National Center for Family Philanthropy

What is the role of the foundation’s president?

Posted on June 19, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

The president is responsible for establishing an efficient and effective infrastructure that enables seamless execution of grantmaking functions and heightens professionalism of the foundation’s operations. The role can be broken down into 5 core responsibilities: Leadership for the foundation’s grantmaking– The president is responsible for focusing on the issues that the trustee’s feel are of great importance. He/she is also… Read More

What is a private operating foundation, and should we consider using this option?

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Jason Born

The IRS distinguishes between public and private foundations and, within private foundations, between operating and non-operating (grant-making) foundations. While private operating foundations may choose to make some grants to other charitable organizations, they must engage primarily in direct charitable activities by running their own programs (i.e., using their own facilities, staff and resources to directly further their charitable operations)… Read More
Voices from the Field

Why “Next-Gen” Misses the Point

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Richard Marker

There is something not quite right when people who have demonstrated leadership roles in other settings, have successful careers, and in many cases are well along raising their own children, are still considered to be too young for the decision-making circle of the family. Too often they are all lopped together as “next gens”… Read More

What should my foundation consider when reviewing a request for a capital grant?

Posted on June 14, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

While capital grants are technically just one aspect or component of a robust grantmaking strategy, there are a few questions and considerations that are unique to capital grants. There are campaign considerations like a strong fundraising strategy, building considerations like effective design, and evaluation processes. The Eckerd Foundation has provided their guidelines and a discussion paper as an sample model as… Read More

What constitutes operating expenses for private foundations?

Posted on June 13, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Operating expenses, also known as overhead, are any cost associated with operating your organization. These costs can then be divided into two subcategories, direct costs and indirect costs. Direct costs can be defined as any expense that is required to develop a project. Indirect costs are expenses that are not related to the actual project. Salaries and office rent are… Read More

Opportunity of a Lifetime 2.0: Multigenerational Family Philanthropy

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Kylie Musolf, Danielle LaJoie

More than ever before, giving families are working to involve multiple generations in their philanthropy. According to the National Center for Family Philanthropy’s Trends in Family Philanthropy Study, nearly 3 in 5 U.S. family foundations engage younger family members in the foundation — and more than 40 percent say they expect to add to or increase the number of younger-generation… Read More

Should our foundation focus on being “strategic” or “responsive” in our grantmaking?

Posted on June 9, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

When your board approves a grant, you are hoping and expecting that your philanthropic investment will make a significant impact. In order to become an effective grantmaker, your giving should always align with the core beliefs of your foundation. Beyond this, there are two common approaches that boards take when considering how to allocate the foundation’s resources: strategic or responsive. … Read More

Engaging the Next Generation: A Primer for Community Foundation Staff and Donor Families

Posted on May 31, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Donor-advised funds are more than just a smart and flexible vehicle for charitable giving. These funds also provide an opportunity to teach children and grandchildren valuable lessons about giving and financial responsibility — and offer a chance to create a philanthropic legacy that spans generations.. This Passages Issue Brief provides advice on how your family can engage the next generation… Read More

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