Mapping Change: Using a Theory of Change to Guide Planning and Evaluation

Posted on October 26, 2021 by GrantCraft

This brief guide explains why grantmakers use theories of change to guide their questioning, unearth assumptions that underlie their work, establish common language, and develop strong action plans. Contributors to the guide also describe how a theory of change sets the stage for evaluation by clarifying goals, strategies, and milestones… Read More

Community Foundations Network Topical Call: Improving and Re-Envisioning Donor Experience

Posted on December 3, 2020

binoculars, future, imagine
Have you re-envisioned your client experience? Gather with your peers to dive deeper into the recent Community Foundation Workshop presentation by Julie Littlechild, “How Client Engagement is Being Disrupted.” Building off of Julie’s workbook, we will discuss how to move from satisfaction to engagement. Prepare to better support your donors at each stage of their journey. If you missed the… Read More

Death, Legacy, and Leadership Transition

Posted on October 12, 2020 by Elaine Gast Fawcett

The death of a foundation leader or senior family member is likely the most emotional change a foundation will undergo. Suddenly, or not so suddenly, family members and the board face grief and loss, and also an onslaught of financial, legal, and organizational issues. How can you plan ahead, as a foundation and as a family? And how can you… Read More

Community Foundations Network Topical Call: Holiday and Winter Family Meetings

Posted on October 5, 2020

How are you preparing for holiday and winter meetings with your donor families during this challenging and partisan moment? Donors are looking for guidance as they navigate uncertain times and a changing giving landscape. Join this safe, facilitated dialogue to talk with your peers about common strategies and important questions. Resources: Civil Conversations & Social Healing at The On Being… Read More

Mobilizing Change: Scenario Planning and Choice Making for a Better Future

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Alexander “Zander” Grashow

seven doors in a room - decision making and choices
NCFP has invited Zander Grashow to share some of the ideas, tools, and practices to help guide us through this adaptive chapter of our collective history. This two-part series will include content sharing, small group time with peers, large group reflections and Q&A. Attendance is not mandatory for both sessions, but together, they certainly build a more coherent set of… Read More

Community Foundation Spark Session: Community Foundations in the Evolving Landscape of Family Philanthropy Services

Posted on February 18, 2020 by Nicholas A. Tedesco, Jennifer Touchet, Tony Macklin

The demand for philanthropic advice is increasing, spurred in part by historic wealth creation, intergenerational transfer of wealth and aspirations for purpose-driven lives and businesses. Moreover, we are witnessing a rising numbers of donors and their families leveraging diverse philanthropic vehicles and tools. Community foundations are well-positioned to provide best in class advice and accordingly, are eager to explore how… Read More

Community Foundation Spark Session: Successful Generational Transitions

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Kathleen Wagner, Stephen Robinson, Lauren Domino, Barrett Coker Krise, Tony Macklin

In philanthropic families, no subject generates more questions than preparing for and successfully passing the responsibility of a foundation or fund to successor generations. Family members consider issues both personal (e.g. self-identity, legacy, family roles) and pragmatic (e.g. timing, knowledge and skills required, differing work and decision-making styles).   Community foundation staff can play a key role in smoothing those transitions in donor families, often helping families plan… Read More

Strategic Lifespan Peer Network: The Final Chapter

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Barbara Kibbe, Lois Mitchell

The Final Chapter: Planning for a Smooth Conclusion Remote Learning: A Discussion Held Via Video Chat & Phone Spending up or leaving a legacy? As your foundation plans for your strategic and limited lifespan, do you plan to support organizations with legacy grants or an endowment for specific causes your family or fund may have founded? How do you honor… Read More

A Conversation with New and Graduating CEOs (Live Stream of 2019 National Forum)

Posted on January 16, 2019 by Nicholas A. Tedesco, Jamie Allison, Don Chen, Richard Woo, Jim Parsons

NCFP will live stream a session from the 2019 National Forum on Family Philanthropy in Chicago, IL. From the comfort of your home or office—and with a computer or electronic device—you can listen and view the event as it happens live. Being the non-family staff leader of a multi-generational family foundation is a privilege and honor. The path to engaging… Read More