Act boldly. Give wisely.
Powering the promise of philanthropy.

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Who We Are

As strategic philanthropy advisors, we help funders increase their impact. We are passionate about philanthropy’s potential to accelerate change and address social and environmental issues in just and lasting ways. Philanthropy plays an important role in creating the world we want, and The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) works hard to support funders on their unique journeys to transform lives, communities, and so much more.

Who We Serve

We work with new and experienced funders who are eager to think big and make a difference. Our clients include companies, foundations, families, individuals, and funder collaboratives with ambitious philanthropic goals. Through consulting that is grounded in best practice and creative thinking, TPI helps funders of all types be innovative, proactive, and strategic in their efforts to support sustained social impact.

What We Do

We cultivate high-impact philanthropy around the world through consulting, research, program design and management, funder education, thought leadership, and field building. Our work with clients begins with their values, interests, and passions – wherever they are on their philanthropic journey to realize their vision. As thought partners and advisors, we work to create, implement, and evaluate customized philanthropic strategies to address the world’s greatest challenges.

Ideas & Insights

Strengthening the Philanthropic Focus on Mental and Behavioral Health

| Health Philanthropy | No Comments
The mental health crisis among young people is escalating, and the consequences are profound. Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide are climbing, while racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities leave too…

Understanding News Media’s Central Role will Help Philanthropy Reclaim its Transformative Agency

| Global Philanthropy | No Comments
This blog is written by Branko Brkic, founder of Project Kontinuum, and cross-posted from Alliance Magazine. "I see a sector that is ready for a set of truly big ideas,…

Art for All: Public Art Made Possible by the Fay Slover Fund

| The Philanthropic Initiative | No Comments
Celebrating 15 years of sustained, community-centered grantmaking in the arts. In 1995, Boston-based artist and philanthropist Fay Chandler was preparing for a major exhibit of her artwork when she had…

International Philanthropy at a Crossroads

| Global Philanthropy | No Comments
This blog is co-authored by Ina Breuer, executive director of NEID Global, and cross-posted from Alliance Magazine. Why bold action, strong alliances, and a commitment to our shared humanity must…

A Generous Life by TPI’s Founder, Peter Karoff

The posthumous release of A Generous Life: Reflections on Inspired Giving by TPI’s Founder Peter Karoff offers readers a rich and inspiring compilation of a lifetime of reflections, wisdom, and visionary insights into the philanthropic advisory landscape. His words will inspire readers to grow, learn, and strive for greater impact and meaning in their giving.

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“This compendium is a tribute to Peter and his exceptional humanness, and I am struck by how incredibly relevant his writings are for society today.”
—Sara Hamilton, Founder, Family Office Exchange