Governance

Code of Conduct (Anonymous Foundation, 2023)

Posted on June 24, 2025

This resource outlines an anonymous foundation’s standards of behavior and ethical expectations for its staff and affiliates. It covers key areas such as professionalism, confidentiality, conflict of interest, self‑dealing, and fiduciary duties. The document also includes policies and procedures for disclosure, review, and enforcement to ensure integrity, accountability, and compliance across the organization… Read More

Code of Conduct (Packard Foundation, 2023)

Posted on June 24, 2025

This resource from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation outlines its core values, responsibilities, and standards of behavior for trustees. It describes their role in guiding the foundation’s strategy, serving as stewards of its resources, maintaining legal and ethical compliance, and fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and respect… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Beyond the Family: Engaging Community Trustees

Posted on December 19, 2024

More information about the topic for this event is forthcoming. The NCFP Board Chair Peer Network, chaired by Liz Bonner and Nicole Seawell, provides a space for board chairs to share best practices, address challenges, and connect with colleagues. If you are not yet a member of the Board Chair Peer Network, you may join here… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Planning and Navigating Successful Transitions

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Nicole Seawell, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner

Generational transitions are important but complex moments in the life of a family philanthropy. Without thoughtful planning, they can lead to miscommunication and possible conflict. When approached well, however, they can bring great personal meaning and move a family closer to achieving the positive changes they seek in our world. Join us to hear from peers who, as board chairs,… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Navigating Change in Partnership and Community

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Nicole Seawell, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner

As philanthropy navigates an uncertain and changing landscape, it’s important to draw on the expertise and experience of peers to explore how family donors continue to effectively support their communities. Whether acting in solidarity with nonprofit partners, mobilizing additional resources, or seeking opportunities to support big new ideas, family philanthropies have the power, influence, and the ability to move nimbly… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Collaborative Leadership: Building a Successful Board Chair-CEO Partnership

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Gretchen Guess, Nicole Seawell, Billy McGuinness, Robin Holloway, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Adam Gibbons

The success of a family philanthropy depends greatly on a strong relationship between its board chair and executive leader. These relationships are vital to creating a positive organizational culture, for navigating challenges, and guiding the organization through periods of change. Join this session to hear from experienced board chairs and executive leaders on how they built and evolved their relationships… Read More

Trends in Family Philanthropy: Learnings for Effectiveness and Impact

Posted on November 19, 2024

What do the latest trends in family philanthropy tell us about effectiveness and impact?  Join us to dive into select findings from the Trends 2025 report. You will hear from family foundations about how these trends relate to their impact and effectiveness.   We’ll cover topics including relationships, accountability, and equity, and ask questions like:   How are family relationships changing, especially… Read More

Funding Equity: Disability Inclusion in Grantmaking

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Sandy Ho, Jeanine Alpert, Gail Fuller, Ryan Easterly

One in four adult Americans and an estimated one billion people globally experience disability. However, only one cent out of every ten dollars in U.S. grantmaking is allocated to disability rights and social justice. Funders have numerous opportunities throughout their grantmaking processes to shift toward more equitable, disability-inclusive, and values-aligned practices. This session will provide insights into the connection between… Read More

Laying the Foundation Part Two: Governance Structures and Considerations

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Peter M. Hunter, Wesley Weissberg, Ricshawn Adkins Roane, Frank Baiocchi, Holli Rivera

In light of your philanthropic goals and values, what governance structures and legal implications should you consider? How can effective governance support and sustain effective, compliant, and mission-driven family philanthropies? This session will go beyond regulatory requirements and equip you with the best practices in stewardship to ensure your principles, policies, and practices are aligned with your philanthropic goals. We… Read More

Board Chair & Emerging Leaders Peer Networks Joint Meeting: Next generation engagement and generational transitions on foundation boards

Posted on February 13, 2024 by John Ehrlich, Spencer Woolfolk, Kathy Tenhula, Rebecca Randall, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

Join the Emerging Family Leaders and Board Chair Peer Networks for a joint discussion on next-generation engagement and generational transition on foundation boards. The discussion will feature two case studies from family foundations currently experiencing generational transitions and managing next-generation engagement. We will hear from the Fleishhacker Foundation’s board chair John Ehrlich and fifth-generation board member Becca Randall, along with… Read More

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