Branch and family dynamics

Grantmaking with a Compass: Geographic Dispersion in Philanthropic Families

Posted on December 14, 2006 by Diane Bryant, Nancy Brain

In our increasingly mobile society, family philanthropies once defined by their proximity now encounter a new obstacle: geography. How does geography affect a philanthropy’s mission? How do you keep the family and the philanthropy together? Nancy Brain and Diane Bryant, sisters and trustees of the Frances Hollis Brain Foundation, explore how philanthropies can meet the challenges of dispersion… Read More

Generations of Giving: Chapter 9 – Preparing for Future Generations

Posted on September 27, 2006 by Deanne Stone, Howard Muson, Katherine Grady, Kelin E. Gersick, Ph.D., Michele Desjardins

Chapter 9 of Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations, the landmark 2006 study by a team of researchers led by Kelin Gersick and co-published by the National Center for Family Philanthropy.  This chapter features sections on “Five Reasons that Families Avoid Succession Planning” as well as on “Overcoming Resistance” to succession planning. A must read for any… Read More

Generations of Giving: Chapter 7 – Family Dynamics

Posted on September 27, 2006 by Deanne Stone, Howard Muson, Katherine Grady, Kelin E. Gersick, Ph.D., Michele Desjardins

Chapter 7 of Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundations, the landmark 2006 study by a team of researchers led by Kelin Gersick and co-published by the National Center for Family Philanthropy.  This Chapter features an in-depth look at the role of family dynamics in multi-generational family foundations. The Chapter explores three overarching issues that reflect the lessons… Read More

Generations of Giving: Lessons on Governance and Continuity

Posted on February 25, 2005 by Kelin E. Gersick, Ph.D.

For every family member involved in a family foundation or advised fund, there are two fundamental questions: Why are we doing this? And why am I participating? The second in a two-part series, Kelin Gersick presented key lessons on governance and explored questions in the areas of reviewing and reinventing mission, considering family dynamics, and preparing for future generations involvement… Read More

Families In Flux: Guidelines for Participation in Your Family’s Philanthropy

Posted on October 4, 2004 by Deanne Stone

Family members marry, divorce, remarry, form domestic partnerships and, in many cases, move far away from the family home. With families growing ever more complex, varied, and far-flung, foundations and donor-advised funds need clear guidelines regarding who participates in their philanthropy and in what roles. This Passages report addresses changing family composition and circumstances and how philanthropic families may deal… Read More

Family Governance: A Primer for Philanthropic Families

Posted on June 4, 2004 by Patricia Angus

This Passages Issue Brief focuses on the principles, practices, and policies of family governance. Typically, a family’s philanthropy, whether formal or less structured, is only one of a number of ways in which family members interact with one another. This article aims to help philanthropic families understand the theory and practice of effective family governance… Read More

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