Giving Compass' Take: 

• Family foundations that set out clear governing policies and foster trust and respect throughout the family are more likely to succeed across generations. 

• What is your family foundation already doing well? How can you build on successes and improve weak areas?

• Looking for more tips and inspiration? Browse the National Center for Family Philanthropy magazine on Giving Compass.

What’s the secret of these family philanthropies that make it five generations or more? How do they stay united over time, over generations, and across family branches? How do they successfully attract and engage younger family members?

  1. Establish proactive policies and practices: When it comes to family foundations that last, they all share one thing in common: good governance policies and practices. Family foundation boards that have clear policies in place—those that everyone knows and agrees upon—will help keep things running smoothly and avoid potential upsets.
  2. Place a premium on younger members: The Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities has been operating 72 years and counting. The Raskob Foundation has set up a system that trains new family members while keeping seasoned members engaged. It starts with an apprenticeship. This mentoring is an important part of the family culture, allowing younger family members to learn the grantmaking ropes while deepening relationships with elders. In each grant cycle, the board assigns the apprentice proposals to co-review alongside his or her mentor.
  3. Honor the different generations: Working in a family setting with multiple generations is not without its challenges. There can be differences in expectations and communication styles. “In the beginning, we had to have some give and take when it came to communication and expectations simply because of the age differences and personality types,” says Ana Gonzalez. “My mom grew up in a generation before technology became what it is now. Learning styles were different, as well.
  4. Keep the focus on family and place: At the Fleishhacker Foundation in San Francisco, founded in 1947 by Mortimer Fleishhacker, Sr., family members typically serve on the board for a long, long time. John Ehrlich, a fourth generation family member attributes the foundation’s longevity to the founder’s strong values: keeping the family together, focused on one place.
  5. Honor the family’s personal style: John Hicks, third generation family member and current executive director of The Siragusa Family Foundation, commented that no one wants to mention the two words strategic planning. “We know what we need to do, and we do it in our own way, one that matches our family style.” Family members don’t respond well to structured settings, he says, especially if they have to do it in the corporate world.