Board decision-making

Demystifying Decision Making in Family Philanthropy

Posted on June 10, 2021 by Ann Shulman

This Passages Issue Brief examines the kinds of decisions that family foundations often face and sets out practical, easy-to-apply guidelines for ensuring that the foundation’s decision-making methods vary appropriately, as conditions and circumstances change. It includes factors to consider when selecting a decision-making method, guidance on how to communicate clearly, simple tools to help make good decisions, and short case… Read More

Decision Making when Founders are Present

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Ann Shulman

This is an excerpt from Demystifying Decision Making in Family Philanthropy. Founders accustomed to making their own decisions in a business setting may bring unilateral decision-making to the foundation, often using it inappropriately. Founders may think of the foundation as “theirs” and feel impatient with or dismissive of group decision-making. At the same time, they genuinely want family members to… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Adding Non-family Board Members

Posted on May 26, 2021 by Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Jaimie Mayer

Are you considering adding independent directors to your board? Join Elizabeth Bonner and Jaimie Mayer to discuss the preparation, conversations, and engagement necessary to successfully add non-family members to your board. The final 30 minutes will be peer breakout groups for networking and any timely discussions. As a reminder, our Peer Network events are not recorded.  If you are unable… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: A Conversation with Susan Packard Orr

Posted on May 25, 2021 by Susan Packard Orr

Join experienced, former board chair Susan Packard Orr for a discussion about navigating transition, legacy, and multigenerational engagement, as well as the complexities of family philanthropy. Bring your questions and challenges to this peer learning space. The final 30 minutes will be peer discussion and breakouts. As a reminder, our Peer Network events are not recorded.  If you are unable… Read More

2021 Trustee Education Institute

Posted on March 9, 2021 by Isabel Nogueira, Alyson Wise, Jumi Falusi, Milton Speid, Emily Kaiser, Adrian Ruiz, Lisa Jackson, Priscilla Enriquez, Dorothy Gardner, Regan Pritzker

NCFP’s Trustee Education Institute provides a comprehensive overview of the important legal, investment, ethical, grantmaking, and family dynamics issues facing family foundation board members and CEOs. Featuring the perspectives of innovative donors and a faculty made up of donors, board members, and highly respected philanthropy experts, this virtual seminar covers: Translating values and goals into action Connecting family legacy and… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Inaugural Meeting

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Jaimie Mayer, Gilbert Miller, Katherine Lorenz

For family foundations of any shape or size, the chair position can be one of great possibility, joy, and sometimes consternation! Come together for community, learning, and to share challenges and inspiration. In the inaugural meeting of this Peer Network, we will spend time connecting with peers in small breakouts, discussing joys, solutions, and challenges in large group discussion, and… Read More

Demystifying Decision Making

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Laura Donnelley, Colleen Leth, Ann Shulman, Ashley Blanchard

feet on an arrow pointing different directions - decision, choice, option
Philanthropic families employ a wide range of models to make decisions—from unilateral authority to consensus. However, identifying the appropriate structure is often a challenge and can serve as a barrier to effective philanthropic practices. Developing an appropriate decision-making framework for distinct situations allows families to rely on an established and agreed-upon process to find a solution smoothly and expediently. Learn… Read More

Effective Governance: Principles, Policies, and Practices

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Virginia M. Esposito, Patricia Angus

board room, board meeting
Preview the conversation with “The Purpose and Power of Family Governance” by Patricia Angus. Family philanthropy is rooted in the act of collective decision making—one that is often codified in a formal governance structure. But what is governance and how can a family adopt its framework to effectively guide their philanthropy? Governance consists of three elements—principles, policies, and practices—that define… Read More

Trends 2020: Board Learning & Decision Making

Posted on November 19, 2020

This excerpt from NCFP’s Trends 2020 study shares data and analysis regarding various US family foundation giving trends, including board activity, foundations as learning institutions, development of new ideas, and much more. Family foundation board members must allocate time and identify ways to track and acquire the information they need to serve as effective fiduciaries for the organization. This section explores the… Read More

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