No matter their mission, family foundations exist to create a better future.

Burns noted that this has the key theme of the American story: That we are a great, yet flawed, nation that continues to evolve and improve.

But their vision for the future is often shaped by the past — by the triumphs and tragedies of their founders and the subsequent experiences of the generations that follow them.

Many of us feel overwhelmed by the news of the day — of mass violence in Las Vegas, white supremacists in Charlottesville, deadly hurricanes, and debates over health care and immigration and tax reform — it’s easy to forget that now is not the first time our nation has felt deep division. The challenges are clear.

But families also have the opportunity to use their considerable resources to lead conversations that bring people together and take actions that will improve our communities — and our nation.

In looking at our history, however, we can draw encouragement that we will continue our journey toward a better future.

Read the full article by Peter Panepento at National Center for Family Philanthropy