Role for our purposes is not your position as president or committee chair; rather, it is how you choose to behave to match the needs of a situation. Everyone holds multiple roles, adopting them almost without thinking. For example, parents play an impressive list of roles in situations with their children: confidante, disciplinarian, advocate, chauffeur.... Read More
As one 20-something involved in her family’s philanthropy shared: [It] has given me the perspective that doing good can really be a lifestyle and not just a one- or two-time event. I think that, once you catch the bug of doing good for the world, it doesn’t just stop with philanthropy. It molds the way... Read More
The manager, a Baby Boomer, wants to schedule a meeting where she can sit across the table from her employees and discuss the latest project. Her longtime staff member from the World War II generation is ready to go, looking to share stories about what used to work well for the company. Her Millennial employees,... Read More
Can I hire my daughter to staff our family’s foundation? First, determine whether your foundation’s governing documents permit the payment of compensation to a child. As a board member, you should read these documents (i.e., articles of incorporation, bylaws, trust agreement, declaration of trust) first. Also, it is possible that the state law governing your... Read More
It is understandable that emerging leaders may feel underprepared. They often are the youngest or newest member of a board or staff, sometimes just starting their professional journeys. Something more powerful than age or experience also is at work, though: Almost to a fault—and, in Exponent Philanthropy’s experience, without exception—young leaders in philanthropy approach their... Read More
Exponent Philanthropy surveys our members regularly to learn about their grantmaking, governance, investments, and administration. We also learn what keeps our members up at night. What consistently tops the list? Succession, the crucial task of passing the leadership baton. Whether it involves the next generation, a new board member, or a new hire, successful succession... Read More