Planning a Family Philanthropy Retreat? Top 5 Things to Consider

Picture this: you’ve been engaged in charitable giving for many years and are starting to think you’d like to get the kids or grandkids involved, most of whom are completely new to philanthropy. Or, maybe your family foundation is looking to find ways to strengthen family ties so giving can be more productive and, importantly, more fun!! Sound familiar? It may be a great time to have a family philanthropic retreat!

The day to day of charitable work is incredibly important. But, big picture planning often falls through the cracks during the normal course of business. When it comes to setting shared family philanthropic values, it’s important be intentional. Set aside the time and space necessary to discuss such important matters, without distractions.

What is a family retreat?

A family retreat provides you and your loved ones the opportunity to explore charitable opportunities through the lens of multiple generations, learn about each other’s values, and develop best practices as givers.

Why should donors or family foundations host retreats?

1.        Aligning values: A family retreat is a great way for family members, especially those in the next generation, to understand the values of the main benefactor, even if they do not agree with them. What motivates his or her giving, and how can family play a part?

2.        Skill-building: Learning how to craft strategic investments in philanthropy involves a learning curve. How do you know if a nonprofit is a strong partner for your philanthropy? A retreat could include sessions educating family members about best practices in charitable giving and due diligence.

3.        Navigating challenges: Sometimes giving decisions can bring up larger issues within the family. A retreat is a great place to work on communicating more effectively with each other and better understanding each other’s perspectives.

4.        Learning from nonprofits: Nonprofits can help demonstrate the direct connection between your values and real-world impact. First-hand insights from nonprofit leaders are inspiring and can be tailored to advance the shared purpose of the retreat—family togetherness.

5.        Don’t forget to have fun! It is important to build in less structured family time to allow for informal reflection. A great medium for these engagements is evening excursions—dining, sporting events, concerts, or other group activities that build ties and strengthen relationships.

Why engage a consultant?

Consultants and outside facilitators bring an independent and impartial perspective that can tilt families away from hours of bickering and meandering conversations toward values-led and outcome-oriented discussions. Additionally, outsourcing some of the logistical coordination leaves you more time to focus on the bigger picture and most important matters.

Hoplin Jackson Charitable Advisors has extensive experience working with families of all types on philanthropic retreats in desirable locations. The Hoplin Jackson team will work with you from start to finish, helping plan and execute a rewarding and memorable experience tailored to your specific needs. We will handle all logistics, including making sure the retreat is fully compliant with all IRS rules and regulations, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the time with your family. We can also be as involved as you’d like in facilitating the retreat itself. With more than 75 years of combined experience in philanthropy, we have helped many families plan engaging sessions and navigate delicate conversations.

Contact us today to learn how the team at Hoplin Jackson Charitable Advisors can make the family retreat of your dreams possible.