Three generations fishing together off a dock
For donors

Family Philanthropy

Passing values on to younger generations through philanthropy can help maximize charitable impact and extend a donor's legacy. Many donors are looking for ways to introduce these conversations and connect their family in a meaningful giving strategy that involves the whole family.

Navigating Family Philanthropy

This series of guide books, road maps and videos developed by National Center for Family Philanthropy can help donors involve other family members as they plan for meaningful, effective philanthropy together.

Defining your philanthropic purpose

Defining your philanthropic purpose

For your philanthropy to be meaningful and effective, it is critical to understand why you want to give. Here, you will find resources to help you and your family explore the motivations, values or principles, priorities, and giving styles that make up your collective philanthropic purpose.

School children smiling and having fun

Choosing your philanthropic vehicles

Choosing your philanthropic vehicles

Selecting philanthropic vehicles is an important choice when considering your giving goals. Here are guidance and activities to help identify the vehicles that suit your family's philanthropy.

alt=Grandparent with their grandkids in the garden

Choosing Your social impact strategies

Choosing your social impact strategies

Your impact can be small or big, help a few or many, or be tangible or hard to measure. These resources can provide a road map for intentionally using your resources to achieve social impact. 

Photo of people using shovels to dig holes and plant trees

Planning for Legacy and Succession

Planning for legacy and succession

Legacy and succession are topics that ask you to envision a future in which you won’t be actively managing your social impact strategy or philanthropic vehicle. 

Grandmother and grandchild

Strengthening Governance and Family Dynamics

Strengthening governance and family dynamics

A governance framework can bring intentionality and effectiveness for families exploring philanthropy.

Family in a conversation at table

Related Resources

  • Webcast

    Your family's charitable purpose

    Happy multi-generational family sitting on dock

    Hear from a leading philanthropic family who brings multiple generations together.

  • Article

    Charitable giving with family

    alt=A grandmother holds her granddaughter wile her own daughter looks on.

    Passing values onto younger generations can help extend a donor's legacy.

  • Podcast

    Giving across generations

    alt=Four generations of a family exploring a beautiful meadow.

    The transfer of wealth to the next generation will be one of the largest in history.

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