Family philanthropy and community foundations

What is a private operating foundation, and should we consider using this option?

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Jason Born

The IRS distinguishes between public and private foundations and, within private foundations, between operating and non-operating (grant-making) foundations. While private operating foundations may choose to make some grants to other charitable organizations, they must engage primarily in direct charitable activities by running their own programs (i.e., using their own facilities, staff and resources to directly further their charitable operations)… Read More

Engaging the Next Generation: A Primer for Community Foundation Staff and Donor Families

Posted on May 31, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Donor-advised funds are more than just a smart and flexible vehicle for charitable giving. These funds also provide an opportunity to teach children and grandchildren valuable lessons about giving and financial responsibility — and offer a chance to create a philanthropic legacy that spans generations.. This Passages Issue Brief provides advice on how your family can engage the next generation… Read More

Family Governance and Family Philanthropy: A Primer for Community Foundation Staff and Donor Families

Posted on May 2, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Family governance is the framework in which a family manages its joint affairs. A family applies guiding principles to general policies and specific practices for carrying out the roles and responsibilities of their joint activities, such as family philanthropy. A growing number of families are using donor advised funds and supporting organizations at their local community foundation as a core… Read More

Case Study: Navigating a Community Foundation’s Roles Among a Family’s Professional Advisors

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Tony Macklin

The Star City Community Foundation has a potential opportunity to work with a generous family planning for a business transition. As is often the case, the information about the opportunity is incomplete. This special case study shares the story of the fictional Lincoln family, and explores the questions, considerations, and challenges facing the community foundation as it works with the… Read More

Community Foundation Spark Session: The Community Foundation’s Role Among a Family’s Professional Advisors

Posted on October 20, 2016 by Laura J. Brown, Rod Riggins, Timothy J. Belber, Tony Macklin

Most philanthropic families use multiple vehicles and a range of professional advisors to realize their mission and goals – including partnering with community foundations. How should a community foundation understand its role within that “team” of support? What are ways that community foundations add unique value and expertise in this mix? … Read More

Community Foundation Spending Policy Example

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Anonymous

We adopt an annual spending policy to preserve and build the permanent funds entrusted to us, and to maintain grant levels during periods of down markets. Endowment studies by the Council on Foundations and the Commonfund Institute demonstrate that prudent spending levels allow a fund to grow, while spending more than net returns after inflation reduces the fund’s purchasing power… Read More

Community Foundation Spark Session: Building Blocks for Community Foundations Starting Family Donor Relationships

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Jennifer Olson Curry, Laura Winter, Whitney Hosty, Tony Macklin

Community foundations of all sizes and experience levels increasingly respond to donor needs for deeper support in their multigenerational family philanthropy. Whether it is helping craft a family values statement, increasing involvement of adult children, or sharpening the family’s strategic focus, community foundation donor services teams are figuring out how to offer support in an effective way… Read More

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