NCFP Blog

Voices from the Field

I Am Family Philanthropy: Katherine Lorenz

Posted on February 2, 2016 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Katherine Lorenz, President of the The Cynthia & George Mitchell Family Foundation and NCFP Fellow and board member, reflects on how philanthropy has brought together multiple generations of her family. Katherine shares how the Cook's Branch Conservancy in Piney Woods, TX promotes local and regional conservation ethics and demonstrates the resilience of nature in perpetuity… Read More
Voices from the Field

Can General Operating Support Become the New Normal?

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Jen Teunon

If every funder only pays for a specific program or a specific line item, an organization becomes fragmented and unstable. Without general operating support, an organization doesn’t have the money for staffing, rent, technology, training, or even the phone bill. And, without a strong infrastructure, programs that improve our communities can’t happen. … Read More
Voices from the Field

The 5 Dysfunctions of Philanthropy

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Kris Putnam-Walkerly

In 2002, Patrick Lencioni wrote a book called, "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team." It explains the interpersonal aspects of teambuilding in a professional setting and how they undermine success. Although Lencioni’s team is in a fictional company, his lessons also are entirely relevant to grantmakers. We're pleased to share this recent blog post from NCFP Content Partner Putnam Consulting Group on five common dysfunctions that can affect philanthropy generally - and family philanthropy specifically. … Read More
Ask NCFP

Can You Suggest Books for Sharing the Joy and Potential of Giving with Younger Family Members?

Posted on December 21, 2015 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

As NCFP prepares to close for a few days of end-of-the-year celebration and giving of thanks with Friends and Family, we're pleased to share a collection of some of our favorite books for sharing the joy and potential of giving with younger family member, including the new "Hip Family's Guide for Happier Holidays" by NCFP Board member Lisa Parker, president of the Lawrence Welk Family Foundation. … Read More
Featured Article

Sticking the Landing: a Growing Trend Toward Spending Out

Posted on December 3, 2015 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

For much of the 20th century, the vast majority of U.S. foundations operated under the assumption that they would be in business forever. However, as a new generation of family philanthropists take over a growing number are deciding that they would rather spend down their assets during a set period of time than manage their endowments in perpetuity… Read More
Ask NCFP

How can we prepare for the death of our founder or donor?

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Suzanne Hammer

In this month's edition of "Ask the Center," we are pleased to share a guest post from Suzanne Hammer, founder of Hammer and Associates, discussing the recent passing of her father: "In the midst of a loved one dying, there are many decisions to be made. There’s paperwork and Power of Attorneys and property. There’s money. There’s final wishes and figuring out what do with all the “stuff.” In my experience, the stress of it all sometimes divided us more than it brought us together. We all wanted the best for our dad, and we each had strong opinions on what “the best” meant to us." … Read More

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