NCFP Blog

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

Jolted by a stream of recent events, I have been reminded of the value and myriad benefits of Black-led giving circles and why I am a member of one. Hardly alone in this consciousness, I joined two chroniclers and members of giving circles to write "The Sweetness of Circles." In that opinion piece, we share our collective views on why giving circles have growing appeal among Black Americans in these trying times… Read More

Changing familiar habits and traditions, and welcoming non-family into the fold, requires a degree of sacrifice and risk-taking. In return, there is an improved outcome in sight. Adding community or expert board members has the potential to increase the family foundation’s effectiveness… Read More

Maybe you’ve been practicing philanthropy for a while and you’ve mastered the basics—the essentials you need to create a solid grantmaking strategy and process. How do you take your work and your effectiveness to the next level? … Read More

For many, this moment can feel overwhelming and even paralyzing. From climate crises to the opioid epidemic and growing social divides, it can seem impossible to prioritize our philanthropic efforts. As president of a national foundation focused on the health of the American political system, I receive calls daily from family philanthropists who have added the health of our democracy… Read More

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

In 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act seemed to resolve the definition of legal matrimony—the act deemed same sex marriages illegitimate and stripped couples of their marital benefits. This act came over 30 years after the civil rights movement freed people of color, women, and other marginalized groups of the shackles restraining their civil liberties, but yet again there were… Read More

In impact investing, we are witnessing the flipping of the script between the old and the new. Investors are striving to transform the mental formations (mindsets, deal sheets, and return expectations) that many times collide with the limits of natural resources, the call for equitable financial outcomes, and the health and well-being of people, places, and the planet… Read More

We all know we should have an estate plan, but it’s amazing how easy it is to put off. We are loath to imagine, talk about and plan for a time when we are no longer living. It can feel morbid and uncomfortable to think about—not to mention overwhelming to go through the process of understanding all the options and deciding which are best for you… Read More