TPI in Alliance Magazine

The Philanthropic Initiative is featured in several articles in the September 2010 Alliance Magazine.  The most recent issue, Philanthropy advice: a profession in search of standards, focuses on individual and organizational philanthropic advisers with a diverse client base.  Below is a list of articles that mention TPI, as well as links to the full text.

From fragments to a mosaic by Melissa Berman

Melissa Berman discusses the growing trend of philanthropic advising and the origins of the field, citing Peter Karoff and The Philanthropic Initiative as the pioneers.  She comments on reports that there has been an increase in philanthropic advisors in recent years and states that, although this may be true, most consulting services remain small or solo practices.  Why?  Berman says it’s because many do not believe private philanthropy requires professional advice.

To read the full article, click here.

Building a relationship of equals by Andrew Milner

This article discusses the unique role that philanthropic advisers play in balancing the needs of their clients with their own interests and goals.  As Remmer explains in the article, “to be an effective advisor, and particularly one that can challenge a donor on the really tough issues, you have to build trust.  That takes knowledge and expertise, but even more important is meeting donors where they are, restraint of judgment, and deep listening.”  She goes on to explain how her approach to advising differs based on the experience of the donor and how, when best practice is not enough, both client and adviser must work towards “next practice” in exploring new and innovative ideas.  

To read the full article, click here.

The NNCG Code of Ethical Conduct by Lauren Kay

Established in 2006, the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) is a think-tank and service organization that aims to provide a learning community and forum for open discussion among consultants dedicated to increasing and strengthening philanthropy.  The NNCG Code of Ethical Conduct, initially developed by Stephen Johnson, Senior Fellow at TPI and former TPI CEO, Joe Breiteneicher, was created in order to set standards and benchmarks for quality in the growing field of philanthropy consulting.

To read the full article, click here.