When the spirit of family permeates a family foundation, the business of philanthropy is enhanced by every measure: grantmaking is strategic and effective, the foundation is nimble and responsive to community needs, internal policies reflect best practices, and shared values propel the work through generations.

Family foundations are built to include family in the philanthropic process. And yet, if family engagement is not prioritized, the family drifts away. It happens far too often for a myriad of reasons; the family grows in numbers and becomes more geographically diverse, the founder is no longer involved, or the interests of relatives broaden from the intent of the original donor in an ever changing world where the experiences of grandchildren are vastly different than those of their grandparents The result: family engagement in the philanthropic process diminishes to the point where there is little family left in the foundation at all.

Sara’s clients are philanthropists who see the potential that family foundations hold to do good for the communities they focus on and to strengthen the family itself through the act of philanthropy. By aligning the unique talents and interests of family members to the mission of the foundation, Sara guides families so their foundations become a hub for engaged learning, meaningful connection, enduring legacy, and effective grantmaking.