Navigating Trends in Family Philanthropy

- Free Resource List -

Tony Macklin and Neil Sumilas, National Center for Family Philanthropy, 2017

Tracking & Adapting to Trends

Bridgeworks Blog (ongoing) – Smart thinking on generational dynamics

NCFP 2015 Trends Study – The first national benchmark survey of family foundations

Philanthropy and the Social Economy: Blueprint (Lucy Bernholz, annual)

- An annual look at the trends shaping how we accomplish social good

Global Sustainable Investment Review (GSIA, 2016)

- A biennial report on the trillions invested with both financial and societal returns; also

links to similar reports for Canada and the United States

Shift Happens: Understanding how the world is changing (Monitor Institute, 2014)

- Overview of changing demographics, technologies, economic factors, and more

Stanford Social Innovation Review (ongoing)

- Website and magazine on trends in philanthropy, nonprofits, and corporate responsibility

This is New Power (launched 2015) – Ideas based on the Understanding New Power article in HBR

Governance and Family Dynamics

25 Best Practices of Multi-Generational Families (GenSpring 2016)

- Advice on family cohesiveness, mentoring, governance, philanthropy, and more

Avoiding Avoidance: Address and Managing Conflict in Family Philanthropy (NCFP 2014)

Family Involvement: The Spectrum of Options (NCFP 2010)

- Advice for moving from founding donor to family governance

Improving Communication and Interaction in Family Foundations (GMA Foundations 2010)

- Advice on improving family dynamics and decision-making

Succession Planning for Families (Exponent Philanthropy)

- Quick answers to frequently asked questions and links to other resources

Talking to Your Family About Philanthropy (Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors)

- Guide for founding donors and board members

Ten Ways to Plan for Board Continuity and Succession (GMA Foundations 2008)

- Quick guide for thinking ahead

Tips and Tools for Effective Family Board Meetings (NCFP 2010)

- Advice from governance consultants and family foundation members

Why Family Foundations Lose Their Way (Neithercut Philanthropy Advisors 2012)

- Overview of common misconceptions, mistakes, and planning dangers

Youth Philanthropy Case Studies (Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation, ongoing)

- How family foundations are engaging youth and planning for their future leadership

Navigating Trends in Family Philanthropy

- Free Resource List -

Tony Macklin and Neil Sumilas, National Center for Family Philanthropy, 2017

Family Mission, Values, and Giving Preferences

Adventures in Giving (The Philanthropic Initiative 2015)

- 14-question online quiz that assesses preferences and goals for giving

Donor Legacy Statements, Values Statements, and Ethical Wills (NCFP 2011)

- Compares the options, provides examples and links

Generations Together (NCFP 2016)

- An online curriculum, in five modules, for engaging youth in family philanthropy

Giving Together: A Workbook for Family Philanthropy (The Philanthropic Initiative 2008)

- 15 worksheets to define and refine family engagement, mission, and grantmaking

Protecting Donor Intent (Philanthropy Roundtable 2012)

- Overview on defining mission and creating policies and safeguards to protect it

Ramping Up Your Foundation (TPI and Exponent Philanthropy 2016)

- A guide for families that will see an infusion of assets into their philanthropy

Your Philanthropy Roadmap (Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors)

- 5 key questions for shaping your giving, a good start for a family discussion

Additional Resources for Professional Advisors

Affluent Family Resources (Connected Gens)

- Good guides for advisors on purposeful planning and purposeful trusts

Charitable Life Planning: The Non-Financial Benefits of Charitably Engaged Retirees (Clontz, 2014)

- Advice on finding meaning in retirement and a “top 10 charitable questions” to ask clients

Creating Meaning From Money (Merrill Lynch, 2014)

- Looking at the family’s foundation and legacy as more than money

Heritage Design (ongoing)

- White papers, videos, and other training on helping families succeed across generations

Interviewing the Affluent (Fithian and Schervish, 1999)

- A two-part article and seminal thinking on values-based planning with clients

U.S. Trust & Bank of America Studies of HNW Philanthropy (biennial)

- How wealthy families view philanthropy, volunteering, and the role of their advisors