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

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

No matter the intensity of the emotions they generate, transitions have the potential to affect the course of your family’s life. These transitions also impact your family’s philanthropy — and how your family chooses to manage its charitable giving vehicles, such as your donor-advised fund or foundation. This Passages Issue Brief provides tips and tools for donor families and community… Read More

Managing Family Dynamics: A Primer for Community Foundation Staff and Donor Families

Posted on June 30, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

Family members marry, divorce, remarry, form domestic partnerships, and, in many cases, move far away from the family home. Siblings may have long established patterns of competitiveness, feelings of fairness, or other sibling rivalry issues. Parents and children may have values that differ significantly. Communication may break down. In turn, these common challenges can affect how your family decides to… Read More

A Tribute to Ike Leighty

Posted on June 20, 2017 by National Center for Family Philanthropy

“Starting a family foundation is like catching a porcupine.  First you throw a wash tub over it, and that gives you something to sit on while you figure out what to do next!” Those were the words of the late great Herman “Ike” Leighty. Essentially what Ike meant was that there is no one clear path to success in philanthropy… Read More

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