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.

For Youth by Youth: the Art Versus Science of Grantmaking

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Ashley Rodriguez, Christine Reeves Strigaro, Danielle LaJoie, Jared Heddinger, Jillian Wu

Sculpture, music, dance… those are arts. Chemistry, biology, physics… those are sciences. But, what’s philanthropy? And who are you, the philanthropist? Well, you’re both an artist and a scientist. Plus, you’re a part the long history of giving; people have been giving for centuries, in every country, at every income level, and in so many directions. … Read More

For Youth by Youth: Family Foundations from a Youth Perspective

Posted on March 30, 2015 by Isabel Griffith, Justin McAuliffe, Kylie Semel, Mike Tracy

Giving with your family can be fun! Be inspired by the stories of a how a number of young people are involved in their family's philanthropy. Learn with your peers about how philanthropy can help you gain skills, get to know your family better, enhance your community, and benefit causes you care about to make the world a better place. … Read More

Executive director’s annual performance review

Posted on December 8, 2014

Planning & Organizing: Demonstrates an understanding of the Foundation’s mission and priorities; establishes effective courses of action to implement the goals and objectives set forth in the strategic plan. Judgement & Decisiveness: Makes well-timed and sound decisions; meets deadlines; solves problems promptly; sets appropriate priorities for tasks. Initiative: Sets high goals/standards of performance for self and others; originates action rather… Read More

Board officer roles and responsibilities

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Anonymous

Officers shall be elected or appointed annually by the Trustees; and each officer shall hold office for a term of one year or until a successor is elected and qualifies. There shall be no limit on the number of successive terms of office for which an officer may serve. Chair The Chair and Vice-Chair offices shall each be held by… Read More

A Colleague’s Perspective on Trustee Orientation

Posted on November 8, 2014

“Becoming a trustee of a family foundation can be a complex, confusing and confounding experience. Suddenly you are thrust into a room full of persons whom you thought you knew, but now they are all in different roles.” So begins the introduction to this first-person account of the value of a thoughtful and comprehensive trustee orientation program… Read More