PhilanthroFiles

By Danielle Oristian York, 21/64

Danielle will be a featured speaker on the ASF webinar, Multiple Generations at the Table, on Wednesday, December 12 at 1 p.m. ET.

In philanthropy, wisdom equals impact. And those philanthropic institutions with the largest impact are those with the strongest, clearest mission. Yet creating that singular vision is no easy task. Many foundations are led by a diverse group of executives and trustees, all coming from different backgrounds and generations, maintaining their own unique viewpoints and values.

We at 21/64, a nonprofit consulting firm that focuses on multi-generational philanthropy, have found that the simple power of asking questions can help organize these voices into a clear and meaningful vision.

Questions have the ability to draw us in and to shift our mindsets. They drive research and the acquisition of knowledge, of growth, and fuel both creativity and critical thinking. All of these are key components in successful philanthropy. But sometimes coming up with the right questions to ask and the structure in which to do so can be anything but straightforward.

Here are some questions to get your foundation started:

• If you could solve any problem, what would it be?
• Do you give from your heart (emotionally) or from your head (rationally)?
• How is giving related to leadership?

To help individuals and families self-facilitate this process (or help advisors facilitate this process for families), 21/64 has created the Family Quest series of cards.

The Family Quest card series focuses on themes of giving and exploring wealth by offering users a series of questions meant to start examining and therefore articulating their mission and vision for philanthropic impact as well as a tool to generate discussions among family members and philanthropic stakeholders.

“The exercises were fun, dynamic and insightful. [They] strengthened the bond between the generations of our family, and enabled us to feel a deeper connection to purpose and the reason for our families’ existence. — Leader of a multi-generation family foundation

The questions range in specificity from broad reflection questions (What are your values?) meant to get the conversation started, to more targeted questions (What kind of information do you request from organizations before you support them?) which help to turn the discussion into concrete strategies for giving.

For information on 21/64 tools, or to order your own set of Family Quest cards, please visit 21/64.

In addition, please join me for the ASF webinar, Multiple Generations at the Table, on Wednesday, December 12 at 1 p.m. ET.

Danielle Oristian York is a Director at 21/64, a non-profit consulting division of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies specializing in next generation and multi-generational strategic consulting for families. She speaks and consults with families and their advisors on multi-generational engagement and empowering the next generation using 21/64 methods and tools. Danielle also facilitates trainings on 21/64′s approach to these powerful subjects.