Time Horizon for Family Foundations: It’s Complicated
Posted on July 20, 2017 by Mollie Bunis
In the unique context of family philanthropy, decisions related to time horizon are rarely as simple as an investment strategy decision… Read More
National Center for Family Philanthropy
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Generational Differences in Family Philanthropy
Posted on July 11, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy
Griping about generational differences has almost overtaken baseball as America's favorite pastime. At least, it can certainly feel that way! … Read More
Why Families Should Start Thinking About Mission-Related Investing
Posted on July 7, 2017 by Stephanie Cohn Rupp
Mission Investing has gained momentum, and has many families and foundations wondering if their assets are in support of the causes and issues that are the most meaningful to them. … Read More
Managing Family Dynamics: A Primer for Community Foundation Staff and Donor Families
Posted on June 30, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy
Family members marry, divorce, remarry, form domestic partnerships, and, in many cases, move far away from the family home. Siblings may have long established patterns of competitiveness, feelings of fairness, or other sibling rivalry issues. Parents and children may have values that differ significantly. Communication may break down. In turn, these common challenges can affect how your family decides to… Read More
The Final Bells Have Rung, but Philanthropy is Always in Session
Posted on June 28, 2017
School is out and summer has officially begun. It's every parent's annual conundrum: what are we going to do this summer? Swim lessons? Summer camp? A visit to grandma's house?… Read More
The Power of Investing in Volunteer Engagement
Posted on June 26, 2017
As funders, we pay great attention to how potential grantees steward their financial resources, but do we pay equal attention to how they lead and manage their human resources? Volunteers are a vastly underutilized, yet virtually unlimited renewable resource. The need is urgent, the timing is critical, and the support is necessary… Read More
What are the disclosure requirements from the IRS regarding Form 990-PF?
Posted on June 21, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy
As a private foundation it is important that you abide by the rules, and specifically the rules implemented by the IRS. It is no secret that as a 501(c)(3) organization you must be held accountable by not only the government but also by the people. Under the private foundations tax provisions in 1969, private foundations were required to make Form… Read More
Uncovering the Layers of Unconscious Bias is the Journey of a Lifetime
Posted on June 21, 2017 by June L. Wilson
In this piece, June Wilson, Executive Director emeritus of the Quixote Foundation, reflects on the value of uncovering and examining unconscious bias, shining the light on how other funders can do the same… Read More
A Tribute to Ike Leighty
Posted on June 20, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy
“Starting a family foundation is like catching a porcupine. First you throw a wash tub over it, and that gives you something to sit on while you figure out what to do next!” Those were the words of the late great Herman “Ike” Leighty. Essentially what Ike meant was that there is no one clear path to success in philanthropy… Read More
What are the roles of board committees?
Posted on June 20, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy
Board committees are at the heart of good governance. Committee members should make the necessary decisions and provide the day-to-day oversight needed to ensure that a family foundation board follows its fiduciary and legal obligations. Refer to Policy Central: Board Commitees for examples of how to organize your foundation’s committees. Once board roles have been established, you should then determine how you… Read More