Why partner with a philanthropy advisory firm on your giving journey?
- You tap into real expertise. Philanthropy advisors bring deep knowledge across a range of issues—from strategy and governance to complex gift planning and operational execution. You benefit not only from individual expertise but also from collective insight and field-tested best practices.
- It’s flexible and scalable. The needs of donors and giving vehicles evolve over time. Advisory firms offer flexible support that can grow with you, shifting in scope or scale as your priorities, resources, or philanthropic vision change.
- It helps manage risk. Outsourcing provides a level of operational stability without the burden of permanent infrastructure. Advisors also bring a fresh, objective lens—helping to anticipate potential challenges and safeguard the integrity and impact of your giving.
Letting go can lead to greater impact
It can be challenging—and frankly a little scary—to take the initial step to engage with an external partner. During the 2010s, I helped develop an outsourcing strategy and set up a Shared Services division at Merck. At first, a lot of people were hesitant and resisted this shift—they worried that moving services outside the company would mean losing the customized support they were used to. But what we found was the opposite: service levels improved, and we gained access to specialized expertise we hadn’t even realized we were missing. It also gave our team room to focus on big-picture priorities, knowing that essential operations were in good hands.
A strategic partnership in action
The same lesson I learned at Merck—that letting go can create space for greater impact—has guided our team’s work with philanthropists as well. For years, we served as embedded team members within a major U.S.-based family foundation, helping private philanthropists in the Middle East give more and give with greater impact.
We engaged closely with the donor and stakeholders across the U.S. and Gulf region, providing end-to-end support: cultivating partners, preparing principals for high-level engagements, managing convenings, and overseeing grants and investments aligned with the foundation’s goals.
Our work helped launch a $15 million collaborative fund with over 20 contributing donors—opening a new region to strategic philanthropic investment. The fund continues to grow, drawing partners committed to advancing global health.
Consider context: Not just cost
Outsourcing isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a strategic one. The right fit depends on where you are in your philanthropy journey, what kind of impact you hope to have, and how you want to get there. Here are some decision points to consider:
| Strategic Phase of Philanthropy | Early-stage donors may benefit from advisors who can help clarify purpose, structure giving vehicles, and build foundational strategy. Established foundations might need specialized expertise to evolve their strategy, scale operations, or address internal bandwidth constraints. |
| Internal Capacity and Culture | Does the organization already have experienced staff with the time and expertise to manage complex giving efforts? Is there openness to working with external partners, or a strong preference for in-house relationships and institutional knowledge? |
| Desired Level of Control and Engagement | Some donors prefer to be highly involved in day-to-day decisions, while others value delegation and strategic oversight. Outsourcing allows for flexibility in engagement, but it’s important to align expectations on both sides. |
| Type and Complexity of Services Needed | Tactical tasks (e.g. grant administration, due diligence) may be easier to outsource than functions requiring deep alignment with donor values (e.g. trust-based grantmaking, relationship-building with grantees). Specialized needs—like impact measurement, policy engagement, or multi-stakeholder collaboration—may require niche expertise best found externally. |
| Time Horizon and Long-Term Goals | Short-term projects or transitional periods (e.g. leadership changes, strategic pivots) are often well-suited to advisory support. Long-term ambitions, like building a legacy institution or shifting philanthropic systems, may call for a blend of in-house continuity and external perspective. |
| Confidentiality, Trust, and Relationship Dynamics | Consider how much trust and confidentiality are required. Sensitive family dynamics, legacy planning, or political/philosophical beliefs may affect whom you bring into your inner circle—and how. |
| Geographic and Issue-Area Reach | Advisors can offer national or global reach and connections that may not be available in-house—particularly useful for funders giving in unfamiliar geographies or across multiple issue areas |
Focus on what truly matters
Choosing to partner with philanthropy advisors is about gaining the support and expertise that helps you give smarter and with greater confidence. By letting go of some of the day-to-day complexities, you free yourself to focus on what truly matters: creating meaningful, lasting impact. Whether you’re just starting your giving journey or looking to deepen it, the right partnership can make all the difference—helping your generosity reach its fullest potential.
