March 4, 2010

The Jewish Federations of North America has hired 21/64, the consulting division of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, to train Federation/foundation professionals in the most effective ways to interact with multiple generations of families that have major philanthropic interests. Funding for this initiative was made possible by a grant from The Jewish Federations of North America’s Domestic Endowment Fund. Mark Lainer of Los Angeles is chair of the Endowment Committee.

Family philanthropy continues to exercise profound influence in our world of intergenerational giving. A number of large Federations and foundations have created units to assist families that have established major endowment funds with the Federation. Other communities have allocated significant resources to ensure that Federations effectively interact with multi-generational families in order to increase active involvement by the next generation in the life of the community. This single act has had profound consequences in local communities.

"We know that when members of a family are together to discuss their shared beliefs and interests about philanthropy, wonderful things can happen. It’s an opportunity for these families – parents, grandparents and grandchildren – to create a solid and lasting legacy," said Lori Fritz, co-chair of The Jewish Federations of North America’s Planned Giving and Endowments committee. "Community professionals must know how to interact with these families to keep them engaged."

Unfortunately, many Federations have not had the resources to implement such programs.

The training will be managed by Sharna Goldseker, Director of 21/64 and Vice President of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies. This unique project will be conducted at ten Federations over the next 18 months. Priority will be given to the collaborative model Federations that are engaged in a multi-year effort with The Jewish Federations of North America to improve fund development in their communities. This grant will create a network of trained professionals better able to help ensure that these families, and particularly their younger members, have positive experiences and will encourage them to deepen their involvement within the Federation world.

21/64 specializes in next generation and multi-generational strategic philanthropy. As families engage the next generation in their foundations, donor advised funds, and even private foundations, there is an increasing need for clarity, communication and multi-generational collaboration around values in philanthropy.

While these endeavors are wonderful opportunities for families to work together, challenges can and often do arise when multiple generations and family members with relationship dynamics begin to make decisions together. 21/64 offers consulting, speaking, training and uniquely developed resources to assist families during these times of generational transition.

"During the next 20 years, trillions of dollars will be transferred to the next generation. This transfer presents an unprecedented opportunity for the Jewish community and the funds and foundations within it to engage the next generation in philanthropy," said Sharna Goldseker.

"21/64 is delighted to receive this grant to work with communities in the Federation movement on family philanthropy and generational transitions."

For more information on this grant, contact Rebecca Porath, Associate Director in the Planned Giving and Endowments department at The Jewish Federations of North America at 212.284.6984.