What does a philanthropic advisor do, exactly? This article from Inside Philanthropy lifts the curtain on the profession of philanthropic advising, highlighting how advisors can guide donors towards more fulfilling and impactful giving.
“Our second big takeaway: Philanthropy advisors commit to this career because they want to see more and better giving. Philanthropy is increasingly being held to higher expectations, which explains why some observers are quick to call out perceived underperformance. Advisors and donors share those expectations. Why else would donors invest their money and time in seeking expert support? Numerous studies show that donors are motivated by a desire to catalyze transformational change, or even ‘change the world.’ Realizing such expectations clearly requires a lot of money, but it also requires — in the words of Tom Tierney, founder of Bridgespan and now a trustee of the Gates Foundation — ‘complementing heartfelt generosity with a disciplined consideration of what you hope to accomplish.’
This is where advisors can and should play their part by helping donors achieve more positive impact and greater public benefit in their philanthropic activities; by inspiring confidence in donors to give more; and by moving more money away from private consumption or inheritance toward philanthropic distribution. Of course, philanthropy is always a work in progress. Nobody begins their giving as a fully informed and fully formed donor, certain of their ultimate philanthropic goals and how to achieve them. The work of the advisor is therefore to guide a donor along this journey — bringing knowledge, connections, challenge and encouragement.“
Read the full article from Inside Philanthropy here.