The Essentials of Good Governance

Posted on December 7, 2022 by Ann Ziker, Gioia Perugini, Tom Zellerbach

Family Foundation Board Members Discussing Governance
Governance, a system for who will make decisions and how, is the guiding framework for your family philanthropy’s long-term success. There are many governance constructs that support an effective board, and different methods to engage family within each construct. But what are the common elements that contribute to an effective board across all governance constructs? In this webinar, learn the… Read More

Balancing Individual and Family Interests in Collective Giving

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Wendy R. Ulaszek, Ph.D., Ashley Blanchard

Multiple stones on left side balanced by single, larger stone on right side
For many, family philanthropy presents an opportunity to create a shared experience, unifying the family by working together toward a lasting legacy of impact. Family philanthropy can also give participants an opportunity to explore and cultivate their personal—and sometimes separate—philanthropic passions. There can be an inherent tension between these two goals, and many families struggle with how to address it—especially… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Workforce Development in Rural Communities

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Katie Hughes, Gretchen Schmidt, PhD, Dr. Ben Stafford, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

In rural communities, where populations are more dispersed and farther from major job centers, labor markets face different challenges than those in urban areas. Currently labor shortages in healthcare and education are particularly acute in rural areas. But investment in workforce development tailored to rural communities can significantly improve this situation. Join us for a conversation to learn about best… Read More

Rural Funders Peer Network: Rural Capacity Building–The Rural Partners Network

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Christine Sorensen, Lee A. Jones, Erin Borla, Wynn Rosser

The Rural Partners Network (RPN) is a government program where a number of federal agencies collaborate together with rural communities to find resources and funding to create jobs, build infrastructure, and support long-term economic stability. RPN has created community networks in several states to help federal agencies develop improved service delivery models, program processes, and funding priorities for the benefit… Read More

Community Foundations Network Topical Call: Connect with Peers Based on Experience Level

Posted on November 16, 2022 by Shannon Jeffries, Katie Scott, Tony Macklin

We are creating time for peer learning and connection based on experience with philanthropic advising for multi-generational families. Bring a challenge to share or a recent success or 2023 goal to share with your peers. We will divide by experience level using zoom breakout rooms and have a group share back. This interactive call will be hosted on Zoom meeting… Read More

Emerging Family Leaders Peer Network: Leading Difficult Conversations

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Didier Sylvain

several people talking around boardroom table
Navigating difficult conversations is a challenging but critical component of being an effective leader in family philanthropy. In this workshop, explore how to use a powerful and straightforward framework to tackle difficult conversations. Using case studies, exercises, and their own real-life challenges, participants will learn: How to engage in difficult conversations successfully How to transform difficult conversations into opportunities for… Read More

Conflict of Interest Policy (George Family Foundation)

Posted on July 22, 2022 by George Family Foundation

The George Family Foundation (GFF) is committed to avoiding transactions or arrangements that give rise to a conflict of interest, potential conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest. POTENTIAL Personal-Gain CONFLICTS No less than once a year, GFF Directors and staff will review a list of all GFF grantees, vendors, and other business partners — disclosing… Read More

Effective Family Philanthropy: Tegan and Brian Acton

Posted on July 14, 2022 by Ade Adeniji, Inside Philanthropy

Brian and Tegan Acton
How Billionaire Couple Tegan and Brian Acton Are Giving in the Bay Area and Beyond Brian and Tegan Acton, in their 40s and worth some $3 billion, are among a new cohort of Silicon Valley donors engaging in major philanthropy. Stanford computer science graduate Brian Acton worked at Yahoo! with Jan Koum, where the two would link up for ultimate… Read More

Breaking Up: Division in Family Philanthropy

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Elaine Gast Fawcett

This Passages is part two of a two-part series on divorce and division in family philanthropy, featuring tips for what board and staff can do to plan ahead for potential change. The second part includes stories and advice from those who have been through, or advised, families as they divided their philanthropy. Learn more by reading part one, Breaking Up:… Read More

Engaging Youth Peer Network: Connecting Across Generational Differences

Posted on April 26, 2022 by Barbara Randell

Oftentimes youth and adults communicate differently and can even have entirely different conversations while sitting at the same table. This can be challenging, particularly when a family is trying to make shifts in its strategy, grantmaking focus, or the way generations work together. Learn about the theory and practice of effective engagement across generations from Barbara Randell… Read More