How Young People Participate in Family Foundations
Family foundations use a number of strategies to involve young people.
There is no one size fits all strategy, but many possibilities.
Here are some common strategies:
1) As members of a foundation board
What it is: Young people participate as trustees of a foundation
board.
Tips: It can be difficult to have a strong voice as the only young
person on a foundation board. If possible, bring on multiple members
of the next generation at the same time. Don’t underestimate
the importance of a strong orientation for new board members. Provide
structure - offer position descriptions that detail the skills,
responsibilities and term limits for all board members.
2) As part of a next generation or junior board
What it is: A committee of young people (typically family members
who may be potential foundation board members) recommend how the
foundation should allocate a set amount of foundation funds (usually
with final approval by the foundation board). The next generation
or junior board participates in a grantmaking process as a group,
often with support from foundation staff or a mentor.
Tips: Make sure there is input by young people in setting up how
a next generation or junior board is structured at the outset.
3) Building a next generation foundation
What it is: A separate foundation is created, and the new foundation
is led by the next generation. The foundation may be funded by an
older family foundation or by family members (of any generation).
Tips: Before setting up the new foundation, be clear about the
reasons why you are creating a separate institution. Also, be sure
that the next generation is interested and committed to building
a new organization.
4) By allocating discretionary, small or matching grants
What it is: Discretionary or small grants are funds that an individual
may allocate, usually with final approval by the foundation board.
Matching grants are funds that an individual may access to match
a personal gift that they make to an organization. Some foundations
offer these opportunities to young people who are not trustees.
In some cases the direction of these funds may be outside the primary
funding areas of the foundation.
Tips: Make sure these funds are not used to avoid dealing with
ideological differences, or as the only way young people are encouraged
to be involved in the work of the foundation.
5) Through educational opportunities
What it is: Educational opportunities organized for young people
in family foundations may take many forms: participation in mentorship
opportunities, peer networking, site visits, internships, foundation
committees, as well as attendance at board meetings, conferences,
and workshops. In addition, many young people volunteer and work
within the nonprofit sector, or learn about personal and collective
giving outside the foundation.
Tips: Consider the age-appropriateness of educational opportunities.
Ask young people for guidance in designing and organizing them.
Offer a variety of opportunities, and leave the door open for future
opportunities if they are not yet ready to participate.
6) Volunteering related to the foundation’s focus
or community
What it is: A young person contributes to the foundation's philanthropic
mission by volunteering in an organization that is related to the
foundation’s mission.
Tips: While encouraging young people to volunteer in organizations
related to the foundation, they should be aware of the power dynamics
the foundation has in relation to the areas it funds. Have open
conversations about these dynamics, and what appropriate volunteer
opportunities may be.
7) Serving as foundation staff
What it is: A member of the next generation works or volunteers
as foundation staff.
Tips: Make sure to set up clear policies regarding family staff,
including a job description and guidelines for compensation.
When involving young people in family foundations, keep
in mind...
• Engage young people in the design and implementation of
any strategy.
• Any of these strategies can involve a culture shift within
a foundation. Changes may include: moving meetings to weekends or
other times when the next generation is available; breaking down
some of the jargon that is often used in philanthropy; creating
an organization that offers leadership opportunities to young people;
and being creative in order to make meetings fun and accessible.
• Is there a “promotion track,” and if so, what
is it? What are the short and long-term goals for the next generation’s
involvement in the foundation? What are the opportunities for new
leadership in the foundation?
• One of the most valuable aspects of succession is the opportunity
to support intergenerational dialogue. Consider some of the ways
the foundation and the family can foster intergenerational conversations
about money, giving, and the communities they are a part of.
• What are the ways in which the next generation is learning
about money and wealth in the family? How much information do they
have? Often, young people who are part of family foundations are
looking for broader conversations with their families and peers
about their identities in relation to money.
• Peer networks can be an incredibly valuable space for young
people to support and challenge each other to be a part of their
family foundations. Encourage the next generation to connect with
other young people who are part of family philanthropy.
Who We Are
Resource Generation offers a variety of programs and peer networks
for young people with wealth to explore how their financial resources
relate to social justice and provide tools for them to take action.
Resource Generation offers forums to promote cross-class and intergenerational
dialogues about money, class, and philanthropy. Resource Generation
hosts the annual Creating Change Through Family Philanthropy Conference
for young people who are a part of family philanthropy. (Courtney
Young, 617-225-3939, www.resourcegeneration.org)
Resources
21/64 is a non-profit consulting division of the
Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies specializing in intergenerational
philanthropy, values clarification and strategic grantmaking. (Sharna
Goldseker, 212-931-0109, www.2164.net)
Association of Small Foundations is committed
to building and strengthening small foundation philanthropy by providing
top quality, timely, practical, member-driven programs to all foundations
with few or no staff. The organization hosts a trustee leadership
seminar for the Next Generation. (Holli Rivera, 888-212-9922, www.smallfoundations.org)
Council on Foundations is a national membership
association for grantmakers and offers educational publications,
national conferences and trainings. The Council sponsors a yearly
conference on family foundations, and organizes a Next Generation
Retreat. (Susan Price, 202-467-0407, www.cof.org)
Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy is national
network of young professionals and people involved in the work of
organized philanthropy. EPIP’s mission is to support and strengthen
the next generation of grantmakers in order to advance effective
social justice philanthropy. (Rusty Stahl, 212-497-7544, www.epip.info)
Jewish Funders Network has an active Younger Funders
Working Group that offers a safe, supportive and helpful community
to explore common issues, including wealth, family relations and
the responsibilities of business and philanthropy, as well as the
transition of assets, traditions, concerns and priorities from generation
to generation. (Stefanie Rhodes, 212-726-0177 x16, www.jfunders.org)
National Center for Family Philanthropy encourages
families and individuals to create and sustain their philanthropic
missions. NCFP offers educational materials, research and programs,
including a variety of articles related to intergenerational issues.
(Jason Born, 202-293-3424, www.ncfp.org)
Youth Leadership Institute operates in partnership
with young people and the systems that sustain them to build communities
that value, honor and support youth. The Youth Leadership Institute
works to help develop youth philanthropy programs. (Matt Rosen,
415-836-9160, www.yli.org)
Youth on Board prepares youth to be leaders in
their communities and strengthen relationships between youth and
adults by providing publications, customized workshops, and technical
assistance. (Karen Young, 617-623-9900 www.youthonboard.org)
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