Helping Funders Act Boldly and Give Wisely

In 1989, Peter Karoff launched a social experiment to see if the idea of strategic philanthropy, when applied to a broader cohort of donors, could increase effectiveness and encourage greater generosity. The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) was born, playing a lead role in the creation of the field of strategic philanthropy. In our view, strategic philanthropy is about articulating a vision and goals, and then determining the most effective ways in which philanthropic resources can support those goals. From the beginning, we have encouraged funders to engage a wide range of stakeholders, listen deeply to diverse perspectives, and work in close partnership with nonprofit leaders and others with shared goals.

TPI was founded on the belief that philanthropy has the power to transform.

For more than three decades we have provided consulting and program management services to help families and individuals, foundations and other philanthropies, and companies increase the impact of their philanthropy. We serve as consultants and thought partners to ambitious funders who embrace innovative thinking in their efforts to find levers of change. We help our clients articulate their philanthropic visions, values, and goals; create strategies to achieve those goals; and ultimately achieve long-term, positive impact on the social and environmental issues that matter most to them.

TPI has been central to a number of seminal efforts in the field, and we have gained a reputation as original thinkers with deep knowledge of the philanthropic landscape. As a nonprofit philanthropic advising practice, our mission from the very beginning has included promotion of effective philanthropy through thought leadership, cutting-edge research, philanthropic education programs, and field-building initiatives. We continue to fuel the growth of high-impact philanthropy locally, nationally, and across the globe.

Learn more about TPI’s founder, Peter Karoff.

Highlights from Our History

  • 1989
    Founding of TPI
    TPI, envisioned by founder Peter Karoff, is formed on the idea that strategic philanthropy could increase funder effectiveness and encourage greater generosity.
  • 1992
    Engaging professional advisors in philanthropy
    TPI launches an ongoing series of national studies, convenings, publications, and other efforts to engage advisors in discussing philanthropy with their clients.
  • 1994
    Philanthropy and the intergenerational transfer of wealth
    TPI and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation host a national convening exploring philanthropic opportunities offered by the intergenerational transfer of wealth.
  • 1998
    Creation of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy
    TPI helps launch CECP to increase corporate philanthropy, believing that corporate citizenship can both achieve social impact and make good business sense.
  • 1999
    Launch of TPI’s first college success program
    TPI partners with a client in developing its first program to level the playing field and help students succeed in college and beyond.
  • 2000
    Publication of “What’s a donor to do?”
    At the request of a consortium of large national foundations, TPI develops a first-ever major sourcebook on resources for new donors.
  • 2003
    Efforts to increase effectiveness of place-based philanthropy
    TPI and the Annie E. Casey Foundation develop research-based resources to increase philanthropy for place-based efforts targeting low-income communities.
  • 2007
    Strengthening community foundation support for families
    TPI launches the national Excellence in Family Philanthropy Initiative including trainings and tools for community foundation staff who work with families.
  • 2008
    Publication of "The World We Want"
    TPI releases Peter Karoff’s “The World We Want: New Dimensions in Philanthropy and Social Change” deepening conversations about the limits, passion, and power of philanthropy.
  • 2010
    Launch of TPI’s Center for Global Philanthropy
    TPI creates its Center for Global Philanthropy to catalyze philanthropy’s impact across the globe through knowledge, engagement, and strategic practice.
  • 2012
    Merger with the Boston Foundation
    TPI merges with the Boston Foundation, creating an historic partnership and a new model for philanthropic promotion, consulting, and support.
  • 2015
    Seminal research on community foundations
    TPI publishes a national report and hosts convenings to help community foundations find synergies in balancing foundation leadership and donor priorities.
  • 2016
    Publication of guide for funders ramping up
    TPI and Exponent Philanthropy release a guide to help funders significantly ramp up giving, launching new resources on ramping up in size or impact.
  • 2019
    Launch of Invest for Better
    TPI launches Invest for Better, a global campaign to empower women to mobilize their money for good through impact investing.
  • 2020
    Launch of COVID-19 and racial equity resource hubs
    TPI publishes online resource centers to inform philanthropic efforts to respond to COVID-19 and to advance racial equity.