Branch and family dynamics

The family foundation life cycle and the role of consultants

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Mary Phillips, Susan Schwartz, Suzanna Stribling

Family foundations come with a unique set of dynamics, like their dedication to preserving a legacy and to sharing decision-making among family members. These dynamics are often a significant influence on a foundation's governance and operations, and they can also extend to how family foundations' experiences with consultants differ from those of other foundations or nonprofits… Read More

Collaborating Across Power Differences

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Miki Kashtan

Power dynamics can really get in the way when you are trying to build a healthy, strong organization. If family foundations and their grantee partners don’t see eye to eye, or if junior members of the family pose challenges to their board leaders or elders, the back-and-forth struggle isn’t just uncomfortable; it can undermine the organizational stability and compromise impact… Read More

Andrus youth service program handbook

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Andrus Family Fund

A sample next gen program handbook from a family foundation inviting next gen family members to “develop a long-term commitment to being the change you want to see in this world.” Includes history about the foundation and the program, as well as a collection of activities for next gen youth to use to brainstorm and choose their own philanthropic path… Read More

Andrus youth service program application

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Andrus Family Fund

A sample application from a family foundation inviting next gen family members who are interested in participating in the family’s formal philanthropy program to share what excites and inspires them to give back to their community. Includes a sample cover letter explaining the overall goals of the youth service program… Read More

Navigating Leadership Transitions in Family Philanthropy

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Virginia M. Esposito, Betsy Brill, Dean Phillips, Dinaz Mansuri, Patrick Troska

Every family philanthropy experiences the joy, the sadness, the complexity, and the energy of transitions. Moving toward new leadership in the family can be difficult, emotional, and sometimes frustrating. However, when it is done deliberately and thoughtfully, these times of transition can also be positive for all involved. … Read More

Common Causes of Conflict

Posted on May 16, 2014 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Whatever differences your family may have, those differences need not get in the way of your philanthropic goals. Your challenge is to find ways to channel the bonds of family in the service of a shared vision and anticipate the conflicts that inevitably arise… Read More

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