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

Nine Reflection Questions to Deepen the Philanthropic Experience

| Strategic Philanthropy | No Comments
While every philanthropic journey is unique, nearly every funder reaches points along the way where they feel more – or less – connected to the work they are doing. It’s…

Philanthropy’s Investment in Change Makers

| Global Philanthropy | No Comments
In the enormity of today’s challenges, we can find ourselves disillusioned by the seeming lack of progress and worsening conditions of what we face: climate change, disinformation, broken food systems,…

Is Family Philanthropy Worth the Effort?

| Families | No Comments
I have a confession. I’m an unrepentant proselytizer – for family philanthropy. I caught the bug when my own family discovered the joys of working together on our family foundation, and…

How to Effectively Respond to Humanitarian Crises Across the Globe

| Global Philanthropy | No Comments
Cascading humanitarian crises across the globe fill the headlines and challenge donors who wish to be responsive on multiple fronts, yet who are unsure what commitments are appropriate or truly…

Philanthropic Resources for the Ukraine Crisis

The war in Ukraine, as with other conflicts around the globe, has triggered a cascade of crises around which philanthropy can play a critical role. TPI put together this resource page to help funders find information, organizations, and other resources we recommend.

Resource Hub