Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

Family Foundation Finds Focus in Grantee Relationships

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Prentice Zinn

Growing plant put into focus by a magnifying glass
In recent years, GMA Foundations has worked with the Celia Lipton Farris and Victor W. Farris Foundation to define and hone its grantmaking focus. The process involved deep listening and learning and strengthened grantee relationships.  Cohesive family giving across geography and generations is patient work. Trustees’ willingness to listen to one another and to invest time in grantee relationships translates… Read More
Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

The Power of a Learning Journey

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Christine Sherry

Aerial view or car driving on winding road through a forest
Family philanthropy benefits enormously from continuous inquiry. But it can be challenging to identify paths to deepen knowledge, explore new ideas, and ultimately, build a culture of curiosity. Embarking on a learning journey—a series of experiences designed to better understand your role in the funding landscape and how to improve your work—can be a creative and inspirational way to promote… Read More
Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

It’s Time To Retire The Term “High Net Worth”

Posted on August 3, 2023 by Stephanie Ellis-Smith, Nancy Reid

Person opening a door
Phila Engaged Giving’s Stephanie Ellis-Smith and Nancy Reid outline the benefits of changing “worth” to “wealth” in the term “high net worth.” This piece was originally published by Phila Engaged Giving and is re-published here with permission. Here’s something radical for you to consider: let’s retire the phrase “high net worth” (HNW), and the even more obnoxious, “ultra high net worth”… Read More
From NCFP, Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

Freedom & Effectiveness Through Accountability

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Miki Akimoto, Ashley Blanchard

Because a body of men, holding themselves accountable to nobody, ought not to be trusted by anybody. – Thomas Payne It should go without saying that families who embark on philanthropy together have good intentions—to give back to  communities where families live and have made their wealth, to make a difference in the world, and to provide a place where… Read More
Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

Partnership Lifecycle and Exercising Funder Responsibility and Accountability

Posted on July 25, 2023 by Nicholas Banovetz

Caterpillar transitioning to butterfly; lifecycle concept
“I have seen that in any great undertaking it is not enough for a man to depend simply upon himself.” -Teton Sioux Tribe We’re in this together. Funders, grantees, and community. And while the dynamics of power and privilege exist, the values of collaboration, transparency, and responsibility define good philanthropy. At the Better Way Foundation, we work alongside grantees and… Read More
Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

Living Our Values Through Stakeholder Compensation

Posted on July 15, 2023 by Alexandria Featherston-Gomez, Shelley Trott

Two people shaking hands across a table
What does it look like to equitably compensate grantees and other partners and how can funders do it in a way that aligns with their values? The Kenneth Rainin Foundation explored this question and shares their process for paying stakeholders. This piece was originally published by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation and is re-published here with permission. In 2022 we wrote about our… Read More
Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

Listening, Learning, Supporting: Reflections on the RFF Team’s Support Beyond The Grant

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Rhonnel Sotelo, Kate Ray

Children playing with teacher in classroom, Courtesy of the Rogers Family Foundation
When the Rogers Family Foundation announced the sunsetting of our Oakland education strategy in October 2020, our team knew we’d reach a point of reflection on our grantmaking and practices over the last two decades. That time is now. This piece focuses on the concept of “Beyond the Grant,” which challenges funders to leverage internal organizational capacity to support their… Read More
Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

Aligning Legacy with Liberation: What if your family’s legacy was rooted in supporting liberation for all peoples?

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Will Cordery

Flock of birds flying near bridge
“Your family’s legacy can in fact honor previous generations, their sacrifices and opportunities; as well as hold a necessary critique of the harm these opportunities may have caused for many others,” says author Will Cordery. Will and his team at Freedom Futures share their Aligning Legacy with Liberation™ framework and the belief that a family’s liberation is deeply attached to… Read More
Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

Six Insights On Embedding DEI In Communications

Posted on May 11, 2023 by Amanda Flores-Witte, Teri Gardiner, Megan De Trane

How can an equity or DEI statement be brought to life in funder practices? The Kenneth Rainin Foundation formed a working group to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in its communications and shares findings from the process. The Kenneth Rainin Foundation has been advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across our organization for the past few years. We’ve reported on… Read More