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Involving the younger generation in philanthropy
Philanthropy doesn’t have to be an individual venture and there are many positives of making it a family affair. Our lawyers can advise on how best to get younger relatives involved to re-energize a family foundation and secure a smooth succession.
While some philanthropists set up a foundation as an individual venture, some others may want to get family members involved.
This can be for a variety of reasons, such as a means of passing down the values that matter to them to the next generation, or to provide a ‘safe’ environment for young people to engage with the ‘real’ world and to hone useful decision-making and management skills, or a constructive way to bring branches of a family and generations together on a regular basis. It may also help to set up smooth generational succession, including helping to head off unmet expectations for inheritance and other tensions that can arise when family members feel disenfranchised by the diversion of wealth to charitable causes.How young is too young?
There is no minimum age for young people to take part in your family’s giving in an informal way. If you want them on a board or in a fiduciary role, you need to check the rules in your jurisdiction of choice but other than that there is nothing to stop you involving them. Empathy comes naturally to children at a young age and is the cornerstone of giving – so you may want to bring even young children into your giving in an advisory capacity. Also, the excitement and passion that young people bring can re-energize a foundation and smooth succession in a family philanthropy can pave the way for succession in private wealth or business structures.Track record
Advising the World Wildlife fund and other charities in a will dispute
We represented the charities who successfully argued that English law governs the validity of a will dealing with English immovable property (the first judicial approval of the rule in Dicey). The court also held that England rather than Alabama is the appropriate forum for the dispute, despite the testatrix's nephew, Mr Clark, having obtained letters of administration in Jefferson County, Alabama
Charitable and non-profit entities
Creation and ongoing representation of charitable and non-profit entities, including public charities, private foundations, and charitable trusts (charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts).
Charity of international sportsman
Assisted a well-known international sportsman with the creation of an Italian charity to support philanthropic projects and fundraising events in Italy.
Worldwide philanthropic activities
We advised a Middle Eastern family who were actively engaged in philanthropic activities around the world. We created a Jersey based charitable foundation to focus the families's activities.
Well-known UK charities
Advising several large, well-known, UK charities in relation to their pension obligations, including in the context on a transfer of former public sector employees under a business sale, and in another case, how a regional branch office might manage its risks and liabilities in relation to a final salary pension scheme in which it participated for non-associated employers in the voluntary sector.
SSAFA, the armed forces charity
Acting for SSAFA over several decades. We were on hand to advise when the charity went through a redundancy exercise and TUPE transfer in Germany. We successfully negotiated when two senior executive roles were terminated, alongside more junior members of staff, one of whom brought a disability discrimination claim. We also advised an Employment Tribunal in the UK over whether the charity could be held liable for an allegedly discriminatory decision taken by the MOD, securing a ruling in our client's favour.
Association of NHS Charities
The Association of NHS Charities is the voice of NHS Charities through England and Wales, and works to represent and support the interests of these organisations as well as offering a network of support. Withers acted on the Association's behalf in preparing the Department of Health's guidance for the deregulation of NHS Charities.
Worldwide philanthropic activities
We advised a Middle Eastern family who were actively engaged in philanthropic activities around the world. We created a Jersey based charitable foundation to focus the families's activities.
Advising the World Wildlife fund and other charities in a will dispute
We represented the charities who successfully argued that English law governs the validity of a will dealing with English immovable property (the first judicial approval of the rule in Dicey). The court also held that England rather than Alabama is the appropriate forum for the dispute, despite the testatrix's nephew, Mr Clark, having obtained letters of administration in Jefferson County, Alabama
Charity of international sportsman
Assisted a well-known international sportsman with the creation of an Italian charity to support philanthropic projects and fundraising events in Italy.
Worldwide philanthropic activities
We advised a Middle Eastern family who were actively engaged in philanthropic activities around the world. We created a Jersey based charitable foundation to focus the families's activities.
Well-known UK charities
Advising several large, well-known, UK charities in relation to their pension obligations, including in the context on a transfer of former public sector employees under a business sale, and in another case, how a regional branch office might manage its risks and liabilities in relation to a final salary pension scheme in which it participated for non-associated employers in the voluntary sector.
SSAFA, the armed forces charity
Acting for SSAFA over several decades. We were on hand to advise when the charity went through a redundancy exercise and TUPE transfer in Germany. We successfully negotiated when two senior executive roles were terminated, alongside more junior members of staff, one of whom brought a disability discrimination claim. We also advised an Employment Tribunal in the UK over whether the charity could be held liable for an allegedly discriminatory decision taken by the MOD, securing a ruling in our client's favour.
Association of NHS Charities
The Association of NHS Charities is the voice of NHS Charities through England and Wales, and works to represent and support the interests of these organisations as well as offering a network of support. Withers acted on the Association's behalf in preparing the Department of Health's guidance for the deregulation of NHS Charities.
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Our team
Ceri Vokes
Partner | London
Steven J. Chidester
Partner | San Diego
Stacy Choong
Partner | Singapore
Yee Hoong Chua
Partner | Singapore
Alana Petraske
Partner | New York
Christopher Groves
Partner | London
Jaime McLemore
Partner | London
Michelle Chow
Consultant | Hong Kong
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Typical clients and industries include
Families and family offices
Families call on us when they want a firm that understands their needs – whether they are looking to pass down wealth, set up and run a family office, or make their mark through philanthropy. Find Out More
High net worth individuals
With complex interests that often span several jurisdictions, highly successful people need seamless advice. With a full-service offering across our offices around the world, we provide just that. Find Out More
Philanthropy
There is no single approach to philanthropy; what’s key is that your giving has the biggest impact possible. Whichever way you choose to donate, our team can advise on what is most effective. Find Out MoreGet in touch
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