How to Connect with Donors at Family Foundations

The majority of foundations nationwide – more than 80,000 grant makers – are small family funds with assets of $10 million or less. These foundations often have greater grant-making flexibility than their larger counterparts and are more likely to offer general operating support. Yet nonprofits often overlook smaller foundations, focusing instead on the biggest, most competitive grant makers.

To learn how to tap into this vast pool of family philanthropists, join The Chronicle of Philanthropy and our expert guests. Henry Berman, chief executive of Exponent Philanthropy, will share an exclusive preview of a new report on trends shaping giving at small foundations and provide an overview of the impact of family philanthropy on charities nationwide.

Plus, you'll hear directly from Emily Tow Jackson, executive director and board president of The Tow Foundation, and Kerry McHugh, vice president and program officer at the Helen J. Serini Foundation. They'll share insights into how they select grantees, evaluate projects, and prefer to be approached. Don't miss the chance to ask these grant makers your questions and gain insights to strengthen your case for support.

We'll also share findings from Philanthropy 50, The Chronicle's annual ranking of the 50 most generous philanthropists in the United States, so you can understand the latest trends in charitable giving.

What Will You Learn?

• How to convey the impact of your organization to busy philanthropists
• What the Philanthropy 50 survey reveals about the climate for attracting big gifts in 2018
• How to gauge the communication preferences of decision-makers at small foundations

Who Should Attend?

• Grant Proposal Writers
• Executive Directors
• Chief Development Officers, Development Directors, and other fundraisers

What Resources Will You Receive?