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philanthropy

Notes on disaster grant-making: the Tsunami example

March 1, 2005

The Asian tsunami drew one of the most extensive responses of any large-scale catastrophe. Family foundations do not realise, philanthropy experts tell Melanie Stern, that they are in a unique position to expedite disaster grant-making

Melanie Stern is section editor of Families in Business magazine.

Do more than sign cheques

March 1, 2005

More and more families are getting into organised philanthropy, both to marshal wealth and to contribute to society. Melanie Stern discovers some key issues to consider if your family wants to set up a foundation

Melanie Stern is section editor of Families in Business magazine.

For a few dollars more: Europe’s ten most generous family foundations

March 1, 2005

Google the word philanthropy and the word ‘stiftung’ – or ‘foundation’ in German – comes up many times over. Many eminent philanthropy experts are based there, and many global philanthropic projects lead back to German foundations; so it seems clear Germany is probably Europe’s leader in family philanthropy.

Google the word philanthropy and the word 'stiftung' – or 'foundation' in German – comes up many times over. Many eminent philanthropy experts are based there, and many global philanthropic projects lead back to German foundations; so it seems clear Germany is probably Europe's leader in family philanthropy. Even though the country is faced with its highest unemployment rates since World War II, Germany continues to make a sizeable contribution to European and global philanthropy, fuelled by families selling their companies and realising their wealth.

Global greetings

January 1, 2005

From selling postcards in his room at the Kansas City YMCA in the early 20th century, Joyce Hall’s greetings card empire has become a financial giant. Hallmark has also been dubbed a ‘magical place to work’. Scott McCulloch discovers the secrets of its success

From selling postcards in his room at the Kansas City YMCA in the early 20th century, Joyce Hall's greetings card empire has become a financial giant. Hallmark has also been dubbed a 'magical place to work'. Scott McCulloch discovers the secrets of its success

Think of your family foundation as a family business

July 1, 2004

Some business-owning families believe that family success in philanthropy is much easier than family success in business. Not so. A family foundation still has to pass through the generational stages of involvement and control – with all the associated issues

John L Ward is the Wild Group Professor of Family Business at IMD (Switzerland) and Co-Director of the Center for Family Enterprises at Kellogg School of Management (USA). He serves on the boards of four family companies in Europe and the USA.

Philanthropy: a revival of private initiative

September 1, 2002

Voluntary contributions to society – philanthropy – is one of the oldest ways an individual can communicate with others. Historically, the role of the state may have seen a gradual decline, but private initiative has now become more important than ever and family businesses should realise the significance of establishing their own philanthropic institutions

Rupert Graf Strachwitz has worked as a consultant to philanthropists and foundations for over 15 years after a career in the not-for-profit sector. In 1989 he founded Maecenata Management, the first consultancy to specialise in this area in Germany. Since 1997, he has been the director of a research institution, the Maecenata Institute for Non-profit Studies. He currently sits on the German Federal Parliamentary Commission on Civic Engagement and serves on the board of a number of foundations at home and abroad.

How entrepreneurial vision can impact philanthropy

April 1, 2002

Many family business owners use their entrepreneurial skills and vision in their philanthropic endeavours. As a result, these ‘philanthropic entrepreneurs’ have challenged traditional charity and set up some of the most successful foundations in the world

Many family business owners use their entrepreneurial skills and vision in their philanthropic endeavours. As a result, these 'philanthropic entrepreneurs' have challenged traditional charity and set up some of the most successful foundations in the world

The AMM Foundation

February 1, 2002

Philanthropy plays a large role in the lives of many family businesses. Through their foundation’s schools and hospitals, the Murugappa family has demonstrated their commitment to Indian society

Why do business-owning families engage in philanthropic activities, and why do such activities take on such importance? When the Murugappa family accepted the IMD Distinguished Family Business Award at the gala dinner celebration in Rome in October 2001, fourth generation Mr Murugu explained: