Five years ago, Sy Schwartz announced to his three grown children in their fifties that he wanted them to start giving money away. He would supply the family foundation with $175,000 for them to give collectively. If they did a good job and got along well, the money would increase the next year. Schwartz was... Read More
Youth philanthropy describes diverse youth activities. Some associate youth philanthropy with young people making grants as members of junior boards to family foundations or advisors to community foundations. Others use the term to describe service learning in school or volunteering as part of a youth or religious organization. Fundraising for the benefit of another also... Read More
American country music artist Barbara Mandrell sings that she was “country when country wasn’t cool.” For The McCarthy Charities, the lyrics would be this: “We were a family foundation, when family foundations weren’t cool,” or something to that effect. The Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation—America’s oldest family foundation still in existence—is only 23 years... Read More
There can be tremendous benefits to a family foundation that invites one or more nonfamily members to its board. Nonfamily members can sometimes help the family make more objective grantmaking decisions. Family members also tend to behave differently in the presence of nonfamily members, helping to shift family dynamics that may be getting in the... 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
A leadership succession plan expresses an organization’s commitment to continuity and stability. It is a written plan identifying the values and process by which leadership will be sought and assumed when a planned or unplanned departure by key board members or staff occurs. Who is prepared to assume responsibility in the absence of those responsible?... Read More