No lifespan of a philanthropic vehicle is inherently superior to another, and every philanthropic family must weigh a diverse set of factors to arrive at the choice that is right for them. What is important is that philanthropies take the time—either as they are established or at regular intervals—to explore the question, as the answer will affect many other decisions, including governance and succession.
This guide surfaces the most vital factors and provides some questions to prompt the conversation about lifespan.