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While the concept of discussing the values and expectations surrounding philanthropy aren’t new and advisors are tasked with satisfying the gifting expectations of the families they serve, as indicated in the 2013 U.S. Trust and The Philanthropic Initiative research on philanthropy—there is a significant disconnect between advisor...

With wealth comes responsibility—a challenge that daunts some families, but inspires others. Two families, from the myriad of FOX families who engage their wealth in high impact activities, shared their personal stories of what they did more, better and differently to initiate a Butterfly Effect within their family and community. Below ...

Donors are reassessing their giving to maximize impact and to ensure their money is being utilized effectively and efficiently by the non-profit organizations they support. Meantime watchdog organizations are grading the non-profit community and posting their ratings online.

Mission investing offers the opportunity to potentially shape and scale desired social outcomes as a complement to effective grant making and other philanthropic activities. Success requires planning, blending program and financial teams, rigorous investment processes, and building applicable social metrics.

This paper highlights a number of approaches that may guide philanthropists in choosing their investments and in encouraging entrepreneurship. Alongside these examples, the paper features a series of case studies showing how philanthropists worldwide invest their wealth, their experience, and their skills to unlock entrepreneurial potential.

Clarifying donor intent at the outset of any conversation regarding charitable giving, and properly documenting that intent, will help both parties feel good about giving and receiving. To avoid confusion after a gift is made and to prevent costly proceedings when the intent of a gift is insufficiently documented, here are a few practical tips to g...

Philanthropically minded families are vulnerable to the misuse of the personal financial information contained in mandatory filings that become public. However, these families are not defenseless; by following the best practices in this paper, they can greatly reduce the likelihood of being victimized.

Businesses worldwide are increasingly using social media networks to advertise and communicate with potential customers and constituents. Regardless of whether a business is using social media, its employees certainly are. Here are four reasons to establish rules for how employees use social media sites.

This paper offers a practical look at how an individual or family might plot a successful road map that aligns and grows with their unique abilities, needs, and personality. The authors detail the steps in a philanthropic asset allocation process involving fact-finding, planning, and continuing assessment as seen through the eyes of three hypotheti...

Investors and advisors focused on wealth growth and preservation may see environment, social, and governance/socially responsible investing as taxing a portfolio's performance. This paper offers a framework with associated metrics for assessing ESG/SRI integration into the portfolio with the same rigor and discipline used in all other fiduciary dec...

Newsletter of the Synergos Institute dedicated to disseminating best practices and innovations in philanthropy and social investment around the world.