Transitions

Family philanthropy structures, leaders, and goals are constantly evolving, just like the families they represent. The change that comes over time is to be anticipated, managed, and, if possible, embraced as an opportunity for renewal. The inevitable changes and transitions that come to family giving programs are too often spoken of in negative terms. As relieved as we are to make it from one challenge to the next, change is not something to be simply weathered.

Leaders will leave, and new ones will emerge. Priorities will shift. Families will move. Stock values will rise and fall. It’s all to be expected. Change comes with the territory. How your family initiates, manages, and responds to that change will determine the course of your giving and reveal your true legacy.

Death, Legacy, and Leadership Transition

Posted on October 12, 2020 by Elaine Gast Fawcett

The death of a foundation leader or senior family member is likely the most emotional change a foundation will undergo. Suddenly, or not so suddenly, family members and the board face grief and loss, and also an onslaught of financial, legal, and organizational issues. How can you plan ahead, as a foundation and as a family? And how can you… Read More

Community Foundations Network Topical Call: Holiday and Winter Family Meetings

Posted on October 5, 2020

How are you preparing for holiday and winter meetings with your donor families during this challenging and partisan moment? Donors are looking for guidance as they navigate uncertain times and a changing giving landscape. Join this safe, facilitated dialogue to talk with your peers about common strategies and important questions. Resources: Civil Conversations & Social Healing at The On Being… Read More

Balancing Purpose, Payout, and Permanence

Posted on August 30, 2020 by Council on Foundations, National Center for Family Philanthropy, Tony Macklin

How much should we spend? This is an essential question for foundations, and one of the most complex, particularly in moments of change or turmoil. This Strategy Guide invites you to reflect more deeply on how your foundation chooses to balance four factors—purpose, conditions and trends, time horizons, and assets for mission—especially in times of greater crisis or opportunity. It… Read More

Mobilizing Change: Scenario Planning and Choice Making for a Better Future

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Alexander “Zander” Grashow

seven doors in a room - decision making and choices
NCFP has invited Zander Grashow to share some of the ideas, tools, and practices to help guide us through this adaptive chapter of our collective history. This two-part series will include content sharing, small group time with peers, large group reflections and Q&A. Attendance is not mandatory for both sessions, but together, they certainly build a more coherent set of… Read More

Intro to Adaptive Leadership: Leading in Times of Great Change

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Alexander “Zander” Grashow

four paper boats with a red boat leading the way
NCFP has invited Zander Grashow to share some of the ideas, tools, and practices to help guide us through this adaptive chapter of our collective history. This two-part series will include content sharing, small group time with peers, large group reflections and Q&A. Attendance is not mandatory for both sessions, but together, they certainly build a more coherent set of… Read More

Community Foundation Spark Session: Community Foundations in the Evolving Landscape of Family Philanthropy Services

Posted on February 18, 2020 by Nicholas A. Tedesco, Jennifer Touchet, Tony Macklin

The demand for philanthropic advice is increasing, spurred in part by historic wealth creation, intergenerational transfer of wealth and aspirations for purpose-driven lives and businesses. Moreover, we are witnessing a rising numbers of donors and their families leveraging diverse philanthropic vehicles and tools. Community foundations are well-positioned to provide best in class advice and accordingly, are eager to explore how… Read More

Community Foundations Network Topical Call: Legacy Planning as a Part of Family Philanthropy

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Erin Drury Boorn, Alison O’Carroll, Jan Lane, Beth Harper Briglia

How do community foundations consider and offer legacy planning as an option for families in their philanthropy? Join the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, the Chester County Community Foundation, and the Central New York Community Foundation who will share about their legacy planning work… Read More

Community Foundation Spark Session: Successful Generational Transitions

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Kathleen Wagner, Stephen Robinson, Lauren Domino, Barrett Coker Krise, Tony Macklin

In philanthropic families, no subject generates more questions than preparing for and successfully passing the responsibility of a foundation or fund to successor generations. Family members consider issues both personal (e.g. self-identity, legacy, family roles) and pragmatic (e.g. timing, knowledge and skills required, differing work and decision-making styles).   Community foundation staff can play a key role in smoothing those transitions in donor families, often helping families plan… Read More

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