The CEO of a large local healthcare organization built a lifetime of meaningful philanthropic impact alongside their spouse. With guidance from trusted professional advisors, they used donor-advised funds and legacy planning to support causes close to their hearts for many years. 

When they began thinking more intentionally about engaging their adult children in giving, their advisor recommended The Dallas Foundation. Based on a longstanding relationship with the Foundation, the advisor knew its team takes time to understand each donor’s values, family dynamics, and long-term vision for impact. The advisor believed that thoughtful, relationship-driven approach would help the family move from individual giving to a unified philanthropic legacy. 

As their family grew, a new priority emerged: engaging their adult children in giving together. 

With six children, including several who were adopted, the family reflects a wide range of perspectives, lived experiences, and geographies. The parents wanted philanthropy to become a shared family endeavor – one that united everyone around common values while honoring individual passions. For them, legacy meant more than financial support; it meant building unity, purpose, and connection across generations. 

The Challenge

The parents had long practiced philanthropy through their own focused interests. However: 

• Their children lived in different states 

• Each family member brought unique perspectives and philanthropic passions 

• The family lacked a formal structure for giving together 

They wanted to shift from individual philanthropy to collective philanthropy by creating space for every voice and aligning around a shared vision. 

 Most importantly, they wanted philanthropy to strengthen family relationships while teaching the joy and responsibility of giving together. 

The Solution

The Dallas Foundation guided the family through a structured, intentional philanthropy process. 

1. Identifying Goals and Challenges

Foundation advisors partnered closely with the parents to clarify their goals for family engagement, shared decision-making, and long-term legacy.

2. Designing a Custom Family Meeting

Our philanthropic advisors created a tailored approach to bring the family together and foster open dialogue, reflection, and active participation from every family member.

3. Facilitating In-Person Family Discussions

During facilitated conversations, the family explored: 

• Core values 

• Individual passions and lived experiences 

• Shared priorities for impact 

• Their collective definition of legacy 

These conversations built alignment, trust, and a strong foundation for intentional giving. 

The Outcome

Through this collaborative process, the family: 

• Aligned around shared values and goals 

• Established a clear framework for giving together 

• Defined four giving pillars to guide their philanthropy: 

• Accessibility and intellectual disabilities protections 

• Land conservation 

• Strengthening community impact 

• Homelessness 

• Deepened engagement and strengthened relationships through shared purpose 

Today, philanthropy plays a central role in the family’s traditions. Their children actively participate in giving, and the next generation has begun to engage as well. What started as a desire to pass on charitable values has evolved into a lasting culture of family philanthropy – one that balances shared commitments with individual passions and continues to grow across generations.