information request | comments and feedback | email this page 

Upcoming Programs | Archives of Past Programs

"The Practices of Flourishing Families"

June 3, 2010 - Program Summary

Speaker Charles Collier, senior philanthropic adviser at Harvard University, relied on his many years of experience in development and his intuitive nature to conduct an interactive session about "The Practices of Flourishing Families" on June 3, 2010.

The program focused on high net-worth donors, and the complications that can arise in gift conversations due to family members' ambiguous roles or unclear familial involvement. Throughout his talk, Charlie encouraged the use of strategic questioning to make sure the needs and desires of all family members are being met.  

Participants shared stories about complicated and failed philanthropic plans that could have been more successful with increased and strategic communication among family members. Charlie encouraged program participants to converse with prospective donors and engage them in information sharing with their relatives. He also offered a framework for these conversations.

Throughout the program, Charlie encouraged development officers to listen to prospects, and to impart to them the confidence that is necessary for having essential family conversations focused on long-term philanthropy and wealth.