Founders, donors, intent, and family legacy

Donor Legacy Discussion Modules

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Janice Simsohn Shaw

To help families begin or continue legacy conversations with a modern framework, this short guide offers a collection of ten discussion modules on a wide variety of questions related to philanthropic legacy… Read More

Meeting the Moment Part Three: Trust-Based and Participatory Practices

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Melinda Tuan

How can funders engage the communities they serve in a meaningful way? What are the differences and similarities between trust-based philanthropy and participatory grantmaking, and which principles are right for your family philanthropy? In this webinar we will discuss creative ways of community participation in family philanthropy, highlight the power of community and trust, and give you tools to develop… Read More

Clarifying Your Purpose and Legacy Part Two: Generational Transitions

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Oona Coy, Grace Tenhula, Diana Spencer, Rebecca Randall

Grandfather, father, and son looking at content on a tablet
How can you prepare the next generation to confidently take the helm while also preparing the current generation of leaders to feel secure in stepping back? Our speakers, who are next generation representatives, will be sharing their own experiences of generational transitions, including the processes their philanthropies used, the complexities of nurturing leadership skills, how they fostered a deep understanding… Read More

Clarifying Your Purpose and Legacy Part One: NCFP’s Family Giving Lifecycle Curriculum

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Miki Akimoto, Nicholas A. Tedesco

Intentional philanthropy requires ongoing reflection and planning. This interactive webinar will give an overview of NCFP’s Family Giving Lifecycle and updated curriculum which provides families with practical tools and proven strategies to clarify their philanthropic mission, effectively transition leadership, ensure lasting impact, and preserve their philanthropic values. Then we’ll take a deep dive into the Succession & Legacy module 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

Effective Family Philanthropy: The Eisner Foundation

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Wendy Paris, Inside Philanthropy

The Eisner Family EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Portsmouth and Shrewsbury Town. From L to R: Anders Eisner, Breck Eisner, Jane Eisner, Michael Eisner, Eric Eisner. Photo courtesy of the Eisner Family
The Intergenerational Philanthropy of the Eisner Foundation If there were a Disney film about family philanthropy, it might open with a scene from Michael Eisner’s childhood. The L.A.-based philanthropist, former chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company and former head of Paramount Studios before that, grew up sitting in on conversations about family giving during Thanksgiving in Vermont. After… Read More

Effective Family Philanthropy: The Compton Foundation

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Ade Adeniji

Here’s How a Longtime Family Foundation Fractured, and Shifted Gears for a Meaningful Final Act In 1894, Missouri native William H. Danforth founded what would become Ralston Purina Company as a balanced food production company for animals. The company revolutionized the feed business with the introduction of pelletized animal feeds. By the early 2000s, Ralston Purina had merged with Swiss… Read More

Effective Family Philanthropy: The Tarsadia Foundation

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Ade Adeniji

Passing the Torch: A Family Foundation Empowers Dozens of Young Philanthropists Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Newport Beach, California, Tarsadia Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that provide educational opportunities for the underserved, support health and wellbeing of the community, and help people find employment. It’s also one of a growing number of charities that aims to rethink how youth and… Read More

Family Legacy in Philanthropy: A Reparative Framework

Posted on May 24, 2023 by The Milliken Family, Will Cordery

Join us for an enriching discussion on family legacy in philanthropy, moderated by the social impact advisory firm, Freedom Futures. In this thought-provoking one-hour conversation, we will hear from a philanthropic family committed to redistributing a significant portion of their wealth as a form of reparations to cement their family legacy in repair. They will share their motivations and approaches… Read More