Family foundations use a number of strategies to involve young people. There is no one size fits all strategy, but many possibilities. Here are some common strategies:
1) As members of a foundation board
What it is: Young people participate as trustees of a foundation board.

Tips: It can be difficult to have a strong voice as the only young person on a foundation board. If possible, bring on multiple members of the next generation at the same time. Don’t underestimate the importance of a strong orientation for new board members. Provide structure - offer position descriptions that detail the skills, responsibilities and term limits for all board members.

2) As part of a next generation or junior board
What it is: A committee of young people (typically family members who may be potential foundation board members) recommend how the foundation should allocate a set amount of foundation funds (usually with final approval by the foundation board). The next generation or junior board participates in a grantmaking process as a group, often with support from foundation staff or a mentor.

Tips: Make sure there is input by young people in setting up how a next generation or junior board is structured at the outset.

3) Building a next generation foundation
What it is: A separate foundation is created, and the new foundation is led by the next generation. The foundation may be funded by an older family foundation or by family members (of any generation).

Tips: Before setting up the new foundation, be clear about the reasons why you are creating a separate institution. Also, be sure that the next generation is interested and committed to building a new organization.

4) By allocating discretionary, small or matching grants
What it is: Discretionary or small grants are funds that an individual may allocate, usually with final approval by the foundation board. Matching grants are funds that an individual may access to match a personal gift that they make to an organization. Some foundations offer these opportunities to young people who are not trustees. In some cases the direction of these funds may be outside the primary funding areas of the foundation.

Tips: Make sure these funds are not used to avoid dealing with ideological differences, or as the only way young people are encouraged to be involved in the work of the foundation.

5) Through educational opportunities
What it is: Educational opportunities organized for young people in family foundations may take many forms: participation in mentorship opportunities, peer networking, site visits, internships, foundation committees, as well as attendance at board meetings, conferences, and workshops. In addition, many young people volunteer and work within the nonprofit sector, or learn about personal and collective giving outside the foundation.

Tips: Consider the age-appropriateness of educational opportunities. Ask young people for guidance in designing and organizing them. Offer a variety of opportunities, and leave the door open for future opportunities if they are not yet ready to participate.

6) Volunteering related to the foundation’s focus or community
What it is: A young person contributes to the foundation's philanthropic mission by volunteering in an organization that is related to the foundation’s mission.

Tips: While encouraging young people to volunteer in organizations related to the foundation, they should be aware of the power dynamics the foundation has in relation to the areas it funds. Have open conversations about these dynamics, and what appropriate volunteer opportunities may be.

7) Serving as foundation staff
What it is: A member of the next generation works or volunteers as foundation staff.

Tips: Make sure to set up clear policies regarding family staff, including a job description and guidelines for compensation.

When involving young people in family foundations, keep in mind...
• Engage young people in the design and implementation of any strategy.
• Any of these strategies can involve a culture shift within a foundation. Changes may include: moving meetings to weekends or other times when the next generation is available; breaking down some of the jargon that is often used in philanthropy; creating an organization that offers leadership opportunities to young people; and being creative in order to make meetings fun and accessible.
• Is there a “promotion track,” and if so, what is it? What are the short and long-term goals for the next generation’s involvement in the foundation? What are the opportunities for new leadership in the foundation?
• One of the most valuable aspects of succession is the opportunity to support intergenerational dialogue. Consider some of the ways the foundation and the family can foster intergenerational conversations about money, giving, and the communities they are a part of.
• What are the ways in which the next generation is learning about money and wealth in the family? How much information do they have? Often, young people who are part of family foundations are looking for broader conversations with their families and peers about their identities in relation to money.
• Peer networks can be an incredibly valuable space for young people to support and challenge each other to be a part of their family foundations. Encourage the next generation to connect with other young people who are part of family philanthropy.

Who We Are
Resource Generation offers a variety of programs and peer networks for young people with wealth to explore how their financial resources relate to social justice and provide tools for them to take action. Resource Generation offers forums to promote cross-class and intergenerational dialogues about money, class, and philanthropy. Resource Generation hosts the annual Creating Change Through Family Philanthropy Conference for young people who are a part of family philanthropy. (Courtney Young, 617-225-3939, www.resourcegeneration.org)

Resources
21/64 is a non-profit consulting division of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies specializing in intergenerational philanthropy, values clarification and strategic grantmaking. (Sharna Goldseker, 212-931-0109, www.2164.net)

Association of Small Foundations is committed to building and strengthening small foundation philanthropy by providing top quality, timely, practical, member-driven programs to all foundations with few or no staff. The organization hosts a trustee leadership seminar for the Next Generation. (Holli Rivera, 888-212-9922, www.smallfoundations.org)

Council on Foundations is a national membership association for grantmakers and offers educational publications, national conferences and trainings. The Council sponsors a yearly conference on family foundations, and organizes a Next Generation Retreat. (Susan Price, 202-467-0407, www.cof.org)

Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy is national network of young professionals and people involved in the work of organized philanthropy. EPIP’s mission is to support and strengthen the next generation of grantmakers in order to advance effective social justice philanthropy. (Rusty Stahl, 212-497-7544, www.epip.info)

Jewish Funders Network has an active Younger Funders Working Group that offers a safe, supportive and helpful community to explore common issues, including wealth, family relations and the responsibilities of business and philanthropy, as well as the transition of assets, traditions, concerns and priorities from generation to generation. (Stefanie Rhodes, 212-726-0177 x16, www.jfunders.org)

National Center for Family Philanthropy encourages families and individuals to create and sustain their philanthropic missions. NCFP offers educational materials, research and programs, including a variety of articles related to intergenerational issues. (Jason Born, 202-293-3424, www.ncfp.org)

Youth Leadership Institute operates in partnership with young people and the systems that sustain them to build communities that value, honor and support youth. The Youth Leadership Institute works to help develop youth philanthropy programs. (Matt Rosen, 415-836-9160, www.yli.org)

Youth on Board prepares youth to be leaders in their communities and strengthen relationships between youth and adults by providing publications, customized workshops, and technical assistance. (Karen Young, 617-623-9900 www.youthonboard.org)

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