Same-sex spouses, life partners, adopted children, second marriages, religious conservatives, political liberals. Today’s families are increasingly diverse and families with foundations are no exception. The changing nature of your family may be creating challenges to harmonious and effective governance. Fortunately, the experience of other foundations is a laboratory of solutions.
If you attended the Council on Foundations [...]

This past week marked my first experience attending the national Council on Foundation’s annual Family Philanthropy Conference. I found myself wearing multiple hats-representing the Council on Foundations as a board member, as well as SWIF, our region and our donors. I found the many conversations and connections I’ve had this week to be incredibly valuable for [...]

For some parents, talking about wealth ranks right up there with the birds and the bees as important but dreaded conversations to have with your kids. This creates a significant challenge for philanthropic families, because you can’t talk about giving without bringing up wealth, inheritance, and financial responsibility.

Families are sacred, just as people are sacred. We war with them and worry over them and love them as best we can. This is the message we came to ponder in the cozy Manhattan home of Catherine Gellert, wrapped in hospitality, on the coldest of New York evenings. With his trademark grace, Charlie Collier, [...]

Simply put, we all want to be heard. Unfortunately, we don’t always know the best ways to communicate. During a discussion on the art of effective communication, which was part of the session, Next Generation Retreat for Family Members, it became clear that the Next Gen, though seated at the proverbial table, are struggling to [...]

Why is philanthropic support of the arts such a good idea?
Back in the 15th century, if you commissioned an altarpiece for your local church, your likeness was painted in at the scene of the Annunciation. We don’t have such incentives any more. So why support the arts?

Family philanthropists have a natural interest in helping other families—particularly the most vulnerable. In the preconference session at the 2011 Family Philanthropy Conference designed and led by Susan Price of the National Center for Family Philanthropy, 70 family foundation peers gathered to share strategies on the education, care, and literacy of children in their early [...]

When I was growing up, my family didn’t do conflict. I never remember my parents fighting or even raising their voices to each other. Having now been in a relationship for 17 years, I know there had to have been conflict, but my upbringing didn’t prepare me well.
Now imagine being a professional staff person [...]