This document provides a list of free resources for navigating trends in family philanthropy. It is divided into sections on tracking trends, governance and family dynamics, defining family mission and values, and additional resources for professional advisors. The resources listed include reports, blogs, guides, case studies and articles providing advice on topics like multi-generational planning, conflict management, youth engagement, defining donor intent and measuring impact. Professional advisors can find materials on charitable life planning and helping families succeed across generations.

1. Navigating Trends in Family Philanthropy
- Free Resource List -
Tony Macklin and Neil Sumilas, National Center for Family Philanthropy, 2017
Tracking & Adapting to Trends
Bridgeworks Blog (ongoing) – Smart thinking on generational dynamics
NCFP 2015 Trends Study – The first national benchmark survey of family foundations
Philanthropy and the Social Economy: Blueprint (Lucy Bernholz, annual)
- An annual look at the trends shaping how we accomplish social good
Global Sustainable Investment Review (GSIA, 2016)
- A biennial report on the trillions invested with both financial and societal returns; also
links to similar reports for Canada and the United States
Shift Happens: Understanding how the world is changing (Monitor Institute, 2014)
- Overview of changing demographics, technologies, economic factors, and more
Stanford Social Innovation Review (ongoing)
- Website and magazine on trends in philanthropy, nonprofits, and corporate responsibility
This is New Power (launched 2015) – Ideas based on the Understanding New Power article in HBR
Governance and Family Dynamics
25 Best Practices of Multi-Generational Families (GenSpring 2016)
- Advice on family cohesiveness, mentoring, governance, philanthropy, and more
Avoiding Avoidance: Address and Managing Conflict in Family Philanthropy (NCFP 2014)
Family Involvement: The Spectrum of Options (NCFP 2010)
- Advice for moving from founding donor to family governance
Improving Communication and Interaction in Family Foundations (GMA Foundations 2010)
- Advice on improving family dynamics and decision-making
Succession Planning for Families (Exponent Philanthropy)
- Quick answers to frequently asked questions and links to other resources
Talking to Your Family About Philanthropy (Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors)
- Guide for founding donors and board members
Ten Ways to Plan for Board Continuity and Succession (GMA Foundations 2008)
- Quick guide for thinking ahead
Tips and Tools for Effective Family Board Meetings (NCFP 2010)
- Advice from governance consultants and family foundation members
Why Family Foundations Lose Their Way (Neithercut Philanthropy Advisors 2012)
- Overview of common misconceptions, mistakes, and planning dangers
Youth Philanthropy Case Studies (Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation, ongoing)
- How family foundations are engaging youth and planning for their future leadership

2. Navigating Trends in Family Philanthropy
- Free Resource List -
Tony Macklin and Neil Sumilas, National Center for Family Philanthropy, 2017
Family Mission, Values, and Giving Preferences
Adventures in Giving (The Philanthropic Initiative 2015)
- 14-question online quiz that assesses preferences and goals for giving
Donor Legacy Statements, Values Statements, and Ethical Wills (NCFP 2011)
- Compares the options, provides examples and links
Generations Together (NCFP 2016)
- An online curriculum, in five modules, for engaging youth in family philanthropy
Giving Together: A Workbook for Family Philanthropy (The Philanthropic Initiative 2008)
- 15 worksheets to define and refine family engagement, mission, and grantmaking
Protecting Donor Intent (Philanthropy Roundtable 2012)
- Overview on defining mission and creating policies and safeguards to protect it
Ramping Up Your Foundation (TPI and Exponent Philanthropy 2016)
- A guide for families that will see an infusion of assets into their philanthropy
Your Philanthropy Roadmap (Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors)
- 5 key questions for shaping your giving, a good start for a family discussion
Additional Resources for Professional Advisors
Affluent Family Resources (Connected Gens)
- Good guides for advisors on purposeful planning and purposeful trusts
Charitable Life Planning: The Non-Financial Benefits of Charitably Engaged Retirees (Clontz, 2014)
- Advice on finding meaning in retirement and a “top 10 charitable questions” to ask clients
Creating Meaning From Money (Merrill Lynch, 2014)
- Looking at the family’s foundation and legacy as more than money
Heritage Design (ongoing)
- White papers, videos, and other training on helping families succeed across generations
Interviewing the Affluent (Fithian and Schervish, 1999)
- A two-part article and seminal thinking on values-based planning with clients
U.S. Trust & Bank of America Studies of HNW Philanthropy (biennial)
- How wealthy families view philanthropy, volunteering, and the role of their advisors