Those who govern family foundations face challenges that include respecting the founder's mission, transitioning between generations, training and motivating younger family members, separating family issues from foundation issues, and building consensus.

The Family Philanthropy Roundtable began in April 2002 to provide an opportunity for family foundation trustees and board members to talk with each other about the joys and challenges of family philanthropy and share expertise, experiences, questions, and concerns with others in similar situations. No one pretends to have the one right answer, but there is always thoughtful discussion. The informal roundtable luncheons are held 3-4 times each year.