Both new and experienced donors have become far more thoughtful about the time frame of their giving. And setting a use-by date for philanthropy has become a common consideration. Effective giving usually relies not just on how to decide to give, but for how long. All of which begs another question: How long should your family foundation or giving ...
Applying a broader parameter—one without a reference to age and with deference to each individual—the next generation philanthropists are people who see themselves as descendants rather than ancestors, who want to use their wealth to be of service to others. With the goal of inspiring next generation philanthropists to dream and consider new possib...
In a time of increasing social and economic challenges, this guide offers both emerging and established donors a look at important questions and issues faced. Even the most seasoned philanthropists need to pause, reflect, and ensure that their giving strategies reflect the seismic shifts around the world. No matter your issue, no matter your method...
This guide is designed to introduce you to the world of thoughtful, effective philanthropy. It’s a roadmap for donors—individuals, couples, families, or groups. It offers an overview of issues that philanthropists may want to consider as they create their own giving strategies. And like any good planning tool, this guide presents a seri...
As individuals and families contemplate their charitable giving, they often consider forming a private foundation or creating a donor-advised fund. Understanding the pros and cons of each giving strategy can help them determine the best option to meet family development and philanthropic goals.
The impact of COVID-19 on our communities is only just starting to come into focus. No matter what happens from here, the damage will be dramatic. Many nonprofits that have not traditionally made grants to individuals are asking if they can do so, and how. With a little bit of planning and advice up front, disaster relief grants to individuals can ...
Jeff Raikes, co-founder of the Raikes Foundation, and Fred Kaynor, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Schwab Charitable, discuss a strategy that can help donors increase their charitable impact. Jeff outlines three important tenets:Choose a cause you are passionate aboutResearch causes and charities to understand how you can m...
There is a passionate and growing effort among funders to focus less on change that is short-term or only at the project or program level; such funders are instead using models that reach across different sectors and approaches and dig deep into root causes, leading to more structural, systemic change. Aiming their efforts at more transformational ...
A historic agreement was reached in 2015 when member states of the United Nations came together and signed “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” which included a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs charted a way forward to a just, secure, and sustainable future for people and the planet. This...
A board chair is perhaps the most important and meaningful job in any family foundation. If you are currently chair—or anticipate that you will be someday—you may find it’s one of the most rewarding roles you will ever have. It’s also a role of great nuance, calling for keen facilitation, leadership, and a healthy dose of se...
National Center for Family Philanthropy recently spoke with Bill Leighty about how he’s helped keep the Leighty Foundation’s memories alive by recording its history. While many foundations use external production companies, Bill created his family’s legacy videos himself—using his own technological know-how, video equip...
Veronica and Greg share how investments in their donor-advised fund account have grown over the years, which has enabled them to give even more to the causes they care about.
What does it mean for a family funder to share and shift power? Here are ideas and questions to help guide an internal discussion on how your policies and practices affect the power dynamics of your philanthropy, and what you can do to alleviate this in your grantmaking, governance, and management practices.
In this Executive Summary of the Trends 2020 survey report, conducted by the National Center for Family Philanthropy, it shares the updated trends on the governance and management practices of U.S. family foundations, and includes new questions relevant to ongoing changes in the field including issues of equity, place-based giving, transparenc...
Every new leader faces challenges. But for those who are breaking barriers within nonprofits or family foundations, the challenges are even more pronounced. The new leaders must find their footing and navigate cultures that either overtly or subtly remind them that they are different, whether they are the first person of color, first woman, or firs...