Think Philanthropy: Family Philanthropy

Giving as a Family

A key trend in philanthropic giving has been the rise in families pooling their funds and considering their philanthropic investments collectively.

At the Institute for Philanthropy we have created research around this philanthropic trend to inform both philanthropists and the wider sector.

Tomorrow's Donors

Tomorrow's Donors (2010) seeks to deepen our current understandings of family philanthropy; highlighting the challenges and opportunities that this form of giving can bring, and shedding new light on what can be learnt from those involved in developing the next generation of family philanthropists, or, as we call them in this paper, "tomorrow's donors." Featuring: the Hummingbird Trust, van Beuren Charitable Foundation, Makhzoumi Foundation, Wood Family Trust, T&J Meyer Family Foundation, the Robert and Jane Toll Foundation.

Download Tomorrow's Donors

Funding as a Family: Engaging the Next Generation in Family Philanthropy (commissioned by Credit Suisse US, 2010)

Models for family philanthropy fall broadly into three categories. There is the family foundation, where a board made up principally of family members oversees the activities of a philanthropic foundation. There is the family business model, where a family makes grants through the corporate foundation or corporate philanthropy programme of a family business. Finally, there are informal activities, where family giving initiatives organised around the kitchen table allow younger generations to learn about their families’ philanthropy in preparation for their future engagement.

This white paper looks at various models for family giving in the US, Europe, Latin America, the UK, Germany and Italy; the benefits of engaging the next generation in family philanthropy; and how to overcome the challenges around family philanthropy, particularly as older generations seek to engage younger members of the family in their grantmaking. The white paper also includes case studies with ‘family pairs,’ e.g., a mother and son, that provide recommendations for philanthropists and their advisors on how to successfully engage the next generation in family philanthropy.