Travis Roy’s story is well known—in 1995, the rising college hockey star suffered an on-ice injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down after only 11 seconds of his first Boston University game. That tragic accident ended Travis’ hockey career, but it marked the beginning of his decades-long commitment to helping others through the Travis Roy Foundation. As the Foundation grew, Travis faced a critical question: how can a grass roots organization powered by volunteers manage growth and sustain its impact without a sophisticated support structure?
Family Philanthropy
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Strategic philanthropy is similar to intentional asset allocation in that it requires as much of the giver’s intellect as it does the bank account. A careful and disciplined approach to philanthropic giving combines purpose, practicality, and passion. In planning for charitable giving, families can review their choices with a planning matrix that outlines the types of gifts and their basic features, control features, term, administrative considerations, income tax benefits, deduction limits, estate and gift tax benefits, costs, and other benefits and considerations.
Jessica Jackley, cofounder of KIVA, the world’s first microfinance website, shares her unique wisdom on financial inclusion and social justice. Jessica highlights stories and lessons from her book, Clay Water Brick: Finding Inspiration from Entrepreneurs Who Do the Most with the Least, as well as experiences from her own life as an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.
The field of philanthropy has primarily been built around the more tactical aspects and the how of giving while taking the why for granted.
A rising generation of clients in their 20s and 30s turned to Jim Steiner, president of Abbot Downing, and asked him to share his insights, both as a parent and a wealth management leader. Through four memorable stories and thoughtful questions, Mr. Steiner reflected on matters of career, philanthropy, family, and leaving a legacy. He began with a cab ride in Chicago, learning to see with fresh eyes.
Charitable planning can be an important part not only of managing income and estate taxes, but of engaging the family and strengthening family values. Adding in a multigenerational component can make it even more meaningful and compelling. Just as every family is unique, so is the philanthropic approach where communication is key and there is more than one way to involve a family in philanthropy.
The question Virginia “Ginny” Esposito, Founder of the National Center for Family Philanthropy, gets asked the most, is “How can I engage my family in philanthropy?” In this episode, Ginny highlights what family business is and common trends in the work she has been in for over 30 years. She has lots of wisdom for parents and great resources, whether you are just getting started or if you’ve been giving for decades.
Kelly and Isabel talk about how "finding their person" guided them along their philanthropic journey. In this family, each generation encourages the next by engagement, mentorship, and resilient family culture. Listen and learn more about the Surdna Foundation's inspiring story of multi-generational giving.
Hear from Monica about her grandmother's influence encouraging the new, third generation to get involved and bring their own voices to the table. Monica, now president of the Conant Family Foundation, also talks about activism and shares how the foundation has developed new opportunities, such as emergency funding, while also honoring her grandmother Doris' legacy.
Farhad Ebrahimi invites us all to reimagine the role of philanthropy—and both the opportunities and power it provides. After being gifted a significant amount of money, he and his sister founded the Chorus Foundation to tackle the global climate crisis.