To address the world’s biggest challenges, we need bold solutions that endure. That’s why everything we do is rooted in rigor, research, and our own first-hand experiences as practitioners. We bring expertise in education, workforce development, advocacy, and more, along with experience in creating new nonprofits and in program implementation.
… to impact
We help our clients move from intention...
01
Define Your Theory of Action
The most effective philanthropists ground their giving in a clear mission rooted in their own values and experience. We help donors create a strong foundation that leads to the change they want to see in the world.
Needs Assessment: Charting a course for donors unsure where to begin
Develop Mission, Vision, Values: Helping donors set direction with a strong foundation
Set Near- & Long-Term Impact Goals: Clarifying what donors want to achieve through their giving with metrics
Organizational Structure: Establishing DAFs, family foundations, LLCs, nonprofit organizations, & more
02
Identify Levers for Impact
Issues ranging from education to the environment are complex. We help donors develop an understanding of the ecosystem around their issues, as well as specific opportunities and challenges that will set the stage for deeper impact.
Landscape Analysis: Identifying key players, donors. important dynamics around an issue or region
Expert Interviews & Research: Helping donors see opportunities, risks, and pathways to impact
Identify Priority Giving Areas: Establishing giving priorities that will lead to impact
Measurement & Evaluation: Monitoring, analyzing, and learning from grant results
03
Create an Effective Strategy
Ultimately, these insights are only meaningful when leveraged to drive action. We work with donors to build a giving strategy that generates measurable results.
Develop Grantmaking Processes: Establish systems for due diligence, reporting, grants management, & more
Strategic Planning & Portfolio Building: Charting a course and curating a grant portfolio aligned with impact goals
Learning & Resource Support: Educating and networking donors with peers and philanthropy support orgs
Engagement Strategy: Helping donors navigate relationships with grantees, other donors, and community
Family Dynamics: Supporting donors in crafting a narrative and navigating legacy and next-gen engagement
04
Drive High-Impact Grantmaking
We help donors move dollars into the field quickly and effectively without sacrificing accountability by becoming an extension of their team.
Program Design & Delivery: Converting big ideas into an actionable giving program
High-Impact Grantmaking: Identifying and moving high-impact organizations through the process of recruitment, due diligence, and program implementation
Partnering with a Fiscal Sponsor: Partnering with Give for the Future Fund to create seamless, efficient, low-cost giving option for donors
Our Services
We offer a broad range of services and can engage in a range of ways, from helping clients align their political giving to their philanthropy, to leveraging a 501(c)3 partner organization to streamline their giving.
We also offer support at a variety of levels:
Consulting 1:1s with clients
Educational and training sessions for wealth management firms
Outsourced offering in coordination with manager to dive in and support client philanthropy
The greatest measure of our IMPACT is what our clients say about us:
“We started working with Building Impact at an interesting moment in our philanthropic journey — we were passionate about what we wanted to accomplish, but knew it would be a challenge to go from ideas to action. The BI team has rolled up its sleeves, working closely and effectively with our family and advisors, helping us turn that passion and energy into concrete results. With their depth of knowledge, experience and expertise guiding us, we are keenly aware of their value added, and together we are in the process of actualizing something deeply meaningful.”
“We worked with Building Impact Partners to help us design and implement our Heckscher Foundation Workforce Challenge, a revolutionary initiative which offered funding to New York colleges or community-based organizations to develop partnerships with employers to provide jobs for underserved youth in New York. They designed and managed everything from the communication strategies to the organizational structure and implemented every aspect of the project with insight and brilliance that transformed our vision into a resounding success.”
“Our relationship with Building Impact Partners has been quite unique. Working closely with us, they’ve listened with curiosity, engaged our grantees and other stakeholders deeply, and come back with ideas and recommendations that are grounded in our local context and relationships. The team was not only responsive to our needs — they were invested as partners in achieving our mission.”
In line with our mission to build a stronger philanthropic community through new skills and knowledge, we invest in the professional development of peer advisors to build the capacity of our entire field to distribute capital more joyfully, efficiently, and equitably.
Looking for More Influence, Meaning, and Impact As An Advisor?
Advisors Accelerator is a professional development program designed for philanthropy advisors seeking to master the essential conversations for influential advising. Rather than focusing solely on technical expertise, this cohort-based program gives advisors the tools to help their donors unlock more impactful and joyful giving.
Advisors Accelerator Offers:
Meaningful Giving Guide Certification: A hands-on program delivered through in-person seminars with a heavy emphasis on practice and role-playing.
Practical Resource Library: Access to a wide range of videos and worksheets covering “day-to-day” essentials, such as landscape analyses, portfolio reviews, and the pros and cons of different giving structures (e.g., LLCs vs. foundations).
Subject Matter Deep Dives: Regular “Fireside Chats” with experts on hot topics like climate change, homelessness, and collaborative giving infrastructure.
Business Mechanics for Advisors: Monthly seminars specifically for solopreneurs and small firms covering pricing, profitability, and business development.
AI-Powered Support: A dedicated AI chat interface trained on the entire curriculum to provide real-time guidance for advisor queries.
