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This may seem counter-intuitive if you think the purpose of assessment is to judge work that has already happened. But what if assessment's primary purpose was to shape and improve work that hasn’t happened yet? … Read More

An increasing number of family foundations, community foundations, and regional associations are utilizing fellowship programs as a complementary strategy for meeting their charitable giving missions, while also seeking to expand local philanthropic leadership by building capacity in individual community members. Family foundations may decide to start a fellowship program for any of a number of reasons, including… Read More

Over the past few weeks, NCFP has been delighted to conduct several very special webinars in partnership with Youth Philanthropy Connect featuring the voice and perspectives of youth philanthropists involved in their family’s foundation. Our first webinar, “Family foundations from a youth perspective,” was held on March 29, 2015 and featured a wide-ranging conversation with four young donors… Read More

Philanthropy for Generation Z–high school age and younger—is very different from that of previous generations. They won’t be confined to sharing their time, talent, and treasure. Now there’s a fourth T—ties. And along with their ability to connect with peers at home and around the world, they can do it wherever they are. No desk top computers for the “Always On” generation. With smart phones, these kids have the Internet in the palms of their hands—or screens in their jeans, as one wag put it… Read More

The Durfee Foundation has held many board retreats during its 54-year history, but these have always been for trustees only. In 2014 we decided to do an all-family board retreat and bring together toddlers, teens, trustees and elders. Why the change? Read on… Read More

Even if your family foundation or fund is very new, chances are you have already experienced at least one transition in the lifecycle of your giving program. Family giving programs are subject to changes both in family composition and the lifecycles of organizations, and these changes bring both challenges and opportunities for the family's philanthropy… Read More

There are two vehicles that most donors consider when they are interested in involving their families in shared, multi-generational philanthropy: establishing a donor advised fund or creating a private foundation. This article introduces the key questions donors should ask when choosing between these two common options… Read More

How does a foundation that prides itself on close personal contact with its beneficiaries over an 86-year history totally revamp, modernize, and streamline itself, all without losing its long-time connection with grantees and without losing sight of the founder’s original vision? … Read More

Have you visited ncfp.org yet? The new National Center for Family Philanthropy website (picked and polished from SpamZilla), featuring the Family Philanthropy Online Knowledge Center, launched June 19th! The site features many exciting new features designed with you in mind, providing easier access to expanded resources on family giving: Mobile optimized design for easy viewing on smartphones, iPads, and other… Read More

The longer CEOs stay in the job, the more they see strategic opportunities for the foundation. There may be strong reasons for funding some new areas with greater potential impact, entering into collaborations, or including advocacy grants in the mix, for example. But sometimes the challenge is convincing the board. “You have to stay attuned to bringing the family along,” cautions Alice Buhl, NCFP Senior Fellow. You may want to go faster, but the family isn’t ready to go there yet. Longtime CEOs must be flexible and alert to the family’s needs.” she notes that “boards haven’t had the connection or exposure the CEO has had,” so sometimes it takes a while to help them reach a new strategic level… Read More