Better philanthropy. Bigger impact.
Foundation Strategy & Design
Big Picture Planning & Structure
Whether you're launching a new foundation or reimagining an existing one, we help you build philanthropic strategies that reflect your family's values and aspirations. We explore giving vehicles, design governance structures, develop multi-year giving plans, and create frameworks that can evolve across generations. This is about translating your vision into a clear, actionable roadmap.
What this looks like:
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Strategic planning sessions with your family or board
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Assessment of current giving approach and opportunities
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Exploration of charitable vehicles (private foundation, DAF, LLC, etc.)
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Development of mission, vision, and values statements
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Creation of grantmaking guidelines and decision-making frameworks
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Multi-year strategic plans with clear goals and metrics
Holistic Grantmaking
The Doing of Better Philanthropy
We guide your grantmaking from strategy to implementation, moving you from transactional giving to transformational partnerships. We help you identify focus areas that matter most, conduct thoughtful due diligence, build authentic relationships with nonprofit leaders, and center community wisdom in your decisions. This includes adopting trust-based practices that shift power, provide flexible funding, and recognize that those closest to the issues are best positioned to solve them.
What this looks like:
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Development of focus areas and grantmaking criteria
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Due diligence and site visits with potential nonprofit partners
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Portfolio reviews and recommendations
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Facilitation of conversations with community leaders and grantees
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Support in moving toward trust-based, multi-year grantmaking practices
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Grant administration, operations and relationship management
Family Engagement & Governance
The People & Relationships Across Generations
We work with multi-generational families to navigate different perspectives, align around shared values, and engage the next generation in meaningful ways. We facilitate the sometimes challenging conversations about money, legacy, and impact, helping families find common ground while honoring individual passions. We design governance models that balance structure with flexibility and coach future generations of leaders, ensuring your foundation can evolve while staying true to its core purpose.
What this looks like:
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Facilitated family meetings and retreats
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Succession planning for board and leadership transitions
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Development of next-generation engagement strategies
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Creation of governance documents (bylaws, policies, board roles)
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Conflict resolution and values alignment work
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Onboarding and education for new family members
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Design of decision-making processes that work for your family dynamic
Learning & Connection
Philanthropy as a Continuous Learning Journey
We design customized learning experiences that deepen your understanding of the issues you care about, challenge you to examine power and privilege, and connect you with others on similar journeys. We create spaces for honest conversation and open doors to relationships—with community leaders, thought partners, and fellow philanthropists—that enrich your work and hold you accountable.
What this looks like:
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Customized learning experiences on topics like racial equity, systems change, and community-led solutions
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Connection to community leaders and organizations doing transformative work
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Introduction to other philanthropists and advisors with aligned values
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Access to learning cohorts and donor communities
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Site visits and immersion experiences
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Speaker series and convenings on current issues in philanthropy