The Private Donor Group is committed to fostering family engagement in philanthropy. Philanthropy is a powerful way for families to pass along shared beliefs and values. It also provides unique opportunities for family members of all generations to spend time together, collaborate, and bond.

Family Philanthropy Institute

Our framework supports your family’s philanthropic journey with customizable tools and resources designed to help you learn and give together.

Our approach

Family resources

Access our curated library of research, including case studies, thought leadership articles, and educational materials on multigenerational philanthropy. Utilize our tools and workbooks to bring your family together and get organized.

Customized guides

Benefit from tailored coaching and advice with our unique guides and exercises. We help your family collaborate, develop a focused giving plan, implement that plan, and navigate major life changes.

Programs and events

Join exclusive events, workshops, and programs designed to deepen your interests and build a community with other philanthropic families.

Guiding your family’s philanthropic journey using the institute’s insights and strategies.

Get started

  • Articulate a shared vision, mission, and values for your family’s philanthropy​
  • Identify a focus for your giving, including the people, places, and problems you want to impact through your philanthropy​
  • Determine the right governance structure for your family’s philanthropy

Get organized

  • Define a long-term strategy and key milestones for your family’s philanthropic efforts​
  • Craft an annual plan and budget to ensure progress on your shared goals​
  • Develop family systems and practices to operationalize your plans

Learn and grow together

  • Understand and reflect on your family’s philanthropic impact
  • Adapt your family’s strategy, plans, and structure as you learn
  • Expand your learning through unique educational opportunities and the latest research
  • Connect with and learn from other philanthropic families

Family resources

Woman and child celebrating donating money online.

The power of family giving

Giving together can unite your family across the miles and generations, and pass on healthy attitudes about money and helping others.

Parents and children looking at a laptop and considering online giving choices.

Growing the family philanthropy tree

Learn why cultivating a passion for charitable giving in your children and grandchildren can bring your family closer and lay the groundwork for an enduring philanthropic legacy.

Girl digging in community garden.

The 5 stages of charitable giving

Realizing a philanthropic vision can begin at any age and will evolve over a lifetime. Here’s how you and your family can make a meaningful impact that can last for generations.

Programs and events

A man is smiling as he is engaging in conversation with a diverse group of three people

Next Gen Fellows program

Fidelity Charitable hosts a Next Gen Fellows program designed for emerging philanthropists (ages 18–45). Next Gen Fellows provides the next generation of donors with insight into their charitable goals, passions, and values while teaching them how to be more impactful with their giving. Private Donor Group members and their families are invited to participate in this exclusive program.

Learn more about the program from Next Gen Fellow, Gabriela Citrone.

Customized guides

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Managing Family Dynamics

This guide provides advice on how your family can set expectations, anticipate potential challenges, and build strategies and processes to guide your philanthropy, even as you deal with conflict and change.

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Engaging the Next Generation

This guide explores how your family can inspire a philanthropic legacy and engage the next generation in its philanthropy.

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Family Governance

Use this framework to apply guiding principles and general policies to make the most of your family’s giving.

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Transitions in Family Philanthropy

This guide provides advice about how your family can discuss and prepare for the transitions that will in-variably affect your shared philanthropy.

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Meetings Matter: A Practical Guide

In family philanthropy, meetings matter…a lot. Whether an annual grantmaking meeting or a special retreat to explore big questions of generational transition or shifting your giving focus, how we come together matters.

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Philanthropy in Complex, Multi-Generational Families

Families have many goals for their family philanthropy: to meaningfully contribute to positive social change, foster a spirit of generosity in family members, serve as “glue” that strengthens family connections, create a family legacy, etc.

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Family Giving Traditions

Philanthropy can be a powerful way for families to pass along their shared beliefs and values. This study was designed to discover how philanthropic practices that respondents experienced in their families growing up influence their giving today.

More about the Private Donor Group

Your Philanthropic Strategist

Your Philanthropic Strategist is your first call for philanthropic guidance, assistance in developing a legacy plan, and so much more.