NCFP Blog

Another World is Possible: A Vision of Putting Philanthropy Out of Business

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Farhad Ebrahimi

Even when we aspire to fund the right things, the ways in which we provide that funding run the risk of undermining the transformative potential of such work. As funders, we desperately need to learn how to let go and get out of the way… Read More

Voices from the Field

10 Habits of a Healthy Family Culture

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Courtney Pullen

For many, living a rich life includes a rich family life that involves connection, sharing, closeness, and love. Yet achieving that is much easier said than done. How can we intentionally create a healthy family culture? What are some of its characteristics? … Read More

Nurturing Relationships with Transparency

Posted on September 28, 2017 by Richard Russell, Richard Woo

Transparency is a powerful force when used appropriately. The trick is deciding what is “appropriate” across a wide range of contacts and interactions. In our prior blog posts, we shared our experience cultivating transparency through the lens of finding balance and sharing knowledge. This time around, we want to concentrate on ways to harness transparency for mutual benefit… Read More

Ask NCFP

How can family foundations and community foundations work most effectively together?

Posted on September 15, 2017 by Tim Ober, Shelley Hoss, National Center for Family Philanthropy, Keith Swayne, Audrey Jacobs, Ann Mulholland

Are there good examples of family foundations working closely with the donor community, brought to the table via the community foundation, to strengthen philanthropic initiatives broadly? How can we partner with the community foundations in our state to know community goals and make more effective grants in those areas? … Read More

Voices from the Field

You Can’t Fund Equity Without Sweat Equity

Posted on August 24, 2017 by Zarina Parpia, Lenore Hanisch

Whether you are explicitly focused on social or economic justice, or if you focus on education, community development, the arts, or the environment, we at Quixote think applying an equity lens to your work is one of the most timely and mutually beneficial paths a funder can take… Read More

A Compass Only Works when You Trust It

Posted on August 17, 2017 by Henry Berman

Like a compass, values guide us toward decisions that align with who we are. But a compass only works when you trust it. When you find yourself surrounded by disruptive activities, I encourage you to call on your values and find direction in them… Read More

Voices from the Field

Three Things That Local Organizations Know but Foundations Often Miss

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Kris Putnam-Walkerly

These aren’t aspects of success that you can measure with metrics or data, and they are things that many funders often either take for granted or completely overlook. Yet, when they are present, they make a night-and-day difference in effectiveness… Read More

Voices from the Field

Should I Stay or Should I Go? When Family Philanthropy Interests Diverge

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Richard Marker

It need not be said that families are complex and relationships, between and within generations, reflect that complexity. Every decision that has to be made is loaded because every one is personal… Read More

Voices from the Field

Focused Mission Statements Help Donors Decide Where to Direct Their Money

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Bruce DeBoskey

Creation of a good mission statement is a worthwhile endeavor. It involves and educates current and future stakeholders, enforces focus, clarifies decision-making, and provides valuable information to nonprofits and other donors alike… Read More

Voices from the Field

7 Tips for Creating a Donor Legacy Video

Posted on July 25, 2017 by Kelly Medinger

A couple years ago I realized the Knott Foundation was approaching 40 years as a Catholic family foundation! The time was ripe to pause, reflect on our work, and find ways to commemorate the Foundation. Enter the idea of creating a donor legacy video. … Read More

NCFP Blog

Another World is Possible: A Vision of Putting Philanthropy Out of Business

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Farhad Ebrahimi

10 Habits of a Healthy Family Culture

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Courtney Pullen

Nurturing Relationships with Transparency

Posted on September 28, 2017 by Richard Russell, Richard Woo

How can family foundations and community foundations work most effectively together?

Posted on September 15, 2017 by Tim Ober, Shelley Hoss, National Center for Family Philanthropy, Keith Swayne, Audrey Jacobs, Ann Mulholland

You Can’t Fund Equity Without Sweat Equity

Posted on August 24, 2017 by Zarina Parpia, Lenore Hanisch

A Compass Only Works when You Trust It

Posted on August 17, 2017 by Henry Berman

Three Things That Local Organizations Know but Foundations Often Miss

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Kris Putnam-Walkerly

Should I Stay or Should I Go? When Family Philanthropy Interests Diverge

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Richard Marker

Focused Mission Statements Help Donors Decide Where to Direct Their Money

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Bruce DeBoskey

7 Tips for Creating a Donor Legacy Video

Posted on July 25, 2017 by Kelly Medinger

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