Resources & Tools
Our resource library is home to hundreds of resources on the practice of effective family philanthropy, including a diverse range of reports, articles, guides, tools, and sample policies. We encourage you to search and explore the library by clicking below.
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Explore our featured resourcesThe Family Giving Lifecycle
While every philanthropic journey is unique, there are points at which all families must make decisions. The NCFP Family Giving Lifecycle provides the tools you need to make decisions that lead to effective outcomes at each stage of your philanthropic lifecycle.
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November 2025: Network News
NCFP strives to connect its members to resources, best practices, and to peer funders. Network News highlights updates from our members and…
Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in 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…
Unlocking Doors: Relational Reparations, Shared Liberation, and the Healing Power of Story
CC Gardner Gleser shares the results of her NCFP fellowship project, which focused on relational reparations in family philanthropy and how funders can address harm in a way that is meaningful for all participants.
The Value of Capacity Building to Increase Nonprofits’ Impact
As nonprofits face federal funding cuts and a shifting regulatory environment, many funders are turning to capacity building to provide additional support and ensure sustainability of their grantee partners.
Sharing Power with Communities: A Field Guide
Through its work with nonprofits and foundations, Community Wealth Partners support the concept that those closest to the issues are also…
Investing in Capacity Building: Lessons from the Cedarmere Foundation
Relatively small amounts of money may be used by effective leaders to strengthen an organization’s people and infrastructure can be…
The Complete Guide to Family Philanthropy and Donor-Advised Funds
Families face choices when it comes to how to do their philanthropy. They give in different ways using different vehicles. Yet, behind every…
Practices for Engaging the Next Generation in Your Philanthropy
Leaders at multigenerational family foundations share successful ways to engage the next generation by providing meaningful opportunities to participate, sharing power, prioritizing learning, and more.
September 2025: Network News
NCFP strives to connect its members to resources, best practices, and to peer funders. Network News highlights updates from our members and…
Philanthropy in Complex Multigenerational Families Report: A Companion Guide
This companion guide to the Philanthropy in Complex, Multigenerational Families: Balancing Individual Preference with Collective Purpose…
Social Impact Strategies: Intersectionality of Systems
How can philanthropic efforts go beyond addressing isolated challenges to fund the interconnectedness of social, economic, racial, and other…
August 2025: Network News
NCFP strives to connect its members to resources, best practices, and to peer funders. Network News highlights updates from our members and…
Using Your Voice and Influence to Complement Your Grantmaking
Funders can use their voice and influence to amplify their grantmaking, something that is particularly important as nonprofits face a dearth of funds. From signing pledges to signal solidarity and take action to bold peer-to-peer calls to action and transparent communication, family philanthropy is using its voice to meet the moment.
Planning for Effective Next-Generation Engagement
To improve its next-generation engagement and onboarding processes, the Sartain Lanier Family Foundation partnered with Grant Philanthropic Advisors to develop a ‘learning ladder’ that introduces the next generation to important skills and philanthropic knowledge and supports a smoother transition to board service.
July 2025: Network News
NCFP strives to connect its members to resources, best practices, and to peer funders. Network News highlights updates from our members and…
Social Impact Strategies: People and Place
How can a place-based approach maximize philanthropic impact and drive meaningful, community-led progress? In this session we will consider…
Ask NCFP: How do we set expectations about our funding capacity?
Being transparent and setting clear expectations about your funding capacity is necessary to be a good partner to your grantees, especially during times of uncertainty. But, even if you can’t sustain an increase funding, consider how your time, expertise, and connections can provide additional support to your nonprofit partners.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Family Philanthropy
How did we get here? Where do we want to go? Join NCFP’s president and CEO for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of the family…
How Family Philanthropies Can Support Community Organizing to Strengthen the Fabric of US Democracy
Family philanthropy is uniquely positioned to support a healthy democracy by funding community organizing, which often aligns well with their values and can fill funding gaps in meaningful ways, argues Loren McArthur.
From the Archive: Difficult Discussions at Difficult Times
NCFP’s From the Archive series highlights resources from our resource center that have stood the test of time and continue to provide…