330: How to Partner with Family Foundations (Tom Kelly)

Aug 21, 2025

Tom Kelly, an entrepreneur and the founder of Legacy by Design, shares unique insights on partnering with family foundations to enhance nonprofit sustainability. He dispels misconceptions about these often-overlooked funders and offers practical strategies for connection. Kelly emphasizes the need for a for-profit mindset to scale impact, discusses using AI for fundraising efficiency, and highlights the importance of engaging younger generations in philanthropy. Listeners will discover how to build meaningful relationships that lead to lasting legacies.

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INSIGHT

Family Foundations Are Underrated Local Funders

Many nonprofit leaders don't realize family foundations exist or are accessible to small organizations.
Most family foundations hold under $1M and regularly give tens or thousands of dollars annually.

ADVICE

Make Visits Family-Centered And Hands-On

Engage family members directly and create hands-on volunteer opportunities to build relationships and interest.
Let family priorities (like engaging children) guide your outreach and tailor visits accordingly.

ANECDOTE

A Simple Ask Sparked A Nonprofit Tech Startup

Tom started Charity Auctions Today after his mom asked for a simpler, cheaper auction solution in 2007.
Word of mouth grew the platform as nonprofits adopted the easier auction tool.

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330: How to Partner with Family Foundations (Tom Kelly)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more at ArmstrongMcGuire.com.

What if the key to growing your nonprofit’s sustainability and reach was hiding in plain sight? In episode 330 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Kelly shares how family foundations, often overlooked or misunderstood, can be powerful allies for nonprofit leaders. He breaks down the misconceptions that keep organizations from building relationships with these under-the-radar funders and offers practical strategies for meaningful engagement. Tom also explores why thinking like a for-profit business is essential to scaling nonprofit impact. Listeners will learn how to use AI to increase fundraising efficiency, how to build multigenerational philanthropic strategies, and why “living your legacy” now is just as important as what you leave behind.

ABOUT TOM

Tom Kelly is an entrepreneur, Legacy Builder, and Founder of Legacy by Design. He helps high-net-worth families protect wealth, amplify influence, and create lasting legacies. As the founder of Legacy by Design, he empowers first-generation wealth builders to establish Private Family Foundations for tax benefits, financial literacy, and philanthropic impact. With a track record of scaling businesses to 8-figure revenues and raising over $500 million for nonprofits, Tom’s entrepreneurial approach ensures families turn success into significance for generations.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

Check out Tom’s book Million Dollar Nonprofit
Who Not How by Dan Sullivan
Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership