Family Foundations as Agents of Change

Posted on September 4, 2009 by Jeffrey M. Glebocki, Joann Ricci

We often hear media reports on the contributions and impact of super-sized grants and mega-foundations. But data and experience tells us it’s the presence and consistency of small- and medium-sized family foundations that provide much of the fuel for nonprofit organizations in our communities. Family foundations are uniquely positioned to serve as leaders in community problem-solving. Because their board members… Read More

Next generation leadership: Exploring transition at the Andrus Family Fund

Posted on August 4, 2009 by Deanne Stone

How to involve a family that size was daunting enough, but the trustees faced another hurdle. Historically, the seats on the family boards had been filled by a handful of family members from a few family branches. The fourth-generation wanted to have a more democratic selection process, but could they suddenly and convincingly open the doors to the family’s philanthropies after decades of exclusion?… Read More

Family Boards: Why Can’t We Just All Get Along?

Posted on May 14, 2009 by Judith K. Healey

Every family has occasional disagreements when they engage in grantmaking together. How do you handle such common dilemmas as: family members who disagree on grantmaking, discretionary dollars or payouts; members who act out at board meetings or don’t do their share; a leader that’s not willing to step down; individuals who carry their family baggage or branch differences into the board room?… Read More

Grantmaking with a Compass: Geographic Dispersion in Philanthropic Families

Posted on December 14, 2006 by Diane Bryant, Nancy Brain

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? Nancy Brain and Diane Bryant, sisters and trustees of the Frances Hollis Brain Foundation, explore how philanthropies can meet the challenges of dispersion… Read More

The Future of Family Philanthropy

Posted on December 15, 2005 by Virginia M. Esposito, Katherine Fulton

What will family philanthropy look like in the year 2020? How will globalization, immigration, geographic dispersion, and the vast array of new web-based initiatives for giving continue to affect the how, why, who, when and where of family philanthropy? NCFP President Virginia Esposito and special guest Katherine Fulton from the Global Business Network had a wide-ranging, forward-looking conversation on the future… Read More

Successful Succession: Inspiring and Preparing a New Generation of Charitable Leaders

Posted on March 26, 2005 by Virginia M. Esposito

Why do you want the next generation involved? When should you consider a succession planning process? This installment of the Family Philanthropy Teleconference Series features NCFP President Virginia Esposito’s presentation on a range of practical strategies and methods for engaging the next generation, and lead a frank discussion on the issues for both trustees and their advisors to consider… Read More