National Center for Family Philanthropy

The NCFP and LGA Collaborative Pilot Research Project on Philanthropy in Complex, Multi-Generational Families: To Integrate or Differentiate?

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Wendy R. Ulaszek, Ph.D., Kelin E. Gersick, Ph.D.

The largest and most complex exemplary philanthropic families now face many challenges beyond foundation operations. Increasing size, geographic dispersal, and psychological distance from the founders all contribute to the difficulty of finding ongoing roles for family members that satisfy both the individual’s needs for self-expression and authenticity and the collective need for buy-in to the collaborative process of the foundation… Read More
Voices from the Field

Funding the Heat

Posted on October 25, 2019 by Crystal Hayling

Editor’s Note: This post was originally written for the Libra Foundation’s blog and is posted with permission. Crystal Hayling, Executive Director of the Foundation, and Regan Pritzker, President, spoke about funding advocacy at our 2019 National Forum on Family Philanthropy. Check the highlights from the Forum on our blog. The prison abolitionist movement reacted with outrage to Ford Foundation President… Read More

Good Governance: Basic Rules For Governing A Family Foundation

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Robert H. Hull

Once the donor has determined the most appropriate giving mechanism, such as a private foundation, the board of trustees begins to play a role in governance. Usually with the guidance of the donor, the board sets policy for managing foundation affairs, investing the endowment's portfolio, and making grants… Read More
Voices from the Field

Family Funders, Go Where You Are Uncomfortable: NCFP Forum 2019 Recap

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Elaine Gast Fawcett

If there’s one theme that resonated most strongly throughout the 2019 National Forum on Family Philanthropy, it’s the importance of being willing to be uncomfortable. I’m not talking about the break-out room temperature, or how hard or soft the hotel pillows were, or even one of those jittery ‘not-your-best-networking’ moments. This is about a conscious act of choosing to be… Read More
Voices from the Field

Name, Claim, and Share Power: Perrin Family Foundation (Passages Issue Brief Excerpt)

Posted on October 23, 2019 by Elaine Gast Fawcett

Cover of the Passages Issue Brief, Bridging the Power Divide, with a person teaching a few others in a room
As a family funder, how can you acknowledge and responsibly navigate the power of your position? How does the power and privilege you hold affect those you interact with and support? How can you use your power for good—to make lasting impact? This Passages Issue Brief features stories, perspectives, and practical tips on power, and suggestions for how family funders… Read More
Voices from the Field

NCFP Launches Trends 2020 Report

Posted on October 16, 2019 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Trends Collage Image
Giving families have historically turned to each other for advice about family philanthropy. NCFP translated these stories into data by producing the first statistically-significant benchmarking study of national family foundations, Trends 2015. The study’s findings have helped families navigate the sector for the last five years—highlighting what their peers are doing and why. NCFP is now proud to present the… Read More
Voices from the Field

Six Timeless Tips for Raising Philanthropic Children

Posted on October 13, 2019 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

two young children smile at the camera
Editor’s note: While this post is from 2005, the advice is timeless!  Providing for children not only involves ensuring that they have clothes on their backs, roofs over their heads, and food in their stomachs, it also requires that families supply a sense of appreciation for their gifts, monetary and otherwise, and the desire to share those gifts with others… Read More
Effective Family Philanthropy in Action

What Makes a Family Foundation CEO an Effective Leader: Insights from William M. Dietel

Posted on October 11, 2019 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

a group of business people with idea bubbles hovering above them
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of reports on NCFP’s Leadership Symposium for Family Foundation CEOs held March 23-24 in Washington, DC. We’re reviving this piece from 2011 because we’ll be talking about CEO leadership during our 2019 National Forum on Family Philanthropy! The unique role of the family foundation chief executive often involves a very complex… Read More

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

Get in Touch

Keep up with trends in family philanthropy. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Signup

Gain access to personalized support and a network of peers. Join our community!

Join Now