Better philanthropy. Bigger impact.
Case Study
Craig & Sarah: From Overwhelm to Joy
How The Sound Method helped a couple rediscover the heart of their philanthropy
THE CHALLENGE
After selling their company, Craig and Sarah wanted to make a difference. They quickly became significant philanthropists. But after several years, frustration replaced joy. Determining their philanthropic strategy felt overly complicated and time-consuming. They wanted a deeper connection with their grantees without adding more to their plates, and they dreamed of engaging their adult children in philanthropy but didn't know how to begin. They knew something needed to change and turned to Sound Philanthropy.
THE SOUND METHOD IN ACTION
#1 Listen
Sound Philanthropy started by creating space for honest reflection, meeting with Craig and Sarah separately to hear candid thoughts about their giving experience—what lit them up, what drained them, where tensions arose. Then we came together to listen for what connected them: shared values, priority causes, and hopes for their philanthropy. We also spent time with each of their adult children, building trust and understanding individual perspectives while honoring the unique dynamics of their family.
#2 Assess
We evaluated their current philanthropic landscape through an in-depth analysis of past and current giving, examining patterns, identifying which partnerships brought meaning and which created burden. We also looked at how systems and processes were, and weren’t, serving them. The assessment revealed that their giving had grown organically but lacked a cohesive strategy. They were supporting many worthy organizations without clear criteria or boundaries. The administrative burden was significant, and their structure didn't reflect the focused, joyful approach they craved.
#3 Design
Together, we designed a philanthropic strategy that was distinctly theirs. Not a template, but a framework that honored their values, worked with their lifestyle, and created pathways for meaningful engagement. The comprehensive plan included a mission statement, guiding principles, a streamlined grantmaking approach, specific budget allocations, action steps with timelines, a strategy for involving their children, and decision-making systems that reduced burden while maintaining impact.
#4 Implement
We stayed alongside Craig and Sarah as their thought partner, bringing their new approach to life. We tested and refined systems, navigated early decisions using their new framework, and adjusted as they learned what worked best for them. The new structure allowed them to maintain meaningful connections with grantees without the time drain, begin conversations with their children from a place of clarity, and transform an overwhelming process into something focused and manageable.
THE RESULT
Craig and Sarah rediscovered why they fell in love with giving. Through The Sound Method, they moved from frustration to joy, from scattered to strategic, from isolation to family engagement. They now have the tools, structure, and confidence to give in ways that reflect who they are and create the impact they seek—with less stress and more meaning.
“As independent advisors, Sound Philanthropy is extremely attuned to its clients ' needs and goals. They bring tremendous knowledge and experience and effectively uncover and address all of the 'issues.' We felt that their approach was specifically designed for us, and they made sure we were comfortable with the journey and at the same time challenged us to see our philanthropy and our process in new ways.”
CRAIG & SARAH,
SOUND PHILANTHROPY CLIENTS