The concept of “making an impact” is not new. Families of substantial wealth and philanthropy have long had an intertwined history. So it is no surprise that, when 2020’s tremors hit, families of exceptional wealth stepped up in ways not only addressing the pandemic but also tackling deeper societal issues. FOX Chief Operating Officer Glen W.
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Document Contains Resources for:Getting Started, Current Trends, and Navigating Generational Differences
The field of philanthropy has primarily been built around the more tactical aspects and the how of giving while taking the why for granted.
If you are a newer family foundation with one or two generations on the board, five generations may seem like a long time away. Yet in family philanthropy, quite a few foundations have been operating and thriving for 50, 75, even 100 years. What’s the secret of these family philanthropies that make it five generations, and across family branches? How do they successfully attract and engage younger family members? Learn from what other thriving family foundations have done—and continue to do—to sustain a successful long-term family philanthropy.
The question Virginia “Ginny” Esposito, Founder of the National Center for Family Philanthropy, gets asked the most, is “How can I engage my family in philanthropy?” In this episode, Ginny highlights what family business is and common trends in the work she has been in for over 30 years. She has lots of wisdom for parents and great resources, whether you are just getting started or if you’ve been giving for decades.
Charitable planning can be an important part not only of managing income and estate taxes, but of engaging the family and strengthening family values. Adding in a multigenerational component can make it even more meaningful and compelling. Just as every family is unique, so is the philanthropic approach where communication is key and there is more than one way to involve a family in philanthropy.
Few, if any, roles are more significant in ensuring a foundation's success than that of the board chair. This may be why many people find assuming this position a daunting project. And yet the successful businessperson who serves as chair of a family foundation dedicated to a cause that was dear to his or her parents' hearts or the community leader who serves as chair of an independent foundation that provides deserving youth with life-changing opportunities will tell you that few roles are more rewarding.
The fifth generation of John E. Andrus’s descendants, drawing from nearly 500 Andrus family members, operates with carefully developed governance practices that they believe yield a more effective board—and foundation. On the occasion of its centennial, the board and staff of the Surdna Foundation presents the practices and structures that seven large, multigenerational family foundations have created to maintain family involvement; select, orient, and engage family members across generations; and keep the board and foundation focused on impact.
Kelly and Isabel talk about how "finding their person" guided them along their philanthropic journey. In this family, each generation encourages the next by engagement, mentorship, and resilient family culture. Listen and learn more about the Surdna Foundation's inspiring story of multi-generational giving.
Hear from Monica about her grandmother's influence encouraging the new, third generation to get involved and bring their own voices to the table. Monica, now president of the Conant Family Foundation, also talks about activism and shares how the foundation has developed new opportunities, such as emergency funding, while also honoring her grandmother Doris' legacy.