Trends in Family Philanthropy: Learnings for Effectiveness and Impact

Posted on November 19, 2024

What do the latest trends in family philanthropy tell us about effectiveness and impact?  Join us to dive into select findings from the Trends 2025 report. You will hear from family foundations about how these trends relate to their impact and effectiveness.   We’ll cover topics including relationships, accountability, and equity, and ask questions like:   How are family relationships changing, especially… Read More

Laying the Foundation Part Two: Governance Structures and Considerations

Posted on November 19, 2024

In light of your philanthropic goals and values, what governance structures and legal implications should you consider? How can effective governance support and sustain effective, compliant, and mission-driven family philanthropies? This session will go beyond regulatory requirements and equip you with the best practices in stewardship to ensure your principles, policies, and practices are aligned with your philanthropic goals. We… Read More

Board Chair & Emerging Leaders Peer Networks Joint Meeting: Next generation engagement and generational transitions on foundation boards

Posted on February 13, 2024 by John Ehrlich, Spencer Woolfolk, Kathy Tenhula, Rebecca Randall, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

Join the Emerging Family Leaders and Board Chair Peer Networks for a joint discussion on next-generation engagement and generational transition on foundation boards. The discussion will feature two case studies from family foundations currently experiencing generational transitions and managing next-generation engagement. We will hear from the Fleishhacker Foundation’s board chair John Ehrlich and fifth-generation board member Becca Randall, along with… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Philanthropy in Complex, Multi-Generational Families

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez, Ashley Blanchard

In family philanthropy, there can be an inherent tension between balancing individual philanthropic priorities with a collective family philanthropic endeavor. Families’ abilities to work together effectively in their philanthropy is dependent not only on the way they design their collective giving, but also in how they structure the philanthropic activities outside of it. The responsibility of the board chair is… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Leading in Complex Systems

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Dr. Jason Franklin, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

Philanthropy often seeks to change systems that are complex and intersectional. While no one funder can address all of pieces of the system, identifying the right approach for any organization can be a complex process in and of itself. Board chairs are responsible for leading their organizations and families through these processes, balancing internal and external dynamics. Jason Franklin will… Read More

21st-Century Governance Part Two: Strategically Using Partnerships and Collaborating for Systems Change

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Jeremy Smith, John Anderson Lanier, Nancy Rauch Douzinas, Stephanie Goodrid Lawson

How can a collaborative funding approach increase the impact of your funding? How are donor families uniquely positioned to leverage and foster partnerships? Join this webinar to learn from family philanthropy leaders with extensive experience in collaborative approaches, hear real-world success stories, and gain practical advice. During the session we’ll hear how family philanthropy can be a powerful catalyst for… Read More

21st-Century Governance Part One: Participatory and Collaborative Operations and Strategies

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Joshua J. Knowles, Courtney Knoblock, Hannibal B. Johnson, David Weitnauer

Family philanthropies are increasingly recognizing the power of inclusive and collaborative approaches to maximize their operations and impact—and to ensure that their philanthropy will bring more value to family members, grantees, community members, and others. During this session we will hear from Hannibal B. Johnson, Courtney Knoblock, and Joshua J. Knowles about the development of The Commemoration Fund, a fund… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Connect with Your Peers

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

The role of the board chair as a philanthropic leader is ever-evolving, yet leadership is a resource that goes through cycles, or seasons. As leaders, we must learn to understand our own seasons, those of our organizations, and those of our partners. In this peer-led session, Network Co-Chairs Liz Bonner and Katherine Osborne Valdez will facilitate small group conversations continuing… Read More

Effective Family Philanthropy: Roy and Patricia Disney Family Foundation

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Ade Adeniji

How Multiple Generations of the Disney Family Come Together to Fund Social Justice in LA and Beyond It all began at Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in October 1923. Here, bright young cartoonist Walt Disney and his older brother Roy O. Disney established the upstart studio in Hollywood, California. Walt arrived in Los Angeles from the Midwest after his previous effort,… Read More