Something struck me recently after reading the brilliant report “Overcoming Psychological Barriers to Giving” created for NCFP and first introduced to me by Betsy Erickson at PPI this summer.
The ten reasons listed for barriers to giving by family foundations were strikingly similar to the barriers that many of our families experience around creating legacy videos.
The second barrier on the list is “Burdensome and tedious tasks.” Many families think the “task” of capturing a legacy story is overwhelming. There are so many things to share, people to talk to, and documents to capture – they don’t know where to begin.
This was certainly the case with the Bender Foundation, Inc. The project was one they had been thinking about for years, and, sadly, by the time they came to us for help, the remaining G2 had recently passed.
But as the Bender grandchildren and great-grandchildren got older, the Board President knew she needed them to understand the history and values behind the foundation’s legacy-giving priorities and that a story-driven video would be the best way to do that.
The Benders had boxes of archival photos, reels of home movies, a large, close-knit but scattered family, and a foundation that began in 1958. How could they include everything?
One thing that helped ignite the project that they found most rewarding was having us scan their photos and transfer their home movies onto digital. It sparked ideas, memories, and feelings – and it was a great catalyst and motivator for continuing.
Once we got started and they allowed us to lead the way, they found the project to be much less burdensome and tedious – and, in fact, quite manageable.
If your clients are thinking about creating a legacy project for their family foundation but are coming up with excuses and procrastinating, help them by breaking the project down into smaller parts.
Start by asking some basic but probing questions that will uncover their motivation. Do they want to preserve the history of their giving priorities? Do they want to ensure the family stories aren’t lost? Do they want the next generation to understand their philosophy for giving? Find out what is most important to them and what might be holding them back.
Consider focusing solely on organizing, cataloging, and digitizing all of the family photos to start. Hire a local partner who can help and make this job much easier. Once the family starts reviewing those photos and gets more inspired, channel that motivation by focusing on the potential impact this project can have on the next generations.
Though COVID made this project take longer than anticipated, I know the Bender family feels at peace, having preserved their stories and values for future foundation members.
Do you need help getting your clients started with a legacy project? Connect with us, and we can walk through the various ways our clients have approached their projects.