From NCFP

Effectiveness is a universal aspiration in philanthropy. It is ongoing and iterative, but it begins with making a choice. As our colleagues at the Center for Effective Philanthropy note, effectiveness requires four mutually reinforcing elements: goals, strategies, implementation, and assessment and learning. For family philanthropies, questions of effectiveness go even deeper. How do you build consensus with your family? How… Read More

A retreat to kick off the work of NCFP’s newest class of Fellows raised a number of questions for NCFP and its Fellows to wrestle with. How far can we push you? With that question, raised by a Fellow in the first few minutes of our formal launch meeting for the new class of fellows of the National Center for… Read More

For many, family philanthropy presents an opportunity to create a shared experience, unifying the family by working together toward a lasting legacy of impact. Family philanthropy can also give participants an opportunity to explore and cultivate their personal—and sometimes separate—philanthropic passions. There can be an inherent tension between these two goals, and many families struggle with how to address it—especially… Read More

Funding to combat climate change can feel overwhelming. Tony Macklin outlines pathways that families can take to having an impact on climate through learnings from the “Climate and Family Philanthropy” session at the 2022 National Forum on Family Philanthropy.  In multiple polls, most Americans say they believe in the risks of climate change and think our society needs to do… Read More

Avoiding conflict can often seem like the easiest path to take, but if families are to truly practice effective family philanthropy they must deal with conflict head on. Tony Macklin outlines how families can better approach this issue. Disagreements between two or more people are about what they want to happen next. The participants can typically resolve the dispute without… Read More

NCFP’s Peer Networks are a place to find your community of peers. Read on to learn about our Peer Network offerings and how you can join to learn and connect with colleagues. For any role, it is crucial to not only understand what is expected of you, but to also feel a sense of belonging and connection to your peers… Read More

NCFP Senior Program Consultant Tony Macklin attended NCFP’s 2022 National Forum on Family Philanthropy. Read on for Tony’s takeaways from Building and Maintaining Successful Board Chair-CEO Relationships. “Will you let the other person be a whole person—be who they really are?” That question came early in a session about the relationship between foundation board chairs and CEOs at the 2022… Read More

Amazing things happen when people come together in community. Mutual aid groups support local communities with access to food and needed resources. Donor collaboratives now give over $2 billion annually. Community Advisory Councils are breaking from the traditional philanthropic mold of family philanthropy governance and expanding knowledge and connection to the communities they serve. In my personal and professional life… Read More

Anniversaries are times for reflection on and celebration of the past, as well as opportunity to imagine the future. As NCFP celebrates our 25th anniversary, we are speaking with community members about their reflections on the evolutions of their own philanthropy, the sector, and NCFP as well as their hopes for the future. Kelly Nowlin is the current chair of… Read More