Kate Symondson: Family Foundations, Grantmaking & Next Gen Philanthropy

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In this episode we talk to Kate Symondson, Head of Philanthropy at the Symondson Foundation, about family foundations, grantmaking & next gen philanthropy. Including

• How do the various members of a family foundation agree on what to fund and how?
• Which aspects of giving as a family are most rewarding, and which most challenging?
• Does doing philanthropy together have an impact on inter-family dynamics?
• Do Next Gen wealth holders have distinctive characteristics when it comes to their attitudes towards philanthropy, or their methods of doing it?
• Is it even helpful to talk about Next Gen philanthropy?
• How easy is it for younger philanthropists to develop networks with like-minded peers?
• How can funders strike the right balance between trust and measurement?
• What kind of due diligence do donors need to do on small charities in order to fund them in a trust-based way?  
• How do you mitigate the power imbalance between funders and grantees? 
• Is philanthropy a duty or a choice? 
• Is it OK for philanthropists to get a reward from their giving?
• Is growing scrutiny of where philanthropic wealth has come from a good thing?
• Should foundations’ missions be reflected in their investments as well as their grants?
• Is it important to scrutinise or critique philanthropy? If so, why
• Is it a challenge to get nuanced or balanced discussion about philanthropy issues in an increasingly polarised environment?

Related Links:

• The Symondson Foundation
• Kate's blog for NPC, "Why Funders Need to Champion Small Charities"
• Kate's blog for Alliance, "How a UK Funder is Responding to the Cost of Living Crisis"
• Kate's blog for Beacon Collaborative, "Why Taking a Considered Approach Towards Philanthropy Matters".
• Philanthropisms podcast with Mary Rose Gunn
• Philanthropisms podcast with Dr Ewan Kirk
• Philanthropisms episode on gratitude and recognition
• Philanthropisms podcast episode on the cost of living crisis (with Angela Kail from NPC)
• WPM short guides on measuring impact and core cost funding.