21st-Century Governance Part Three: Family Philanthropies as Stewards of a Public Trust

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Gia Rauenhorst, Nicholas Banovetz, Richard Woo, Ashley Blanchard

What responsibilities do family philanthropies have to steward their funds intended for public benefit? Who are they accountable to in their pursuit of effective family philanthropy? Embracing accountability and continuous reflection are critical for effective stewardship. In this webinar we will discuss how donor families can thoughtfully steward funds throughout their philanthropic lifespan. We’ll consider original wealth creation and donor… Read More

Rural Places as an Equity Strategy

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Michelle Lemming, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

Two farmers in a field looking at soy crop at sunset
Designed for family philanthropies that work in or are curious about rural areas, this session will offer insights to supporting rural communities. Learn how an equity strategy should include rural areas, and explore the unique challenges and successes of investing in and working with these communities. Attendees will gain knowledge in the similarities between urban and rural funding, including the… Read More

Cultural and Faith-Based Funding Approaches in Family Philanthropy

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Vivian Long, Laura Herrick, Dilnaz Waraich

This session will explore the dynamic ways in which cultural and faith-based values can shape and inform the mission and impact of your family’s philanthropic endeavors. Faith has been imbedded in US philanthropy from its earliest days and many donors continue to lean on those values when driving change. Some donors openly talk about the link between their faith and… Read More

Effective Family Philanthropy: The Tow Foundation

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Ade Adeniji, Inside Philanthropy

After 35 Years, the Tow Foundation Reflects on the Past and Looks to the Future Founded by Leonard and Claire Tow, the Tow Foundation recently held a 35th anniversary event called “Past Informed, Future Focused,” which nicely sums up this unique moment in time for the Connecticut-based family foundation. In addition to a major milestone for the foundation, Leonard Tow… Read More

Effective Family Philanthropy: The Kendeda Fund

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Ade Adeniji

The Kendeda Fund is Writing its Last Checks — and the Last Chapter of a 30-Year Story of Giving About 30 years ago, Diana Blank began to ramp up her philanthropy through what became known as the Kendeda Fund, drawing the name from her three children, Kenny, Dena and Danielle. Tapping into wealth derived from the Home Depot empire, which… Read More

Engaging Youth Peer Network: Peer Connection and Community-Building

Posted on November 7, 2023

A space for network members to reflect on the past year and what they are hoping to accomplish in 2024. Take time to connect with peers in breakout sessions to discuss these topics, and share resources, tools, and strategies for inspiring youth in family philanthropy. If you are unable to attend this event, but are interested in being a part… Read More

Community Foundations Topical Call: Supporting Family Learning and Assessment

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Daria Teutonico

Intentional learning and right-sized assessment are hallmarks of effective philanthropy. Donors and foundations frequently ask such questions as: What impact have grantees had? Are we reasonable in our expectations of that impact? Are we making progress toward our goals and vision? Are we improving in our ability to govern and manage our work as a family? Community foundation staff often… Read More

Community Foundations Topical Call: Managing Fee-For-Service Philanthropy Advising and Consulting Work

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Ana Akhtar, J.M. Johnson, Colleen McCarthy Blair, Tony Macklin

The wealth management industry has steadily increased fee-based advisory services, complementing or entirely replacing income earned from assets under management. Two drivers of this shift are the competition from lost-cost investing options shrinking firms’ profit margins, and the interest of rising generations and mass-affluent clients in fee transparency. Community foundations have also been experimenting with fee-based advisory and grantmaking services,… Read More

Emerging Family Leaders Peer Network: Engaging and Onboarding the Next Generation in your Family Philanthropy

Posted on September 5, 2023

It can be challenging to be a leader in a family philanthropy context, particularly as a member of the next generation. One specific challenge is onboarding other next generation family members onto the board and/or as staff of your family philanthropy. How do you best engage and onboard these next generation members, who are your peers, and help them develop the… Read More

The Black Belt Community Foundation: Taking a Multi-Faceted Approach to Rural Funding

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Felecia Lucky, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) utilizes a variety of funding sources and partnerships to pursue its philanthropic mission and to provide services to its rural region and rural constituents. BBCF President Felecia Lucky will discuss how the community foundation aggregates resources from individuals and other grant programs to fund their work. She will also share broader implications for private philanthropy’s engagement with rural… Read More