Community Foundations Topical Call: Playing Multiple Roles as a Philanthropic Advisor

As philanthropic services staff at community foundations, we’re called to play many, sometimes conflicting roles: order taker, steward, expert consultant, facilitator, influencer, salesperson, consigliere, and more. How can we effectively clarify and balance the expectations of these roles within and across the families we support? Can we be trusted advisors while influencing families’ giving in ways that align with our own organization’s goals? When do our roles force us to see families as problems to solve? And what roles should we play in increasing families’ self-sufficiency in their philanthropy?

Attorney and coach Natalie McVeigh sparked a thoughtful conversation about these questions at the 2023 Community Foundations Family Philanthropy Network Workshop. On this topical call, NCFP’s Senior Program Consultant Tony Macklin will lead a discussion about potential answers and ask you to share your practical tips.

Suggested content for self-reflection before the call:

• Practitioner Spectrum–Hansen, Mickel, McVeigh, Legler
• Becoming the Trusted Advisor–Duft
• Rise of the Integrated Advisor–McCullough
• How Trusted Advisors Should Think About Business Development–Greene

Note: This event and related materials are available only to staff of NCFP’s Community Foundation subscribers. If your organization is not yet a member of the Community Foundations Family Philanthropy Network, you can learn more and join here.