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Through interviews with dozens of donors, Legacy in Family Philanthropy: A Modern Framework, explores big concepts, such as how the ever-evolving idea of legacy relates to values-driven giving and a commitment to impact. It also explores practical matters, such as how multigenerational families can—and do—navigate conversations about legacy.

Through a survey and series of interviews with members of 20 U.S.-based, multi-generational family philanthropic systems, researchers found that as families evolve, they face common dilemmas regarding their philanthropy—most critically, the choices they make about balancing the individual philanthropic priorities of their members with a collective family philanthropic endeavor. The study’s standout finding was that the creation of a robust family philanthropy “system” was vital to providing outlets for families’ increasingly diverse philanthropic interests.

The explosion of the use of philanthropic vehicles, coupled with massive intergenerational wealth transfer, means that affluent families are giving in more ways, both collectively and individually. Taking a deeper look, researchers found that as families evolve, they face common dilemmas regarding their philanthropy—most critically, the choices they make about balancing the individual philanthropic priorities of their members with a collective family philanthropic endeavor.

Because nearly 90% of all foundations are set up with the intent to exist in perpetuity, their success depends on their ability to prepare for and manage change. The challenge isn’t merely a transition, but also the internal stress of balancing the energy and engagement of new blood with the experience and traditions of its senior members. Based on over a decade of experience supporting over 2,000 foundations, this booklet provides pertinent discussion points for each of these common transitions and what to consider at each juncture.

Some families start a private foundation because they want to give back while others are seeking tax savings. Whatever the impetus, private foundations serve as a powerful and flexible philanthropic vehicle and offer tremendous advantages over giving as an individual donor.

At the most basic level, the difference between a donor-advised fund (DAF) and a private foundation is the construct, or form, in which each entity is created and operated. Because a private foundation is a freestanding legal entity, and a DAF is an account, the two charitable vehicles offer very different levels of control, authority, and philanthropic versatility. For families considering which charitable structure to form, this side-by-side comparison is a helpful guide. And it turns out that form does dictate function.

While nearly 90% of affluent households participate in charitable giving, just 27% have received formal guidance around philanthropic matters. This disconnect means there’s a unique opportunity for advisors to deliver philanthropic support as part of a balanced and holistic wealth management solution. From this webcast and presentation, learn about:

Based on “The Stanford PACS Guide to Effective Philanthropy” and “The Philanthropy Toolkit: An Introduction to Giving Effectively,” this Charitable Giving Guide provides donors with a comprehensive resource to help maximize the impact of their philanthropic giving. By selecting one or more sections that align with your most immediate needs, you can tailor your experience by the topics that interest you.

For your philanthropy to be meaningful and effective, it is important to define, refine, and periodically revisit your philanthropic purpose: to understand your motivations for giving, the collective values that guide your philanthropy, and establish clarity around the various priorities and approaches your family will utilize in its giving. Through this worksheet and interactive program session, learn how to refine the “why” behind your philanthropy and connect your philanthropic purpose to the broader change you wish to see in the world.

Governance, a system for who will make decisions and how, is the guiding framework for your family philanthropy’s long-term success. There are many governance constructs that support an effective board, and different methods to engage family within each construct. But what are the common elements that contribute to an effective board across all governance constructs? In this webcast, learn the “nuts and bolts” of good governance. For more on this topic, watch the short video on strengthening governance and family dynamics.