Engaging the Next Generation

The Butler Family Foundation created an initiative program for its young trustees, to encourage their participation in the family philanthropy. Each participating trustee was granted $30,000 to make up to 3 grants annually. These had to conform to the Butler Foundation’s programming standards, with two key differences: they could include capital gifts and were not limited to the state of Minnesota. Young trustees provided information on potential grants to the foundation staff, which then solicited a full proposal. The geographically scattered young directors were able to continue the philanthropic mission of the Butler Foundation in their own communities.