I have a confession. I’m an unrepentant proselytizer – for family philanthropy. I caught the bug when my own family discovered the joys of working together on our family foundation, and it became a calling in life. I’ve spent more than thirty years at TPI working with families who are about to embark on a journey into family philanthropy, as well as those already deep into it, helping them become more fulfilled in that journey, craft and realize big ambitions, and become strategic, effective givers. I’ve shown our clients that it’s possible to both act boldly and give wisely. And more than that, to use the experience to bring family together.

The problem is that it’s not easy. For me, maybe like you, it’s hard enough running a house together with a spouse or planning holidays with siblings. Why would you or I take on the additional work of forming a family philanthropy enterprise? It would be a lot easier to just write checks to the organizations each of us cares about separately – and alone.

But I have seen the rewards discovered by families working toward shared philanthropic goals time and time again. I’m energized by the dreams of families who want to learn to communicate more effectively and to build a legacy of impact. For those who approach family philanthropy with enthusiasm and, of course, solid strategies, I promise you, it is worth every second of the work.

  • Family philanthropy strengthens family bonds.
  • Family philanthropy creates a family legacy.
  • Family philanthropy connects and educates a family about the larger world.
  • Family philanthropy makes a difference in your community and the world.

Read the full article about family philanthropy by Ellen Remmer at The Philanthropic Initiative.