Succession & Legacy

Exploring Identity, Lifespan, and Next Generation Engagement

It is helpful to consider legacy and succession early in the lifecycle of your philanthropy, with an understanding that your views will no doubt evolve over time. What is the significance of your philanthropy?

Death and Legacy Transitions

The death of a family member—especially a foundation leader—is likely the largest change a family foundation will undergo. Suddenly, or not so suddenly, family members must grapple with grief and loss, and also an onslaught of financial, legal, and organizational issues. How can you plan ahead—as a family, or as a family enterprise (business, foundation, family office)? And how can

Values and Motivations

Clearly defined motivations and values are the underpinning of an effective family philanthropy strategy—they articulate a purpose, provide direction, and serve as a measure of accountability. They are also a dynamic and ever-evolving tool to guide donors and their family through the lifecycle of their philanthropic effort. This Content Collection highlights webinars, blog posts, and other resources that discuss the

Living the Legacy

Living The Legacy: The Values of a Family’s Philanthropy Across Generations was released by the National Center for Family Philanthropy in 2001 to move the discussion of donor intent toward the more robust idea of a living, family legacy. “Legacy is not a ‘dead hand’; it is, instead, a living, ‘helping hand’ that is entrusted to and guides succeeding generations

Generations Together: Engaging Youth

This special collection was curated by our Engaging Youth Peer Network. We thank them for their leadership and sharing. Unless otherwise noted, all resources listed are intended to be able to be used directly with kids. Please see the NCFP Content Collection, Igniting the Spark: Engaging Next-gen and Youth in Family Philanthropy for additional information and resources.

Woman planning family philanthropy

Policy Central: Sample Policies and Practices

NCFP's Policy Central includes sample policies and practices in the areas of governance, grantmaking, family dynamics, engaging the next generation, investments, management, and staffing. New samples are added frequently, and are here when you need them!

Foundation Archives

Many Foundations at some point confront the question of what to leave behind and may choose to establish an archive. Some perpetual foundations have created archives that are continually updated, and the decision to archive has long been a consideration for foundations choosing limited life. In this collection of reports and articles, professionals from across the field of philanthropy discuss

Money and Values

This content collection was curated to share some experience, tips, and tools to better support philanthropic families in their money journeys.

Family Stories and Interviewing Elders

This content collection was curated for you to discover a variety of techniques available for engaging with elders to document a family history that may be shared with generations to come.