NCFP Blog

Voices from the Field

A Letter to Foundation Trustees: 5 Things You Can Do Right Now To Show Up For Racial Justice

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Andrus Family Fund

This article was originally published by the Andrus Family Fund and is re-posted here with permission. The year 2020 holds challenges for us all—a triple-layered challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, the police killings and resulting uprisings calling out racial injustice and an economic recession. The upcoming shift in the political landscape provides hope, but the election also highlighted a known rift… Read More
Voices from the Field

Our Values in Action: A Look Inside the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Peter Laugharn, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

Homeboy Industries is a unique place where former gang members are able to experience healing from their violent pasts within the context of kinship. It is a place of hope where work therapy, mentorship, education, tattoo removal and many other vital re-entry services are offered so people can have a second chance at life. “We used to be worst enemies… Read More
Voices from the Field

Adapt and Reimagine: The Anti-pivot

Posted on November 12, 2020 by Sammie Holzwarth

2020 has felt like one big “pivot.” We’ve shifted how we get groceries, teach students, onboard new team members, and even how we make an impact on our communities. In times of constant change and uncertainty, it is necessary and natural to shift and change. But, these quick pivots are often reactionary and can have unintended consequences. How can you… Read More
From NCFP

Current Giving Landscape Calls Attention to Emergent Donor Behavior

Posted on November 10, 2020 by Nicholas A. Tedesco

Over the course of the last year, the world has witnessed unprecedented challenges—the unexpected presence of a devastating pandemic, growing awareness of longstanding racism and pervasive systemic inequality, and a movement to restore democracy. We are in a season of change…and philanthropy is not exempt. When donors were called to action in March, many responded without hesitation, shedding old patterns… Read More
Network News

November 2020: News and Notes from NCFP’s Friends of the Family Network

Posted on November 9, 2020

Friends Focus highlights updates from members of our Friends of the Family network and their work. This month features updates from the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, Lilly Endowment, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Russell Family Foundation, Surdna Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, and Zellerbach Family Foundation Are you a current Friend or Leadership Circle member of NCFP with an update… Read More
Ask NCFP

Good Grants Gone Bad

Posted on November 6, 2020 by Shirley McLaughlin

Editor’s note: We encourage funders to adopt Trust-based philanthropy practices wherever possible, but still there are times when it’s necessary to reflect on your expectations and agreements with grantees. Most private family foundations are primarily grantmakers, furthering their charitable purposes by making grants to other 501(c)(3) nonprofits. This post discusses a few situations private foundation and other funders may encounter… Read More
Voices from the Field

Service, Impact, and Changemaking

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Maya Diggs

As a newcomer to the field of family philanthropy, I’ve spent a significant amount of time thinking about why I’m interested in this path. Broadly speaking, I’ve always known that service, impact, and changemaking would be part of my life. For me, helping people is not just a career aspiration. It’s a responsibility. It’s a calling that is rooted in… Read More
Featured Article

Lessons for Family Foundation Board Chairs from the 2020 Trustee Education Institute

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Tony Macklin

  During NCFP’s recent Trustee Education Institute (TEI), I heard a recurring theme especially applicable to current and future board chairs of family foundations: effective governance of a family foundation takes more work than you’re typically prepared for.  All board members have a responsibility for effective governance. But the board chair is tasked with helping clarify the board’s roles and… Read More
Voices from the Field

Money and Death: Having the ‘What Happens When’ Conversation

Posted on October 28, 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, 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
Featured Article

Lessons for New Family Foundation Board Members from the 2020 Trustee Education Institute

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Tony Macklin

“I feel like a bit of a fish out of water when talking with people who know nothing about foundations.” “I married into a family with a foundation and I’m looking for help.” “We didn’t grow up with this wealth. It is difficult to discuss.” Three attendees shared these thoughts during NCFP’s recent Trustee Education Institute. Their sentiments are common… Read More

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