Board meetings

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

2020 Trustee Education Institute

Posted on December 22, 2019 by Christopher Fletcher, Jennifer Davis, Robin Snidow, Kathleen Simpson, Laura Collins, Paul Liu, Greg Ratliff, Tamara Larsen, Dana Lanza, Shaady Salehi

past TEI attendees
Attendees, please visit the event website for the most up-to-date agenda and Zoom links. The website passcode was emailed to all registrants. NCFP’s Trustee Education Institute provides a comprehensive introduction to important legal, investment, ethical, grantmaking, and family dynamics issues facing family foundation board members. Featuring a faculty made up of donors, board members, and highly respected philanthropy experts, this… Read More

All Peer Network Event: Putting the Fun Back Into Meetings – Navigating Challenges & Barriers

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Bobbi Hapgood

After our last discussion about infusing fun into meetings, it’s time to look at the barriers. We will cover barriers to all different types of meetings (in-person and virtual) and other family engagements. Do family dynamics and other sources of conflict make it difficult to have enjoyable meetings together? How do you diffuse conflict or navigate when people don’t want… Read More

Reinvigorating Your Family Meetings

Posted on November 8, 2017 by Susan Gell Meyers

If you are wondering how it is possible that everyone in your family is offering an excuse for missing the family meeting date, then it is time for some new ideas or approaches to turn these meetings into events that no one wants to miss. How? By planning a purposeful family event that also happens to include the family meeting… Read More

Expand Your Comfort Zone: Taking Risks in Family Philanthropy

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Diane Miller, Rehana Nathoo, The Case Foundation, Tony Macklin

Philanthropy is often described as society’s “risk capital.” Private generosity can support causes and ideas that business and government agencies cannot or will not. However, the idea of risk in philanthropy quickly muddies as we direct our generosity through a family foundation, donor-advised fund, or other collective effort. Our ideas about – and tolerance for – risk diverge, shaped by… Read More

Fist to Five Voting and Consensus

Posted on September 13, 2016

Fist to Five is quality voting. It has the elements of consensus built in and can prepare groups to transition into consensus if they wish. Most people are accustomed to the simplicity of “yes” and “no” voting rather than the complex and more community-oriented consensus method of decision making. Fist to Five introduces the element of the quality of the… Read More

How can board members stay connected across time zones and significant distances?

Posted on June 9, 2016 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

As families grow, geographic dispersion of family and board members will become a common challenge. Each and every family must figure out a strategy that is right for you. Kelly Nowlin, family trustee of the Surdna Foundation, suggests the following, “The executive director or president of the foundation can make trips to dispersed board members and schedule one-on-one time to… Read More

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