Board decision-making

Executive Summary—Philanthropy in Complex, Multi-Generational Families: Balancing Individual Preference with Collective Purpose

Posted on April 12, 2023

fall leaves
Researchers from Lansberg Gersick Advisors consider how the family foundation’s design and operation is informed by—and informs—the family’s philanthropic activities that take place outside of it. The purpose of this study is to help families understand how they can design their family philanthropy to best meet their goals.    The study’s standout finding was that the creation of a robust family… Read More

Full Report—Philanthropy in Complex, Multi-Generational Families: Balancing Individual Preference with Collective Purpose

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Wendy R. Ulaszek, Ph.D., Ashley Blanchard

Tree in field
Researchers from Lansberg Gersick Advisors hypothesized that families’ abilities to work together effectively in their philanthropy is dependent not only on the way they design their collective family foundation, but also in how they structure the philanthropic activities outside of it. From 2018-2022, they conducted surveys and interviews and found that as families evolve, they face common dilemmas regarding their… Read More

Effective Family Philanthropy: The Pérez Family

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Ade Adeniji

“Miami Is Our City.” How Two Generations of the Billionaire Pérez Family Give Back in the late 1970s, Argentina-raised Jorge Pérez linked up with Stephen Ross and his affiliated Related Companies, the developer of New York City’s Hudson Yards. The Related Group, founded in 1979, began with a focus on building affordable housing before branching out to high-end condos. And… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: A Discussion with Ginny Esposito about Board Leadership

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Virginia M. Esposito

Ginny Esposito speaking on board leadership
Join NCFP Founder and Senior Fellow Ginny Esposito for a conversation around what contributes to strong board leadership and how family board leaders can effectively guide their foundations with principle and purpose. Learn from recent research about the fundamental role of the chair—and how it is evolving over time—and what makes a board chair successful. Together, we will engage in… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Fostering Healthy Communication

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Bobbi Hapgood

A family board working together.
How do you work with your board, both individually and as a collective, to foster better communication? How do you navigate conflict, complex personalities, and engage with your family in the difficult and dynamic role of board chair? Join Bobbi Hapgood, an experienced foundation consultant, foundation executive, and board member herself to learn from her experiences and engage in discussion with… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Good Governance Discussion

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

People discussing family philanthropy board governance
Come together with your peers for a dialogue on effective governance. We will build on NCFP’s February webinar to discuss the nuts and bolts of board governance, challenges with leading meetings, how to activate best practices, and ways to engage your own family. Please watch the February webinar recording or read the transcript in advance of the call. The final… Read More

The Essentials of Good Governance

Posted on December 7, 2022 by Ann Ziker, Gioia Perugini, Tom Zellerbach

Family Foundation Board Members Discussing Governance
Governance, a system for who will make decisions and how, is the guiding framework for your family philanthropy’s long-term success. There are many governance constructs that support an effective board, and different methods to engage family within each construct. But what are the common elements that contribute to an effective board across all governance constructs? In this webinar, learn the… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Reflections on Mission, Vision, and Values with the Hilton Foundation

Posted on June 9, 2022 by Hawley Hilton McAuliffe, Linda Hilton

Hand stacking three blocks on top of each other. Bottom block says "value", middle block says "vision" and top block says "mission"
A foundation’s mission, vision, and values, which may be thought of as a statement of purpose, are fundamental in guiding its operations, strategy, and relationship with grantee partners.  For family foundations, these purpose statements are grounded in the family’s history and legacy, and donors’ intent. It is critical that both board and staff understand and are aligned with the mission… Read More

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