Services

Grantmaking

We work with foundations and grantmakers to help develop, adopt, and improve effective giving practices, drawing on expertise regarding collective giving, participatory grantmaking, and centering those most affected by the problems we aim to solve. Our work with foundations and grantmakers spans a range of program topics and experience levels and we have expertise in the development and implementation of grantmaking strategies from conception through implementation. This work ranges across the areas of  systems change, grappling with identity and power, translating strategy to practice, due diligence, democracy building, field building, and more, all with an eye toward moving more money more effectively to advance justice.

Strategy & Program Design

We work with foundations and grantmakers through iterative and collaborative processes to build programs and strategies to have the deepest impact. Our team of consultants help to create short- and long-term strategies, articulate grantmaking principles, how and when to consider various philanthropic vehicles, the role of advocacy and education, and much more. Engagements can last from periodic, virtual programs, one-day immersive strategy sessions, to ongoing and continued advising. We also work to integrate strategy and programs across organizations and enterprises, including comprehensive communications plans for internal and external audiences.

Program & Operational Support

We provide services that enable foundations and grantmakers to start, scale-up, or streamline programs and initiatives. We regularly serve as added capacity for one-time or emerging projects not yet ready for full-time staffing and support existing teams with shifting and complex organizational management challenges. This includes developing special programs, starting and managing grantmaking programs or initiatives, refining processes and procedures, ensuring continuity by staffing a program during staff/leadership transition, and serving as sounding board and confidential advisor during planning and ideation of program development.

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Governance

We provide experience and person-power to help develop and guide key governance structures and policies. We have expertise in navigating the dynamics entailed by the unique organizational contexts of foundations and other grantmaking bodies, including establishing new governance structures and policies, evolving existing structures and policies, linking governance to programming and grantmaking strategy, leadership transitions, and maintaining and refining decision-making processes. We have served clients ranging from small community foundations to multi-billion dollar international operations.

Research

We work with foundations and grantmakers to develop and refine their areas of interest and are experts at cultivating a network of field and movement leaders. We perform landscape scans and topical research, pulling together large amounts of data and information from the field and distilling it down to consumable and accessible formats, providing our clients with the information needed to make informed decisions. These audits of the current and future capacities of the field provide the data necessary to inform programmatic needs and strategic direction for our clients.

Learning

We design, develop, and deliver tailored learning opportunities and coaching for both individual departments and full organizations. This work spans a range of areas and experience levels – whether you are looking to go deep on a specific topic or are looking to bring your stakeholders up to speed on the policies and practices of the field, our team of consultants can customize any learning experience to your specific needs. We collaboratively create opportunities for learning around new partnerships, areas for growth, and innovations that align with new priority areas or build upon the legacy of existing work.