Good Governance: The Foundation Imperative
Posted on September 21, 2017 by Virginia M. Esposito
This resource is an excerpt of Chapter 8 from “Splendid Legacy 2: Creating and Re-creating Your Family Foundation”… Read More
Board decision-making
Trends in Family Philanthropy: A Conversation with NCFP Fellows Katherine Lorenz and Doug Bitonti Stewart
Posted on December 8, 2016 by Virginia M. Esposito, Katherine Lorenz, Doug Bitonti Stewart
This webinar features two of the field’s emerging leaders, former NCFP Fellows Katherine Lorenz & Doug Bitonti-Stewart. Doug and Katherine will reflect on a variety of issues they have explored with NCFP and will discuss important trends in the field at large. Moderated by NCFP President Ginny Esposito, their conversation highlights issues and topics of interest to all family funders,… Read More
Expand Your Comfort Zone: Taking Risks in Family Philanthropy
Posted on November 17, 2016 by Diane Miller, Rehana Nathoo, The Case Foundation, Tony Macklin
Philanthropy is often described as society’s “risk capital.” Private generosity can support causes and ideas that business and government agencies cannot or will not. However, the idea of risk in philanthropy quickly muddies as we direct our generosity through a family foundation, donor-advised fund, or other collective effort. Our ideas about – and tolerance for – risk diverge, shaped by… Read More
What I wish my parents had told me: An interview with Susan Packard Orr
Posted on October 13, 2016 by Virginia M. Esposito, Susan Packard Orr
Susan Packard Orr of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation describes the seven key things she wishes her parents had told her about their philanthropic goals and dreams in hopes that other families may see the value in discussing these issues while the founders are still present. … Read More
Fist to Five Voting and Consensus
Posted on September 13, 2016
A fist to five voting and consensus document … Read More
Diverse and Dispersed: Managing a Far-Flung Family
Posted on May 12, 2016 by Berit Ashla, Kelly D. Nowlin, Lisa Parker
In our increasingly mobile society, family philanthropies once defined by their proximity now encounter a new obstacle: geography. How does geography affect a philanthropy’s mission? How do you keep the family and the philanthropy together? And how do families take advantage of diverse perspectives on key issues within the family?… Read More
Expanding Your Comfort Zone: A Window Into Risk in Family Philanthropy
Posted on May 3, 2016 by Tony Macklin
Philanthropy is often described as society’s “risk capital.” Our generosity can support causes and ideas that business and government agencies cannot or will not. We can use our resources to inspire new ideas, challenge existing thinking, or continue supporting an organization when others won’t. … Read More
The Noyce Foundation Story, 1990–2015: Achieving High Impact With Low Overhead
Posted on March 1, 2016 by The Noyce Foundation
The Noyce Foundation was established in 1990 by the family of the late physicist, inventor, and computer industry pioneer Dr. Robert N. Noyce, co-founder of Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel, and co-inventor of the integrated circuit, better known as the microchip. … Read More
How long should a foundation keep grantee reports?
Posted on February 19, 2016 by Andras Kosaras, James P. Joseph
Are there legal requirements, IRS or other, for foundations regarding receiving and retaining paperwork from grantees that documents how grant dollars were spent? A good rule of thumb is to keep grant materials for seven years. We suggest four years at a minimum. The IRS audit statute of limitations is three years. So, it is important to keep grant materials… Read More
Recusals: When Should Board Members Excuse Themselves?
Posted on February 18, 2016 by Andras Kosaras, James P. Joseph
If five out of our six board members are on another board of a non-profit, how do we make grants to that non-profit without a majority vote? What are the rules on recusals? This is a little tricky but the members are not required to recuse themselves as long as everyone discloses their relationship with the non-profit. However, if five… Read More