The Approach

Sara’s approach blends relationship building and the best current research around unifying teams, enhancing engagement, and developing strategic effectiveness, applying the principles most often used in entrepreneurship and business ventures to the family philanthropy space. Whether working directly with family, or with family members and their professional foundation staff, Sara is a convener and a catalyst, creating space for the skills, personalities, talents, and energy of team members to surface and shine The result? Enhanced engagement and more joyful and effective grantmaking across generations.

Opportunities for connection are identified in four primary areas: The Grantmaking Process, Mentorship & Family to Family Learning, Special Activities & Events, and Legacy Projects.

3 people in work meeting sitting at a table.

THE GRANTMAKING PROCESS

Grantmaking is the business of philanthropy. Engaging and educating family about the various components of the grantmaking process is at the heart of the approach. This is the space where family members can witness the foundation’s mission, vision, and values in action.

Family planting seedlings outside in the woods.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Special events such as family foundation retreats, volunteer opportunities, and site visits bring energy and creative opportunities for personalized engagement.

Older woman looking at a document with a younger woman.

MENTORSHIP & FAMILY TO FAMILY LEARNING

Family members of all generations come to the table with differing perspectives and a wealth of knowledge. Connecting through listening and learning from one another is an essential part of the mindset.

Multigenerational family posing for photo with dog.

LEGACY PROJECTS

For a family foundation to endure, examining legacy in a manner that propels the foundation forward is essential. Identifying the values that the family holds dear and amplifying those concepts through storytelling, archival activities, video, and photography offers a wealth of engagement opportunities that bring the family foundation legacy to life.