“Skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” – Walter Gretzky (father of celebrated hockey player, Wayne Gretzky) The next chapter of family philanthropy promises to be one of both complexity and opportunity. As the field continues to evolve—driven by the growing influence of women and rising generation, serious […]

At Grant Philanthropic Advisors, we have the privilege of helping philanthropic families set up their charitable giving vehicles and define their values and mission. We also help families pass the torch of leadership from one generation to the next as it relates to family philanthropy. Often, this is from the founding generation to the next.  […]

By: Porter Durham, GPA Partner Funding Quandaries  For any professional, being drawn into a “real life” conversation with folks who don’t know what you do for a living, and then hearing them out on their issues of the day, can be a thought-provoking eye-opener. When it happens in a thoughtful exchange of ideas, the conversation […]

“What is my life’s purpose? How do I use my resources and talents to live into my purpose?” In our work with philanthropic families, we’ve noticed a desire for families to engage in meaningful conversations around this topic. It is more than a conversation about wealth preservation—the bigger conversation is grounded in how to use […]

As we’ve observed significant pullbacks in government funding from the nonprofit sector, we’re hearing comments and questions grounded in fear and also genuine curiosity.  “Whose job is it anyway to care for the most vulnerable in our country?” “Philanthropy will never be able to fill the gaps of large scale government assistance and interventions – […]

“As our case is new, so must we think anew and act anew.” Abraham Lincoln Lincoln was right of course. And were he with us today, he might say something similar, not about an impending civil war, but about how family philanthropies can adjust positively to a new “case.” As we reported in Part I […]

Philanthropic decision-making is more complex and critical than ever. Donors are asking deeper questions, grantees are navigating urgent challenges, and impact requires more than good intentions. It requires clarity, coordination and a strategic approach. That’s why we built Stratlas: a digital tool designed exclusively for our clients to bring structure, insight and geographic visibility to […]

How long should your family’s philanthropic mission and impact exist? Should you focus your giving efforts while you’re alive to maximize impact? Should your philanthropic mission extend beyond you for a set number of years to be managed by your family or close family advisors? Does your philanthropic strategy lend itself to a perpetual model? […]

“If you’ve seen one family foundation, you’ve seen one family foundation.” This maxim accurately captures the complexity and uniqueness of family philanthropy. Acknowledging this, there are common threads in the typical evolution of family foundations. Families face similar points of inflection as they gain experience in their grantmaking and their own families change shape through […]

“How much is enough to leave my children and grandchildren?” This is a common question posed in the estate planning process and it is not an easy one to answer. You want to keep your family hungry to find their purpose in life while also providing a cushion for your family to take risks and […]

Effective philanthropy doesn’t happen in a vacuum. For individuals and families looking to align their giving with their financial and legacy goals, collaboration among key advisors is essential. At Grant Philanthropic Advisors, we take a holistic approach, working closely with wealth advisors, tax and estate planning attorneys, and CPAs to ensure that philanthropy is integrated […]

Philanthropy has the power to transform lives, communities, and the world. However, as philanthropists navigate the complexities of giving, particularly during times of change or growth, they often discover the need for expert guidance to make their impact as effective and meaningful as possible. This is where a philanthropic advisor comes in. A Partner in […]

As a philanthropist, you have the exhilarating opportunity to maximize your impact with your charitable dollars, your time and your connections. Early on in the planning phase, you may consider: Should I focus on a specific issue or a specific place to drive my philanthropic efforts? Or maybe it is a combination of the two. […]

When natural disasters like Hurricane Helene strike, the devastation can be overwhelming. Communities face displacement, businesses suffer losses, and infrastructure can be crippled. In times like these, companies have a unique opportunity to step up, providing crucial resources and leadership in disaster response and recovery efforts. An inspiring example is The Biltmore Estate’ response to […]

Philanthropists and their advisors often wrestle with their options for charitable giving vehicles. You’ve mostly heard of a donor advised fund (DAF) and a private foundation, which are the two most common. Families can choose alternatives in the form of LLCs or Trusts. More sophisticated philanthropists may utilize a variety of giving vehicles to accomplish […]