Board decision-making

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

Board Chair Peer Network: Communication Tools to Improve Meetings and Navigate Uncomfortable Conversations

Posted on April 22, 2022 by Nancy Murphy, Ann Maddox Utterback

Meeting planning and facilitation are a significant responsibility of the board chair. Do your meetings feel more difficult than they should? Are you avoiding uncomfortable conversations for fear of conflict or straining family connections? Does your board sometimes struggle with making decisions? If so, this conversation is for you. These experiences often result from communication challenges. Learn from JF Maddox… Read More

Non-Family Staff Peer Network: Supporting Family Engagement and Philanthropic Impact through Conflict and Systems

Posted on February 27, 2022 by Rebecca Trobe

There are many priorities to consider when balancing family engagement with philanthropic impact. How do you navigate your role as a non-family staff leader? And how can you work with your board to develop systems that support formal and informal decision making to advance the foundation’s mission and goals? Join Dr. Rebecca Trobe for an interactive discussion. Dr. Trobe works… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Supporting Your Executive Director and Staff Team

Posted on January 21, 2022 by Jean Whitney, Jim Parsons

Relationships between board and staff are vital to success, effectiveness, and a positive organizational culture for the team and the family. How do you support your executive director through reviews, regular connections, and planning support? How do you intentionally connect with the executive director and staff team? Can you create a two-way street to encourage communication, partnership, and best practice… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: A Discussion About Racial Justice

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Maggie Lear, Sarah Robinson

Join Maggie Lear and Sarah Robinson to discuss racial justice journeys, practical next steps, and family discussions. Both speakers participated in the NCFP Racial Justice Learning & Action Network. They have had different journeys and will share their experiences as funders and personally. Brainstorm with the group about practical ways to activate in your foundations around racial justice. In this… Read More

Governance Practices for Better Decision Making

Posted on December 7, 2021 by Kerry Ellington, Connie Malloy, Lisl Schoepflin, Miki Akimoto, Laura McCargar

conference, meeting
Governance practices of philanthropic families are evolving to include more diverse voices and perspectives. Two common pathways for donors to become more informed and proximate to the communities they partner with include: the appointment of an expert or community advisory committee to guide social impact strategies and decisions, and appointing independent board members. What are the considerations a family must… Read More

Hate-Free Family Philanthropy

Posted on December 6, 2021 by Eric Jolly, Robert (Bob) Fockler, Abbas Barzegar

Many donors are having conversations about their approach to anti-hate philanthropy. Attendees at this small group dialogue will gather for a grounding discussion about hate-free philanthropy with Abbas Barzegar from Horizon Forum.  Then, learn from two community foundation leaders, Robert M. Fockler, (Community Foundation of Greater Memphis) and Eric J. Jolly, Ph.D., (Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation), about their foundations’ journey,… Read More

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