Voices from the Field

Why We Created a Center for Family Philanthropy in Israel

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Efrat Oppenheimer

Photo of an Israeli beach
Editor’s note: This piece was originally published by Jewish Funders Network and appears with permission. In 2018, Jewish Funders Network created a new initiative: the Center for Family Philanthropy at JFN Israel, the first program in Israel to tackle the distinct issues and opportunities that family philanthropy presents. The National Center for Family Philanthropy in the U.S. is a model and has been working… Read More
Voices from the Field

12 Chicago Family Foundations: Enough with the Hate

Posted on September 6, 2019

This article originally appeared in Crain’s Chicago Business, 7/31/19. Sometimes words are sticks and stones. Particularly when the words are used as threats against a group of people, specifically people of color. Those not targeted by the words might just shake their heads; others hear the words and feel sick, fearful, angry, and unwelcome. Xenophobia and hatred of immigrants isn’t… Read More
Voices from the Field

Gender and Giving Across Communities of Color

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Andrea Pactor

During Q & A at a conference, a woman in the audience stood up and commented, “This research is interesting, but I don’t see myself in it.” Her comment stayed with me. At the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI), our studies on gender and philanthropy account for factors that affect charitable giving, such as income, wealth, education, race, and health of… Read More
Voices from the Field

Transparency Case Study: Bush Foundation

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Elaine Gast Fawcett

What choices do family foundations and funds have when it comes to transparency? And what approaches do other families take when it comes to managing transparency, communications, and privacy? NCFP’s new guide, Transparency in Family Philanthropy: Opening to the Possibilities examines how family funders are thinking about transparency… Read More
Voices from the Field

Funder Spotlight: Hill-Snowdon Foundation

Posted on August 29, 2019 by The Whitman Institute

Editor’s note: This is part of an ongoing series by the Whitman Institute (TWI), featuring foundations that practice trust-based philanthropy, that acknowledge the power dynamics and realities facing nonprofits, and that invite more authentic relationships and communication with grantees. This piece originally appeared on the Whitman Institute’s website and appears with permission. The Hill-Snowdon Foundation is a DC-based foundation committed to supporting… Read More
Network News

September 2019: News and Notes from NCFP’s Friends of the Family Network

Posted on August 26, 2019 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

autumn leaves
Friends Focus highlights updates from members of our Friends of the Family network and their cutting edge work. This month features updates from the Allen H. & Selma W. Berkman Charitable Trust, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Nathan Cummings Foundation, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Zeist Foundation, and the Eugene & Agnes E. Meyer Foundation. Are you a current Friend or… Read More
Voices from the Field

An Investment Policy Statement Takes Emotion Off the Table

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Brad Norton

We all have emotions and biases. Fear and greed are two of the most powerful emotions and are often a foundation endowment’s worst enemies. As investors, we need to be self-aware and recognize how these emotions can impact our investment decision-making. In order to reduce investment risk related to emotions, crafting and implementing an Investment Policy Statement (“IPS”) is an… Read More
From NCFP

In Celebration and Gratitude: Alice Buhl

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Virginia M. Esposito

Ginny Esposito and Alice Buhl
This month, Alice Buhl will step down as Senior Fellow of the National Center for Family Philanthropy after more than 24 years of service in one leadership capacity or another. Most of Alice’s contributions have been, by her choice, quiet and uncelebrated. But this transition means that I get to throw caution (her wishes!) to the wind and offer a… Read More
Voices from the Field

Improving Philanthropy with a Public Resource Library

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Jeffrey J. Fairfield

It’s been my privilege to manage The Ruth and Hal Launders Charitable Trust since its inception in 2006. When I took on this challenge, I never imagined how something as simple as giving money for charity could be so complicated. Mastering the private foundation rules, adopting best practices, keeping abreast of trends in modern philanthropy, and searching for outsized impact can make the head spin… Read More