Threshold Group, a boutique family office with deep investment roots, is introducing a distinct investment advisory program designed to suit the particular needs and aspirations of private family foundations.

Threshold’s service offering to family foundations is an organic outgrowth of the firm’s broader family office capabilities. Threshold has worked closely with a variety of multi-generational families, many in search of a close-knit and increasingly collaborative working relationship between investment advisor and the family’s philanthropic foundation. As part of this process, Threshold has seen family foundations urging advisors to more closely embrace their philanthropic mission so that investment strategies can be aligned – or at least not misaligned – with the group’s charitable purpose.

In response to these needs, Threshold Foundation Services is designed to emphasize:

• Advice pertaining to a decision-making process specific to family-run organizations.
• Investment strategy, planning and execution in concert with family goals and philanthropic mission.
• Partnering on family dynamics and the interpersonal issues that can surface on family boards.
• Dedicated mission-related investment (MRI) capabilities for those families seeking to create broader social and programmatic impact.

“Like families, many family foundations are visionary and creative – they aren’t content to just color between the lines. They want to do the responsible thing with their investments, but they also see themselves as vastly different from the broader universe of corporate or community foundations,” said Craig Muska, Director of Investment Management for Threshold Foundation Services.

Threshold’s investment advisory approach also takes into account the fact that foundation boards and investment committees are, by definition, human. “These groups are made up of family members and individuals who are subject to emotional decision-making,” said Ron Albahary, Chief Investment Officer at Threshold. “We understand and have seen first-hand the behavioral factors that can negatively impact a portfolio’s performance. We employ a goals-based approach designed to enhance the decision-making process while buffering the effects that can occur when oscillating human emotions override a sound strategy.”

Muska said this “human awareness” approach also allows Threshold to work constructively with issues involving family dynamics. “Let’s face it, some family issues can be messy or uncomfortable, and most advisors steer clear of these dynamics. Our approach is to respect, understand and help families work through those interpersonal relationships.”

Threshold Group / www.thresholdgroup.com / provides investment guidance, financial planning, legacy planning and family office services for families and private foundations that require a comprehensive and personalized approach to wealth advisory services.