Strategic Philanthropy, Ltd.

Today, we’re digging through substantial data in a new survey from the Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative highlighting key opportunities and challenges in donor-advised fund (DAF) giving: https://lnkd.in/eVcc487q We highly recommend reviewing the survey results from 111 participating DAF-sponsoring organizations.?It’s interesting to see that only 55% of sponsors feel highly effective in philanthropic advising. There’s a lot of capital locked up in DAFs that, without guidance, funds can sit unused or be distributed without a strategy. Improving DAF giving isn’t just about increasing grant volume. We think it requires smarter advising, stronger donor education, and more intentional grantmaking strategies. With nearly $230 billion in DAFs, the potential for impact is enormous—but only if those dollars flow to the communities that need them most.?

Two articles landed in our inbox last week, sparking conversations in our office about how foundation payout decisions intersect with the realities of government funding for nonprofits. MacArthur Foundation’s "Six Hard Questions About Set It at Six" - https://lnkd.in/gVwGA-2z - challenges philanthropy to think critically about payout rates. The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy’s "Nonprofits and Government Revenue: Understanding a Complex Relationship" - https://lnkd.in/guWbYtKP - explores the complexities nonprofits face with government funding—from delays and shifting priorities to unfunded administrative requirements. These conversations are deeply connected. Direct service organizations ensure government funding reaches communities effectively. While public funding supports essential services, it doesn’t always cover what nonprofits need to sustain and evolve. Philanthropy shouldn’t replace government funding but can strengthen nonprofit capacity, support long-term planning, and provide flexibility where public funding is more rigid. For funders weighing payout rates, the question isn’t just how much to give but how to ensure funding complements public resources for long-term stability. Instead of simply increasing payouts, philanthropy can provide flexible funding, multi-year grants, and bridge solutions to help nonprofits navigate uncertainty. MacArthur Foundation asks how much philanthropy should give. The Johnson Center reminds us to ask how well government and philanthropy are working together. These discussions will shape the future of nonprofit sustainability.?

Today, on♀?International Women's Day♀?, we celebrate the power of philanthropy to drive lasting change for women and girls worldwide. Investing in women isn’t charity—it’s smart, strategic, and essential for thriving communities. Let’s commit to funding solutions that uplift women’s leadership, safety, and economic security. Who’s inspiring you today? #IWD2025 #internationalwomensday #girlpower #philanthropy

As California's wildfires continue to devastate communities, the spotlight on this crisis is already beginning to fade. However, many of us are still checking in on loved ones because we know it's not over. It won't be for a long time. With so much devastation to recover from, philanthropy must step in with sustained and strategic funding across California's diverse nonprofit ecosystem. With so much need, it's hard to know where to give. To help funders take meaningful action, our own Sara Moffitt has curated a list of 10 vetted nonprofits, each uniquely positioned to address critical recovery efforts. Please take a moment to read the list and learn how donors can start making a difference. And please consider sharing this info with others. Special thanks to the Los Angeles County Fire Department for the image, a testament to the resilience and dedication of first responders. #donate - Inclusive Action for the City | Movement Innovation Collaborative | California Community Foundation | Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation | Americares | World Central Kitchen | Baby2Baby | Best Friends Animal Society

It's easy to remember our anniversary because it's the year we're in... ?? ?? 2025 marks our 25th anniversary of partnering with clients to help them make a difference in their communities and the world. Collaborating with so many talented, passionate people has been a true joy, each playing an incredibly meaningful role in our journey. We are deeply grateful for your support and partnership over the past quarter-century. Wishing you a joyful and fulfilling year ahead—we look forward to continuing our work together in 2025 and beyond!

Members of our team are heading to Austin, TX in two days to attend the Exponent Philanthropy 2024 Annual Conference. Our own Sara Moffitt will be presenting the session "Foundations 101: Grantmaking Basics - Toward More Creative and Catalytic Grantmaking." If you're attending as well, stop by our booth, grab a 100 Grand bar, and chat with John LaFleur and Darcy Addison, MBA who will be looking forward to learning about your philanthropic needs.

For nearly a quarter of a century we have helped donors achieve both satisfaction and impact from their charitable investments. Many of our clients are motivated by a disease affecting their loved ones, concerns about climate change, or a passion for fostering scientific breakthroughs.?We are now in an even better position to help them as a result of our?new partnership with Science Philanthropy Alliance (SPA). Working closely with SPA, we can?enhance our support for donors who want to fund innovative scientific research.?We are excited and proud to launch this relationship that will give us access to more subject matter experts, research, and funding opportunities.

Our own Susan Winer, Principal and Co-Founder of Strategic Philanthropy, Ltd.,?recently sat down with Matthew Johns, MBA, Founder of HoneyHive Capital Partners to talk about trends in philanthropy and our firm's approach to working with clients.?Watch an edited version of the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gTRNaDjc

In this final clip from our video collaboration with Ren– philanthropist Abigail Millan shares how she?uses DAFs as an educational tool for her young children. Watch the entire interview here: https://lnkd.in/ehvQg2Ad