The Philanthropic Initiative

The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) is a nonprofit advisory team that designs, carries out and evaluates philanthropic programs for individual donors, families, foundations, and corporations. Since it was founded in 1989, TPI’s goal has been to help clients to invest in their own values, communities and societies for maximum impact.

TPI also encourages a positive climate for philanthropy and actively promotes effective giving through our work with community foundations, Regional Associations of Grantmakers and others.

Contributions

U.S. Trust Study of the Philanthropic Conversation (US TRUST-TPI, 2018)

Posted on August 30, 2018 by Bank of America Private Bank, The Philanthropic Initiative, US Trust Bank of America Private Wealth Management

Discussions between advisors and high net worth (HNW) clients about philanthropy are on the rise, finds the U.S. Trust Study of the Philanthropic Conversation, as clients report advisors to be a valuable source of information, second only to their spouse or partner. However, the study reveals several disconnects between advisors and their clients. For instance, many advisors underestimate their clients’ desire… Read More

A Guide for Advisors: Developing a Family Philanthropy Plan

Posted on July 6, 2018 by The Philanthropic Initiative

What are donors and families looking for in their family philanthropy? For themselves, for their families, for society? These questions will help find answers… Read More

Giving Together: A Workbook for Family Philanthropy

Posted on September 24, 2016 by The Philanthropic Initiative

The exercises in this workbook are based on The Philanthropic Initiative’s experience working with hundreds of family philanthropies over TPI’s 20 years of philanthropic consulting. Every family brings its own unique culture, goals, and strengths to the journey of creating a family philanthropic enterprise. The resulting governance structures, funding approaches, and operating models are nearly as varied as the families… Read More

Passion: Discovering Meaning in Your Philanthropy

Posted on November 6, 2014 by The Philanthropic Initiative

What is the place of passion in philanthropy? When it comes to giving and volunteering, we might think of passion as that mix of curiosity, enthusiasm and conviction which takes us beyond an annual contribution into a sustained engagement with an issue, cause or organization. The passion in philanthropy can be expressed in many ways… Read More

The U.S. Trust Study of the Philanthropic Conversation: Understanding advisor approaches and client expectations

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Bank of America Private Bank, The Philanthropic Initiative

The vast majority of high net worth (HNW) individuals give to charity, and many feel that philanthropy is an important aspect of their wealth experience. HNW individuals are increasingly relying on professional advisors for support with their charitable activity. However, the philanthropic conversations with and advice provided by their advisors are not always aligned to their needs. Several disconnects between HNW individuals and advisors center on the initiation and substance of their philanthropic discussions… Read More

Northern New England Community Foundation Impact Investing

Posted on September 8, 2013 by The Philanthropic Initiative

An increasing number of urban and rural community foundations are launching or broadening impact investing strategies, including through donor engagement. This case study focuses on how rural as well as other community foundations can do so… Read More