslim American community and connecting these stories of generosity and these donors with traditional institutional philanthropy, in particular community foundations. The Inspired Generosity exhibit, kicking off in Atlanta, is the culmination of Dilnaz’s fellowship project. At this reception, you will have an opportunity to learn more about the Inspired Generosity exhibit, network with fellow community foundation colleagues, and enjoy some light fare and beverages.

This reception will also include a panel discussion with community foundation colleagues about working with faith communities.