A tree, with branches that each family member can see and learn from, creating a visible map for future generations to follow, that should be the goal of a multi-generational family. Arguably, such a goal should have little to do with money and everything to do with safeguarding and sustaining each family's unique character, or culture. Of course, culture is not always obvious, but it can be seen in the elements that make it up.
It's very important that families proactively decide which elements, bits of folklore, stories, traditions, are intrinsic to their identity as a family. Once chosen, new family members should be inculcated into the mysteries of these traditions. Orient them in appreciating their history and worth, as well as in how to carry them forward and in turn initiate new generations into the tradition of philanthropy.
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John Converse Townsend, a Forbes contributor, shares what can the private sector do for a social enterprise. He encourages social enterprises to reach out to corporations for help to scale up their businesses.