Conflict of Interest (Anonymous Family Foundation)
Posted on June 19, 2015 by Anonymous
Sample conflict of interest policy from an anonymous family foundation… Read More
Governance
Avoiding Avoidance: Addressing and Managing Conflict in Family Philanthropy
Posted on June 9, 2015 by Elaine Gast Fawcett
Conflict is normal in any family or organization. In this issue of Passages, you’ll learn about the most common conflicts in family philanthropy, the creative “tactics” some boards use to perpetuate the avoidance, and how you can use simple tools to address conflict in a healthy, productive way… Read More
Can the Foundation Reimburse Expenses for a Family Gathering That Takes Place During a Board Meeting?
Posted on June 5, 2015 by Andras Kosaras
A foundation may only incur expenses for meetings/events that are related to carrying out its exempt purposes (including reasonable and necessary administrative expenses). If a board member wants to invite all board and family members to a family event, the foundation may only reimburse the board member for the expenses incurred if the event is for the purposes of the… Read More
Balancing Internal Vs. External Missions in Family Philanthropy
Posted on May 14, 2015 by Julie Fisher Cummings, Linda Tracy, Doug Bitonti Stewart
What is your family’s dream for philanthropy? Are you primarily interested in achieving a particular grantmaking mission? Or are you interested in creating an opportunity for family members to come together and strengthen family ties through philanthropy and service to others? … Read More
Be Fearless: The 5 Core Principles
Posted on May 5, 2015 by Case Foundation
Those charged with finding or funding solutions to social challenges — philanthropists, government, nonprofits — seem to be moving too slowly and often operating with the same set of tools, concepts and caution of the generations before us. To tackle today's big and ever-changing social challenges, we have to Be Fearless… Read More
Be Fearless: A framework for action
Posted on May 5, 2015 by Case Foundation
A step-by-step guide from the Case Foundation for leaders and organizations that want to be fearless and create transformative change. Inside, you'll find assessment tools, ideas and discussion prompts specially designed for social sector changemakers like you who want to make a greater impact… Read More
The Critical Role of the Board Chair in Family Philanthropy
Posted on April 9, 2015 by Virginia M. Esposito, Alice Buhl, Kelly Sweeney McShane, Steve Toben
What are the critical roles and responsibilities of family foundation board chairs? What are the traps that board chairs can fall into, and how can you avoid them? How can CEOs and board chairs create a mutually respectful and positive long-term partnership? And how can your family identify and prepare a successor chair?… Read More
Board self-assessment (Siragusa Foundation)
Posted on March 19, 2015 by The Siragusa Foundation
In a continuing effort to evaluate and enhance the work of the Siragusa Foundation’s board of directors and the foundation, Siragusa board members are asked to assess their experience and make suggestions for the future every two years via the attached form. This self-assessment aligns with the board job description and service pledge… Read More
Can You Avoid Conflict of Interest and Have the Family Office CFO on the Investment Committee?
Posted on March 18, 2015 by Andrew Schulz
Yes. Conflicts of interest of this type come up all the time. You shouldn’t try to avoid conflicts, because they’re impossible to avoid. At some point, they will come up. The way to handle a conflict is to be trained about what may come up, to be very clear about disclosing them, and to make sure that disinterested, non-conflicted people… Read More
Honoring Legacy And Adapting To Change: A Case Study
Posted on March 1, 2015 by Charles Hamilton
The New Idaho Foundation (NIF) is over 50 years old. The board is now considering how to best to honor the founder's legacy and intent in a way that excites and involves them… Read More