The Case for Multiple Giving Vehicles

Posted on December 15, 2022 by Ben Grande, Karl Mill, David Daniels

There is a range of vehicles available to engage the whole family in philanthropy—each vehicle is a tool in your philanthropy toolbox that allows you to reach individual or collective goals through different approaches. Giving families are increasingly using a variety of vehicles in concert with one another to advance their social impact strategies. A single philanthropic family could use… Read More

Balancing Individual and Family Interests in Collective Giving

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Wendy R. Ulaszek, Ph.D., Ashley Blanchard

Multiple stones on left side balanced by single, larger stone on right side
For many, family philanthropy presents an opportunity to create a shared experience, unifying the family by working together toward a lasting legacy of impact. Family philanthropy can also give participants an opportunity to explore and cultivate their personal—and sometimes separate—philanthropic passions. There can be an inherent tension between these two goals, and many families struggle with how to address it—especially… Read More

Philanthropic Purpose, Motivations, and Values

Posted on November 29, 2022 by Nancy Bacon

For your philanthropy to be meaningful and effective, it is important to define, refine, and periodically revisit your philanthropic purpose: to understand your motivations for giving, the collective values that guide your philanthropy, and establish clarity around the various priorities and approaches your family will utilize in its giving. This interactive program is designed to both guide families through initial… Read More

Strategic Lifespan Peer Network: The Spend Down Journey—Timing is Everything

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Rhonnel Sotelo, Anne Marie Toccket, Priscilla Enriquez, Glen Galaich

The length of the spend down journey varies from foundation to foundation. The nature of decisions also varies depending on the length of time remaining in the foundation’s lifespan. What is top of mind at the different times of the spend down journey? What can a spend down foundation with more than 10 years remaining learn from a foundation with… Read More

Strategic Lifespan Peer Network: Spending Down—Trade-offs and Opportunities

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Anne Marie Toccket, Laurel Randi, Priscilla Enriquez, Glen Galaich

When a family makes the decision to spend down their philanthropic resources, that is just the beginning to many other decisions that affect the impact of the family’s giving. Trade-offs will need to be made related to staffing, investments and grantmaking. How can one maximize the opportunities that spending at a faster payout rate provides? How can one minimize missed… Read More

Community Foundations Network Topical Call: Connect with Peers Based on Experience Level

Posted on November 16, 2022 by Shannon Jeffries, Katie Scott, Tony Macklin

We are creating time for peer learning and connection based on experience with philanthropic advising for multi-generational families. Bring a challenge to share or a recent success or 2023 goal to share with your peers. We will divide by experience level using zoom breakout rooms and have a group share back. This interactive call will be hosted on Zoom meeting… Read More

Community Foundations Topical Call: Trust-Based Philanthropy Practices for DAFs

Posted on November 16, 2022 by Molly Shaw, M.Ed., Abbe Temkin

Trust-based philanthropy “is rooted in a set of values that help advance equity, shift power, and build mutually accountable relationships,” per the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project. While many community foundations are working to embrace these practices, how are donors or families giving through and in collaboration with the community foundation learning and adapting to using these practices? Join peers who have… Read More

Community Foundations Network Topical Call: National Study on Donor Advised Funds

Posted on November 16, 2022 by Jeff Williams, Dr. Brittany Kienker

The National Study on Donor Advised Funds, launching in early 2023, will gather the most comprehensive data on DAFs in the United States. Join Jeff Williams and Brittany Kienker for this interactive topical call to learn more about how your community foundation can participate in this study, along with other community foundations, religiously-affiliated charities, and national DAF organizations from across… Read More

Conflict of Interest Policy (George Family Foundation)

Posted on July 22, 2022 by George Family Foundation

The George Family Foundation (GFF) is committed to avoiding transactions or arrangements that give rise to a conflict of interest, potential conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest. POTENTIAL Personal-Gain CONFLICTS No less than once a year, GFF Directors and staff will review a list of all GFF grantees, vendors, and other business partners — disclosing… Read More