Wise Philanthropy

At this retreat you will experience a variety of teaching methods including lecture, case study, interactive, and small group problem solving. After you have registered for the Bootcamp, you will have the opportunity to speak with one of our instructors, or complete a written questionnaire, so that we can personally respond to your needs.

Participants will be divided into groups for some sessions, either by family or by affinity group.

4:30-5:45 pm
Session I Unpacking Your Duffel
What's your profile? Every donor has a style, and every family has a culture. Can you describe your tolerance for risk, time horizon and inter-personal style? Do you like start-ups or proven organizations? Are you a loner or collaborator? What are the philanthropic values that guide your giving? This interactive session will help you define and clarify your family's philanthropy culture.

6:00-7:30 pm
Cocktails and Dinner
Over dinner you will have time to relax and get to know your fellow adventurers.

7:45-9:00 pm
Session II Campfire Stories
A close-up encounter with the mysteries of family philanthropy through personal stories. Hear from two families that have seen it all. [2 featured families will speak about their philanthropy.]

Day 2
8:00-9:00 am Breakfast
[Private consultations beginning at 7:00 am ]

9:00-10:30 am
Session III Find your place in a changing landscape: Trends in American Philanthropy – What They Mean for Your Family
What do you want your giving to accomplish? What forms of philanthropy do you prefer? What causes are priorities for you? We'll look at American experiences of philanthropy and how they have changed over time to gain insight into how family members of different generations think about how to give.

11:00-12:15 noon
Session IV Workshops – Can I suggest you use Open Space for these sessions with shills putting in these topics if needed? So far they have not had any chance to talk much.
[Each workshop will be offered twice so that participants will be able to take two.] [a-d have been identified as the most requested topics by the Association of Small Foundations.]
a. What Funders Should Know About Law and Ethics
b. Policies Your Foundation Needs to be Effective
c. If, When, and How to Get Other Generations Involved in Your Philanthropy
d. Should Your Philanthropic Values Influence Your Investment Decisions? Pros and Cons of Shareholder Activism

1:30-2:45 – Outdoor adventure course
Use this outdoor experience on the Low Ropes Course to gain new perspectives on cooperation, collaboration, and mutual support. Need facilitation following ropes experience.

Expressing Your Values in Your Philanthropy
Your experiences and perspectives may be very different from that of your parents and your children and their children. During this session you will engage with other attendees on how your experiences and your values impact your philanthropy.

7:15-8:15 pm
Session VII
Strategy is Everything
You've been adopted! Join the Knotmeye Family and get a new perspective on your family. Try out a different role and gain surprising insights into what your relatives just might be thinking when they make those unfathomable decisions about where your money should go.

Session VIII
Evening entertainment

9:00-10:30 am
Session IX
The Evaluation Menu – What Should Your Foundation Choose?
Effectiveness and accountability are a given for your philanthropy. But there are many choices on the menu. Find out what evaluation is really all about and how to choose a real-world approach that works for you, regardless of size of donation.

10:45-12:00 noon
Session X
Taking it all back home
This session will help you determine your next steps. Your family will receive a workbook to guide you as you take your next steps to explore your family history and legacy; create your ethical wills; determine how to engage other family members; and fine tune your philanthropic goals. You will leave this session knowing what steps you need to take to achieve your philanthropic plan.

12:00-1:00 pm Lunch and Departure