Family Philanthropy

Introduction

Family philanthropies serve a powerful function in the philanthropic landscape. In carrying that out, you face a unique set of concerns: governance, planning for succession, engaging multiple generations in your work, and developing the next generation of leaders.

At the Council on Foundations, we understand your needs and have a Family Philanthropy Services department dedicated to meeting them. Whether you’re looking for technical assistance, professional development, peer connections, publications, or leadership opportunities, we have what you need.

We also offer our premier annual event—the Family Philanthropy Conference—where you can avail yourself of all of our services at one time, under one roof. Through these and other Council offerings, your donors, trustees, family members, and staff can become more effective grantmakers.

Public Policy and Legislation

Legal Information Whenever You Need It

As a Council member, you have access to legal expertise unmatched in the field. Our legal services team knows that you face a complex set of legal issues. We provide regular workshops and webinars on common topics, such as implementing legislative and regulatory changes, avoiding self-dealing, understanding grantmaking rules, ensuring effective board governance, and maintaining high ethical standards. Our legal services staff welcomes your inquiries on issues that arise in your daily work.

A Strong Voice in Washington

You can rely on us to be your voice and advocate as we work to create an environment in which philanthropy can flourish. We have several vehicles that will keep you abreast of the latest news coming from Washington, D.C. Subscribe to our Policy Update e-newsletter to receive weekly updates when Congress is in session on legislative proposals affecting the philanthropic sector. Visit www.cof.org/publicpolicy for these resources and more, including issue papers, a bill tracker, and an Advocacy 101 Toolkit.

Stewardship Principles

The Stewardship Principles were created to help you achieve excellence in your board governance, grantmaking, and management. The Council provides an array of services and tools to help you put those principles into practice. Take advantage of our best practices database, publications, conference sessions, and workshops.

The Best Practices Database

Available only to Council members, this Web-based service showcases sample documents and other tools that your peers have used with great success in putting the Stewardship Principles into effect. For more information, visit bestpractices.cof.org/family.

Networking and Education Services

Webinars

Our webinar series is a cost-effective way to get high-value professional development, learn solutions to shared challenges, and help increase your program impact. In 2010, webinar topics include fiduciary duties of board members and trustees, assessing impact, integrating the next generation in philanthropy, and navigating family dynamics.

Conferences, Courses, and Workshops

The Family Philanthropy Conference is the sector’s foremost education and networking event. Programming developed by leaders in the field, site visits, and plenary sessions add up to an experience no family philanthropist can afford to miss. Join us January 23-25, 2011, at New York City’s Marriott Marquis hotel.

During the year, the Council offers a wide range of courses and workshops on topics such as foundation governance, trustee responsibilities, finance and investment, grantmaking trends, and promising practices. Visit www.cof.org/education to learn more.

Online and Print Resources

Valuable Online Resources

At www.cof.org/family, you will find a rich array of resources to guide you on such topics as generational succession, effective grantmaking, resolving management issues, and more. You also will find information about conferences, research studies, benchmarking data, and other tools.

Family Matters E-newsletter
Each month, you will receive Family Matters–the e-newsletter with up-to-date information on Council and colleague events, publications, and services for family philanthropies. Subscribe at www.cof.org/subscribe.

An Electronic Discussion List Just for You and Your Peers

Learn from your peers through the members-only Family Philanthropy Electronic Discussion List. Give and get advice on topics such as how to structure board meetings, select investment advisers, survey grantees, and facilitate training for Next Generation trustees.

Publications Just for Family Philanthropy

The Council publishes a number of publications specifically for family philanthropy. Visit our publications page for a full list. Popular titles include:

• “Principled Giving: An Introduction to Family Foundation Stewardship”
• “Built On Principle: A Guide to Family Foundation Stewardship”  
• “Family Foundations and the Law: What You Need to Know”
• “Top Ten Ways Family Foundations Get into Trouble”
• “Facing Forever: Planning for Change in Family Foundations”
• “The Grandparent Legacy Project”
• “The Giving Family: Raising Our Children to Help Others”

Individualized Assistance

We welcome and encourage your inquiries and requests for information. Our Family Philanthropy Services team is ready to provide individualized assistance tailored to your needs. For more information, call us at 703-879-0742 or e-mail family@cof.org.

Family Philanthropy Staff

Suzanne Stringfield, Coordinator, Family Philanthropy Services, Suzanne.Stringfield@cof.org, 703-879-0757