Philantrophy Program

Foundations, impact & family capital

Nordic Business owning families are often forceful actors in our societies. Canalizing their different types of capital to create businesses, fostering innovation and supporting their communities to flourish. In today’s rapidly changing world, many families are stepping forward to make better use of their philanthropic capital — not only to give back, but to create lasting, systemic change.

At its root, philanthropy means the love of humanity. More and more Nordic families are embracing a strategic approach to philanthropy, often in foundations, aligning values, assets, and action to drive meaningful impact.

FBN is proud to offer an in-depth, two-module educational program designed for Nordic business-owning families who are committed to making a meaningful difference in the world. Based on our deep understanding of family systems, foundations and strategic philanthropy, the program takes a process-oriented approach that supports long-term impact and family cohesion.

Rooted in academic theory but firmly grounded in practice, sthis program will help your family:

  • Understand the role of philanthropy within the family enterprise system
  • Strategically deploy various types of family capital for societal good
  • Learn from the real experiences of other Nordic family philanthropists
  • Apply tools and frameworks to plan, act, and lead with impact
  • Build confidence, cohesion, and clarity for the family’s collective philanthropic action

Program highlights

  • Practical, hands-on learning with live cases
  • Collaborative and peer-driven environment
  • Faculty with deep expertise in family systems and philanthropy
  • Participants of FBNs program will also get an invitation to Nordic Philanthropy Summit (NPS), 18-19 March 2026. NPS is an exclusive 2 day gathering for Nordic based philanthropist to get inspired, learn and meet other fellow philanthropists from all over the world

Topics to be covered:

  • Philanthropy in the Family Context
    • Governing and leading philanthropic work as a family
    • Aligning giving with family values and owner strategy
    • From family business to philanthropic family: stages of evolutionCreating cohesion and engagement across generations
  • Strategic Philanthropy & Systems Change
    • Understanding root causes through systems analysis
    • Tools for change: theory of change, systems mapping, Water of Systems Change model
    • Evidence-based decision making
    • Bringing leverage and leadership into your philanthropy
  • Power, Influence & Nordic Context
    • Philanthropy’s place in Nordic society: state, civil society, and private ownership
    • The role of privilege, humility, and cultural frameworks (e.g., lagom, jämtelagen)
    • Navigating power and driving inclusive change
  • Polycapital: The Power of Multiple Forms of Capital
    • Exploring different asset and capital classes available to families
    • Integrating financial, social, cultural, and reputational capital for impact
  • From Vision to Action
    • How to get started — or take the next steps
    • Creating a base plan for your family’s philanthropic journey
    • Dealing with paradoxes (short vs long-term, profit vs purpose, I vs we)
Module 1

Making a difference:
Philanthropy, impact & family capital.

DATE: 20-21 January 2026
LOCATION: Almare Stäket

Topics include:

  • The 8-step framework for strategic philanthropy
  • Philanthropy vs charity
  • Systems thinking and tools for systemic change
  • Measuring and scaling impact
  • Governance models and operational archetypes
  • Philanthropy’s role in the owner strategy
  • Polycapital and family enterprise evolution
  • Nordic societal perspectives: state, civil society & ownership
Module 2

How to realize my philanthropic vision.


DATE: 20-21 May 2026
LOCATION: Almare Stäket

Topics include:

  • Clarifying your “Who” and “What” in your philanthropy work
  • Mapping your assets, networks, and values
  • Defining your philanthropic mission and vision
  • Governance of philanthropic initiatives
  • Navigating paradoxes and sustaining momentum
  • Practical tools to act and become a great funder

Faculty

Jo Ensor
Jo is a philanthropy advisor, educator, and coach with over 25 years’ experience advancing social change in 70+ countries. She has supported more than 200 philanthropic families with strategy and bespoke guidance, and in 2019 founded Philanthropy Insight to offer confidential, pitch-free education globally. Previously Global Director at The Philanthropy Workshop (now Forward Global), Jo led programmes for a network of 450 global philanthropists. She has managed grantmaking portfolios exceeding £250M and brings deep practical expertise to her advisory work. A Spear’s Top 10 Philanthropy Advisor, Jo partners with the Gates Foundation, curates the Nordic Philanthropy Summit, and serves on several family foundation boards.

Annelie Karlsson
Annelie Karlsson is the executive director and a founding member of Family Business Network Sweden. She has been a member of the Family Business Network International since 1993, serving in various positions. Annelie has a broad international experience as a facilitator or advisor to international, multi- generational and large, complex owner families. Annelie earned her doctorate at Stockholm School of Economics in 2000 and she has been published several times since. She has held a position at business schools such as IMD (Switzerland) and Kellogg School of Management (USA). Her broad experience within owner and corporate strategy, as well as corporate and family governance, makes her a diligently hired board member.

Erik Stern
Erik holds a degree in political science and has worked with business owning families since 2017. He also has personal experience in the field, being one of many members of the 6th generation of the Söderberg family, known for the investment company RATOS. Erik has previously worked as a business developer, entrepreneur, and project manager across various sectors, as well as having experience in politics. He has a strong interest in societal development and views supporting the country’s family businesses as a key part of that progress.

You will leave the program with:

  • A structured 8-step framework for effective family philanthropy
  • A personal and family action plan
  • A common language and shared vision around philanthropy Greater cohesion and confidence within the family
  • A network of like-minded peers across the Nordic region
  • Tools to analyze complex problems and design scalable solutions Inspiration and courage to lead change

Who can participate? 

Members of all Nordic FBN chapters are welcome.
This program is designed for: 

  • Individuals or families starting their philanthropic journey 
  • Experienced philanthropists seeking fresh inspiration and structure 
  • Those who want to work independently or engage the whole family 

Whether you’re taking first steps or accelerating your impact, this program will provide clarity, confidence, and community. Join us in shaping the future of strategic giving in the Nordic region. Together, we can lead with purpose, courage, and compassion. 

Datum

Modul 1: 20-21 January 2026 
Modul 2: 20-21 may 2026 

Plats

Plats: Almare stäket
almare.se/

Pris

40.000 SEK/person, accomodation not included.

Additional fee applies for Nordic Philanthropy Summit (NPS) 2026

Register your interest

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