Client Experience

Marion I. and Henry J. Knott Foundation

Families come in all sizes – in this case, 30 family trustees! Intentional Philanthropy has worked with the Marion I. and Henry J. Knott Foundation since 2013 on engagements that have included board retreat facilitation, exploration of strategic philanthropy, clarifying donor intent, and community landscape assessments of their five program areas – all while working very closely with their foundation staff.  In early 2014, we conducted a retreat clarifying donor intent and exploring the concept of strategic philanthropy for the large Board. We interviewed 10 living children of the donors, and conducted a national landscape assessment in one of the foundation’s largest giving areas in preparation for a 1 ½ day retreat weekend.  The trustees came away from the retreat knowing the values that were important to the donors in their giving and having a greater understanding of the key components of a philanthropic strategy.  The Knott Foundation then engaged IP to assist with community landscape assessments in its five program areas in preparation for a board retreat in 2015. We built staff knowledge and networks in the foundation's giving areas, created common understanding of community needs among their trustees, and facilitated choice making with the family board around future strategic direction. Today, the Foundation is independently implementing its new found strategic focus. We remain a trusted ally and sounding board as needed.

Learn more about the Marion I. and Henry J. Knott Foundation