How Does the Family Office Connect to Philanthropy? Insights from Industry Leaders
Family offices play a critical role in aligning wealth with purpose, but how can they design philanthropic strategies that reflect family values and stand the test of time? The Family Office Roundtable recently invited thought leaders to share their insights on this vital connection between family offices and philanthropy.
Contributors explored key approaches, including the importance of integrating governance frameworks, fostering rising generation involvement, and balancing engagement with operational efficiency. Some highlighted the benefits of private foundations for control and long-term vision, while others noted the flexibility and simplicity of donor-advised funds (DAFs). Across all perspectives, the consensus was clear: philanthropy should be intentional, well-structured, and deeply rooted in a family’s legacy.
Wingspan’s Hillary Sieber was asked to share her insights on this topic:
“A family’s philanthropic giving not only mirrors their core values but also serves as a profound means of cementing a family’s legacy within the community. Consequently, the philanthropic strategy of a family office should be crafted with the same diligence as the firm’s investment policy. Family offices often opt between establishing a private foundation, which provides greater control and engagement but demands rigorous governance, or a donor-advised fund (DAF), which offers a more streamlined and adaptable approach with less administrative complexity. Regardless of the chosen method, philanthropy should be thoughtfully planned, adequately resourced, and considered a fundamental pillar of any family office.”
Read the full article for insights from all contributors.
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