Community Foundations Topical Call: Telling the Story of your Community Foundation’s Philanthropic Services

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Nicolette Rea, Karen Hrdlicka, Tracy Burt, Jennifer Olson Curry

Community foundations have been serving giving families for many decades. Recently more and more community foundations have been re-examining how they are promoting the philanthropic services they offer to donor families. How have community foundations successfully marketed their services to encourage families to partner with them on their philanthropy? What are the changes that some community foundations have made that… Read More

Community Foundations Topical Call: Helping Donor Families Support Efforts to Strengthen Democracy and Increase Civic Engagement

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Ray Barrie-Kivel, Judy Altenberg, Kelly D. Nowlin

The United States is navigating a critical moment in our history as core principles and structures of democracy are under attack. The hyperpolarization of public discourse leaves smaller ground for effective policy formation on any issue. At the same time, however, there are movements across the country that are working to bridge divides, shore up and strengthen justice and equity… Read More

Community Foundations Topical Call: Playing Multiple Roles as a Philanthropic Advisor

Posted on February 14, 2024 by Daria Teutonico, Tony Macklin

As philanthropic services staff at community foundations, we’re called to play many, sometimes conflicting roles: order taker, steward, expert consultant, facilitator, influencer, salesperson, consigliere, and more. How can we effectively clarify and balance the expectations of these roles within and across the families we support? Can we be trusted advisors while influencing families’ giving in ways that align with our… Read More

Strategic Lifespan Peer Network: Supporting Social Movements: How a Spend Down Foundation Can Make a More Impactful Difference

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Vanessa Silberman, Sharon Yazowski, Anne Marie Toccket, Priscilla Enriquez

What caused the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation to move from gifting six to eight percent of their total assets annually, to a decision to spend down its $150M in assets by 2041? What impact do they hope to make during that time? Join us for a conversation with Sharon Yazowski, CEO, and Vanessa Silberman, Executive Vice President on the… Read More

Strategic Lifespan Peer Network: What Spending Down Well Can Accomplish—Lessons Learned from the Pierce Family Foundation

Posted on February 2, 2024 by Denis Pierce, Laura Jansen, Anne Marie Toccket, Priscilla Enriquez

The Pierce Family Foundation sunsetted at the end of 2023. Why did they decide to spend down? How did they ensure they provided the most impactful support to nonprofits? Join us for a conversation with Laura Jansen, former Director of Programs and Operations at the Pierce Family Foundation, and Denis Pierce, President and Founder of the Foundation, who will share… Read More

Community Foundations Topical Call: Engaging Successor Generations and Youth | Connect with Peers Based on Experience Level

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Daria Teutonico, Michelle Beisker, Jennifer Olson Curry

Focusing on engaging successor generations and youth, this session will provide peer learning and connection based on experience with philanthropic advising for multi-generational families. Bring a challenge, a recent success or a 2024 goal to share with your peers. We will divide by experience level using breakout rooms and then have time for sharing insights learned with the larger group… Read More

Values in Action: Thinking Strategically About Your Family Philanthropy’s Lifespan

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Christine Zachai, Sharon Yazowski, Anne Marie Toccket, Whitney Feld

How does your organization’s lifespan align with your family philanthropy’s mission and purpose? This webinar will guide families through making intentional decisions about their philanthropic lifespan. During the session we will hear real-life examples and discuss: How to decide if or when to revisit conversations around lifespan, and who is involved in these conversations. How does your designated lifespan allow… Read More

A Racial Reparations Framework for Family Philanthropy

Posted on December 4, 2023 by C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser, June L. Wilson

This webinar will provide giving families with a practical roadmap for addressing historical and systemic injustices through reparative giving. Join this fireside chat with C’Ardiss Gardner Glaser and June Wilson to learn how to foster a more equitable, just and inclusive society in the context of family philanthropy. Resources: Assessment & Learning Primer About this Series The monthly Fundamentals of Family… Read More

Meeting the Moment Part Three: Shifting Power & Participatory Practices

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Katy Love, Leslie Ramyk, Monica George, Melinda Tuan

How can funders engage the communities they serve in a meaningful way? Which participatory 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 an intentional listening practice for lasting impact. Join us to learn effective… Read More