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In addition to having an external mission, many family foundations create an internal one specifying how the foundation will function in family-building, education and the transfer of family values from one generation to the next. Foundation Source offers concrete examples of how some families are using their foundations to make a difference within the family as well as in the external world.

The new health care reform legislation adds a 3.8 percent tax on net investment income for many charitable donors starting in January 2013, while not allowing charitable deductions to be used to offset the tax. This article from Hemenway & Barnes explains how an interest-free loan to a charity can provide the same tax benefits as a charitable deduction.

At its best, family philanthropy provides families with an opportunity to reinvigorate their grantmaking, inviting the contribution of fresh and original ideas and approaches from younger generations, and bringing families together in pursuit of a mission inspired by common values. Research conducted for Credit Suisse shows the diversity of experience of family philanthropists around the globe.

Increasingly, U.S. foundations are funding international causes either through direct giving to overseas recipients or U.S.-based international programs. Foundation Source offers information and guidelines to help private foundations legally and effectively fund these international efforts without violating U.S. tax law.

KPMG Australia explores six areas related to family business succession: preparation, leadership change, new directions, governance as a priority, performance measurement and pride in the family business. The report focuses on Australian families but offers suggestions and insights that can be useful to families anywhere.

Tough economic times have cultural institutions examining their inventories to decide which items should have ownership transferred to other institutions or individuals by sale, exchange or grant. This paper from Withers LLP notes the increased need for donors of charitable gifts to make their intentions and restrictions on the gifts clear in solidly drafted gift agreements and testaments.

Many donors are reassessing their charitable giving practices in the wake of the recession. It is in this context that Strategic Philanthropy Ltd. has compiled its annual guide for donors interested in thinking more concretely about how to be effective with their charitable donations at a time when the value of their philanthropic assets has likely decreased.

Research from Barclays Wealth finds that four factors keep individuals from donating more: a lack of financial security heightened by turbulent markets; a missing need to donate for familial, societal or religious reasons; concern about how charities are operated; and an unsupportive tax system.

Britain's new reduction of capital procedure provides a flexible and inexpensive way for family-owned businesses to restructure or return value to shareholders. This report from Withers provides practical examples of how the procedure can be used in paying dividends, demergers, share buy-backs as well as paying up unpaid amounts on shares and dissolving a company.

New Philanthropy Capital shares its system for analyzing charities to help funders identify individual charities' strengths and weaknesses and make thoughtful decisions about how to allocate their resources. The organization's approach examines six elements related to a charity: activities, results, leadership, people and resources, finances and ambition.