Nonprofit Literature Blog

Family Philanthropy: Grandparents Know Best

Grandparents often serve as role models for younger generations, sharing their stories and lessons learned. Some grandparents may also have a strong interest in promoting philanthropic principles so that families will continue the tradition of giving.

The Grandparent Legacy Project is a publication that serves as a workbook to help grandparents and grandchildren begin the dialogue on family values and charitable giving.

The book and accompanying audio CD contain fifteen stories and interviews with philanthropists that may help inspire the discussion. In addition, the resource provides several suggestions for grandparents. Examples:

• Offer matching contributions for your grandchildren’s donations
• Take your grandchildren to site visits or meetings
• Record a video about your philanthropic values for future generations

The Grandparent Legacy Project is sponsored by 21/64 and the Association of Small Foundations.

To find more information on family philanthropy, see our topical resource list.

Anticipating Challenges and Opportunities

Perhaps you have been invited to attend a brainstorming session where participants will begin thinking about long-term strategies for your association. Your role is to conduct an environmental scan of major political, environmental, technological, socio-demographic trends. One resource you might start with is Designing Your Future, a book published by ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership.

The volume helps you explore key challenges and opportunities in a changing world. For example:

Has your association taken steps to become a global organization?

How will you use social networks to reach your communities?

Is your organization economically and environmentally sustainable?

Learn about emerging trends, such as "micropolitans," "glocalization," slow movements, personalized medicine, and personalized energy solutions. An understanding of new developments can help your organization anticipate needs and stay relevant.

Designing Your Future: Key Trends, Challenges, and Choices Facing Association and Nonprofit Leaders (2008) was written by Rohit Talwar and Garry Golden of Fast Future Research.

Understanding the Executive Search Process

One of the most important responsibilities for nonprofit boards is determining who will be the next executive director for the organization. The search process can be complex and generally requires careful planning. Consultant Barbara J. Gilvar shares her expertise in the book, The Art of Hiring Leaders: A Guide for Nonprofit Organizations. Some of the key topics covered in the volume include:

-early actions steps for board members
-forming a search committee
-legal considerations
-communication issues
-recruiting candidates
-choosing finalists

Appendices contain material on hiring interim executives and using consultants.

The book contains a chapter on transition planning. If you require additional information on executive transitions, visit the Annie E. Casey Foundation web site for a special monograph series on this topic.