New Research Project Focused on Family Foundation Governance Practices

A new research project focused on family foundation governance practices is underway courtesy of the National Center for Family Philanthropy Fellows Program. “Giving Related” digs into the question of how families develop useful governance habits – practices they repeat over and over – to foster board engagement, enhance the impact of their philanthropy, and strengthen the quality of their experience.

David Weitnauer, an NCFP Distinguished Fellow, will interview trustees and senior executives from 30 family foundations across the country to learn about board practices that have been especially helpful for families committed to doing philanthropy as a group. There is no single right way for a board to operate. With endless variation across families, it’s not surprising that most boards are a mixed bag, doing some things well and other things not so well. 

Which practices foster deeper engagement and enable family members to become a functional working group in the service of giving? Which practices work like speed bumps for group life?

By listening to trustees and executives, Giving Related seeks to share practices and lessons learns about what what works and doesn’t in real life for the sake of more effective philanthropy.

The project’s goal is to encourage conversation about all aspects of board life, including the recognition that it requires on-going tending. Weitnauer observed, “I especially want to encourage board chairs, trustees, and executives to become increasingly mindful of their own practices, liberate themselves from practices that aren’t helpful, and iterate practices better suited to their context. A more adaptive, functional board will always deliver better results: more effective philanthropy and a more satisfying if not joyful experience for everyone involved.”

To learn more, visit www.givingrelated.org.

Indiana Philanthropy Alliance is a member of the NCFP’s Network Partner Program.