Family Philanthropy Navigator
We wish to see the Navigator being used by aspiring and established philanthropists all over the world and that it enables them to have a lasting impact through their giving.
Visit the Family Philanthropy Navigator microsite
For bulk orders (more than 100 copies), please contact [email protected]
Philanthropy is an important and highly rewarding way for individuals and families to make a difference in a rapidly changing world.
Like the world around us, philanthropy is changing and transforming, and philanthropic families are seeking out new ways to ensure that their giving is meaningful and impactful.
The Family Philanthropy Navigator offers an easy-to-use, step-by-step inspirational guide for new and existing philanthropic families to initiate or enhance their journey in giving.
It is a practical and engaging tool that will enable families to get together to answer the core questions at the heart of any voyage in giving: why, what, who and how?
The Family Philanthropy Navigator is comprised of core sections and building blocks:
- Purpose of your giving, including your motivation, focus and ambition.
Relationships you need to activate your giving, including family involvement and partners.
Organization of your giving, including resources, governance and impact.
On completion of the Family Philanthropy Navigator, you will have:
- Understood the importance of philanthropy as an integral part of your family enterprise or ecosystem.
- Explored the motivation, focus and ambitions of your giving.
- Selected the people and organizations you wish to partner with.
- Decided on resources, structures and processes you need to achieve impact.
- Learned from the stories of active philanthropists to inspire and inform your giving.
- Prepared thoroughly to begin your own philanthropic journey or to change the direction of your giving.
2021 AXIOM Award Medalist
The Family Philanthropy Navigator won the silver medal from the Axiom business book award. The prestigious prize goes to exemplary business books and their authors.
For the past 14 year, the Axiom Business Book Awards recognizes outstanding business books in philanthropy/nonprofit/sustainability as well as in more than 20 other categories, including leadership, international business/globalization, business intelligence.
The Axiom award gives business books added visibility reaching an audience of over 20,000 subscribers including agents, book buyers and librarians throughout the Axiom network.
About the authors
Peter Vogel is Professor of Family Business and Entrepreneurship and the Director of IMD’s Global Family Business Center. He holds the Debiopharm Chair for Family Philanthropy at IMD and a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship from EPFL.
Etienne Eichenberger is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of WISE philanthropy advisors. He serves as Chairman of the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation and on the Advisory Board for the Debiopharm Chair for Family Philanthropy at IMD.
Malgorzata Kurak is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Debiopharm Chair for Family Philanthropy at IMD. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics, Management and Organization from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
Endorsements
The Family Philanthropy Navigator is the breakthrough book of its domain. It’s a must-read practical guide for families on their giving journey and an indispensable reference book for professionals in the domain. Alexander Osterwalder, Co-founder of Strategyzer and award-winning author of Business Model Generation
At this very difficult time, the world needs more philanthropists that are committed to achieve positive change and long-lasting impact. The Family Philanthropy Navigator is a great tool for anyone who wants to ensure effective, impactful and meaningful giving. Beatrice Fihn, Executive Director of ICAN, winner of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize
Business family owners have engaged in philanthropy with great enthusiasm and commitment over the years. Now, thanks to this timely book, they can count on a great tool to systematically and effectively respond to a growing need of non-profit support in society. This book is a practical and easy to use guide based on robust research which will allow you to gain the confidence you need to thoughtfully contribute to making the world a better place. André Hoffmann, Vice-chairman of Roche Holding and President of the MAVA foundation
An illuminating take on how enterprising families can approach philanthropy to build impactful initiatives, along with business effectiveness and family cohesion. Activities and case studies provide a practical and fresh blueprint for any family thinking through their philanthropic strategy. Rati Forbes, Director at Forbes Marshall and Forbes Marshall Foundation
The Family Philanthropy Navigator is more than an inspiring and practical guidebook—although it is that for sure. This innovative book cleverly instigates a transformative process for families, a process that will clarify your philanthropic purpose as a family and help you build consensus around your goals and plans. This book is a gift. John A. Davis, Faculty Leader of the MIT Family Enterprise Programs and Chairman of the Cambridge Family Enterprise Group
Good philanthropy is not as easy as it may seem. In my own experience meaningful philanthropy is a craft to be learnt. Education, curiosity, humility and passion is a must. The Family Philanthropy Navigator is a great place to start. Astrid Kann-Rasmussen, Vice-Chair and Co-Founder of the KR Foundation
The Family Philanthropy Navigator is a truly unique and engaging book. It is a definite must read for all family members of aspiring or established philanthropic families. It provides practical, easy to use and insightful tools that can be immediately implemented in your family’s philanthropic activities. Risto Väyrynen, Head of Family Business Community at the World Economic Forum.
New realities bring new complexities that require new solutions. This book is a wonderful tool that helps families find a way to use their traditions and values to address today’s global challenges through impactful philanthropy. Ramia El Agamy, Editor-in-Chief, Tharawat Magazine
This is much more than a book: it is a practical and user-friendly tool – a Must for all family philanthropists! The Navigator will guide you step-by-step in your philanthropic journey, helping you to be more strategic, more impactful and to bring along other family members in a playful way, for the love of humanity. Alexis du Roy de Blicquy, CEO of the Family Business Network (FBN)
Family philanthropy has never looked so fun! Great ideas for the whole family to spend time on motives and values. A refreshing approach to the serious topic of giving. Barbara Hauser, Editor-in-Chief, The International Family Offices Journal, Consulting Editor of Advising the Wealthy Client
The family philanthropy journey can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The Family Philanthropy Navigator and its fun, hands-on activities provide practical tools any family can apply to their philanthropy effort. Nick Tedesco, President & CEO at the National Center for Family Philanthropy
Family philanthropy can be a key driving force for a more purpose-driven, sustainable, and equitable world. This book is an excellent, to-the-point guide to navigate this important area. Highly recommended! Christian Busch, Director of the Global Economy program at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs and author of the Serendipity Mindset
Preview
Update on our Christmas challenge
In December 2020, the 3 authors, Malgorzata, Peter & Etienne, launched a challenge to donate all book royalties for books sold before Christmas to a local organisation serving meals to those in need.
We were delighted to see your enthusiasm about family philanthropy. Thanks to your support, we were able to serve over 1500 meals!
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

You can also buy the book on Barnes & Nobles, Book Depository, Orell Füssli and Routledge.
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Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
The Handtmann case examines the co-CEO leadership model in the context of family business. Based on interviews with three key executives – the co-CEOs and the president of the advisory board – the case focuses on how Handtmann handled the leadersh...
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
The Handtmann case examines the co-CEO leadership model in the context of family business. Based on interviews with three key executives – the co-CEOs and the President of the Advisory Board – the case focuses on how Handtmann handled the leadersh...
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice 5 February 2025, ePub before print, https://doi.org/10.1177/10422587251315653
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications