Voices from the Field

Family foundations often attempt to further their philanthropic objectives through collaboration with other foundations. Collaboration can meaningfully expand financial, intellectual, and relational capital in making grant programs more effective and sustainable. However, foundation-to-foundation collaboration is challenging and too often fails. For example, differences in approach between local and non-local foundations or power disparities between large and small foundations can be… Read More

This article was originally published by the Andrus Family Fund and is re-posted here with permission. The year 2020 holds challenges for us all—a triple-layered challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, the police killings and resulting uprisings calling out racial injustice and an economic recession. The upcoming shift in the political landscape provides hope, but the election also highlighted a known rift… Read More

Homeboy Industries is a unique place where former gang members are able to experience healing from their violent pasts within the context of kinship. It is a place of hope where work therapy, mentorship, education, tattoo removal and many other vital re-entry services are offered so people can have a second chance at life. “We used to be worst enemies… Read More

2020 has felt like one big “pivot.” We’ve shifted how we get groceries, teach students, onboard new team members, and even how we make an impact on our communities. In times of constant change and uncertainty, it is necessary and natural to shift and change. But, these quick pivots are often reactionary and can have unintended consequences. How can you… Read More

As a newcomer to the field of family philanthropy, I’ve spent a significant amount of time thinking about why I’m interested in this path. Broadly speaking, I’ve always known that service, impact, and changemaking would be part of my life. For me, helping people is not just a career aspiration. It’s a responsibility. It’s a calling that is rooted in… Read More

The death of a foundation leader or senior family member is likely the most emotional change a foundation will undergo. Suddenly, or not so suddenly, family members and the board face grief and loss, perhaps alongside an onslaught of financial, legal, and organizational issues. How can you plan ahead, as a foundation and as a family? And how can you… Read More

This article was originally published by Exponent Philanthropy and is re-posted here with permission. Money affects power dynamics in relationships and as donors, we have the responsibility to send money carefully. When considering alternatives to a traditional funding approach, participatory grantmaking leverages knowledgeable input and democratic checks and balances. Being participatory is more than soliciting outside advice; it means inviting… Read More

For the past year, the family foundation I chair has spent a lot of time working to clarify our guiding values. As we were working on this effort, I took it upon myself to interrogate my own values and illuminate my own blind spots. Nothing is more important to me than helping grantees seize this moment to advance racial equity,… Read More

Learn more about the evolution of the DR Fund at our next family philanthropy webinar.  The year 2020 has challenged the David Rockefeller Fund as it has most of our peer foundations. It began with ebullient plans to mark our 30th anniversary with a reflective look back on how a family foundation can evolve to meet the challenges of different… Read More

In early April, when the turmoil of COVID-19 had gripped New York City, where the Woodcock Foundation is based, the foundation called an emergency virtual board meeting. The purpose was to discuss the implications of the pandemic on our programs, the steps we were taking to check in on and help ensure the stability of our grantees, and brainstorm ideas… Read More