NCFP Blog

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, perhaps alongside 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

This article was originally published by Exponent Philanthropy and is re-posted here with permission. Money affects power dynamics in relationships and as donors, we have the responsibility to send money carefully. When considering alternatives to a traditional funding approach, participatory grantmaking leverages knowledgeable input and democratic checks and balances. Being participatory is more than soliciting outside advice; it means inviting… Read More

For the past year, the family foundation I chair has spent a lot of time working to clarify our guiding values. As we were working on this effort, I took it upon myself to interrogate my own values and illuminate my own blind spots. Nothing is more important to me than helping grantees seize this moment to advance racial equity,… Read More

Learn more about the evolution of the DR Fund at our next family philanthropy webinar.  The year 2020 has challenged the David Rockefeller Fund as it has most of our peer foundations. It began with ebullient plans to mark our 30th anniversary with a reflective look back on how a family foundation can evolve to meet the challenges of different… Read More

In early April, when the turmoil of COVID-19 had gripped New York City, where the Woodcock Foundation is based, the foundation called an emergency virtual board meeting. The purpose was to discuss the implications of the pandemic on our programs, the steps we were taking to check in on and help ensure the stability of our grantees, and brainstorm ideas… Read More

This article was originally published by Leap of Reason. View all components of The Big Reset and a list of references for funders here. Brutal Truths America has never needed more from civil society. That’s because our country is being rocked by a health pandemic, an age-old racism pandemic, economic upheaval, sweeping cuts in safety net programs, and the increasing… Read More