Governance

Building a Framework for Your Decision Making

Every giving effort needs a guiding framework to be effective. Governance—defined principles, policies, and practices— is the framework.

Featured Collections

January 31, 2024

Governance Essentials

Every giving effort needs a guiding framework to be effective. Governance is the framework. This Content Collection provides both introductory resources as well as more detailed looks at many of the most important aspects of foundation governance.
February 18, 2025

Board Composition, Diversity, and Recruitment

This Content Collection provides resources, perspectives, and sample polices for families and boards thinking about board composition and recruitment, both within and outside the family. Included are resources on the advantages, challenges, questions, and opportunities of engaging non-family trustees on a family foundation board and of promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of family philanthropy at large.
February 11, 2025

Family Foundation Board Chair Roles and Responsibilities

This Content Collection provides a variety of tips and perspectives from current board chairs about how to manage this vital role in family philanthropy.
February 20, 2025

Family Meetings and Retreats

This Content Collection provides tips and ideas for how to craft better family meeting agendas, keep your meetings on track, and accomplish your work more effectively.
January 14, 2025

Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

This Content Collection includes a variety of perspectives and tools for addressing REDI issues within your organization, including a collection of customized Checklists, Quizzes, and Self-Assessment Tools for boards and staff.
February 9, 2025

Self-Dealing and Conflicts of Interest

This Content Collection defines conflict of interest and self-dealing in family philanthropy, and highlights the most common problem areas, including: excessive compensation, tickets to fundraising events, and overlapping board members.

Transitions in Family Philanthropy

Many families put off preparing for a transition until it is upon them. Fear of the day a key family member and leader will no longer be able to participate is a common explanation for why families don’t address critical preparation for a leadership transition. This Content Collection encourages you to view upcoming transitions as an opportunity – to learn

man and woman on couch facing away from each other

Family Dynamics

In this Content Collection, you’ll learn about the most common conflicts in family philanthropy, the creative “tactics” some boards use to perpetuate the avoidance, and how you can use simple tools to address conflict in a healthy, productive way.

Board Compensation

Guidance on the legal regulations regarding compensation, suggestions for how to initiate a conversation among your board members about whether or not compensation is appropriate, and suggestions for how to develop a written policy based on this conversation.

We’re here to equip you with the tools you need to make a meaningful impact. Contact NCFP for support.

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