We are a boutique philanthropic advisory firm, based in Chicago, that partners with individuals, families, closely-held or family-owned businesses, and foundations. We serve as a guide and advocate for our foundation clients’ interests, helping them navigate complex challenges and derive significant impact from their philanthropic investments.

For 25 years, our foundation consultants have been optimizing foundation operations to ensure compliance, good governance, and the fulfillment of philanthropic goals.

Foundation Strategy and Support

Talk to one of our consultants.

A sample of services we
provide to foundations

Foundation Planning and Startup

Guidance for launching your foundation, from mission-setting to making your first grant.

Grantmaking Process Optimization

Evolve your grantmaking process and/or let us administer your grantmaking program

Giving Strategy Optimization

Ensure your giving evolves effectively with changes in the field and your personal goals.

Back-Office Support

Reduce the administrative burden by having us manage some or all of your foundation operations.

Board Support, Development, and Learning

Enhance board effectiveness, fostering strategic decision-making and good governance.

Family Alignment with Mission, Goals and Strategy

Get 21/64 certified advisors to facilitate critical discussions and bring family members together toward a common goal.

Policies And Structure For Effective Governance

Implement effective governance and policies, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment.

Coordination With Advisors

Ensure that your advisors have a seat at the table when their input is needed and desired.

formal Succession Planning

Secure your foundation's future with a well-structured succession plan, ensuring continuity and sustained impact.

Facilitation of sun-setting

Thoughtfully wind down your foundation with a structured sun-setting process, ensuring lasting impact and legacy.

Transition to a DAF

Receive guidance on transitioning your foundation to a donor-advised fund.

Rising Gen Engagement and Training

Provide the rising generations meaningful roles within the family foundation.

About Us

In 2000, Betsy Brill and Susan Winer started Strategic Philanthropy after seeing well-intentioned giving get slowed down by uncertainty, complexity, and limited time. Donors needed a clear way to translate that commitment into decisions they felt good about, or the practical support to follow through.

That founding idea still guides us today. We help make philanthropy more manageable and more personal, with the right amount of structure and steady support behind the scenes. The goal is straightforward: you feel confident in the choices you are making, your foundation runs smoothly, and your time and resources stay directed toward the change you want to see, in a way that feels fulfilling along the way.

The value of our foundation management and support services:

Customized staffing at a fraction of the cost of a single foundation office
Less burden on the Board for planning, gathering, and communicating
Comprehensive research to uncover lesser-known, impactful grantees
Stronger grantee partnerships through clearer expectations and communication
Program innovations that improve outcomes and adapt as priorities evolve
Compliance with complex legal and regulatory requirements.
Rising Gen family members that are knowledgable and engaged with the family enterprise

Some of our foundation clients

Let us know how we can help.

You’ll get a prompt response from one of our foundation consultants.

PLEASE NOTE: We will not respond to unsolicited funding requests.

Client Testimonials

We honestly had no idea how to talk to our kids about a recent liquidity event. We didn’t want them to think they never had to work again. We wanted them to be actively involved in starting our new family foundation but didn’t know how to discuss money. You not only helped us communicate our situation but also in navigating how the children could become involved with our philanthropy. Thank you.

–San Francisco based Couple with two adult children

With our small team, handling a large donation seemed overwhelming. This was a complex and crucial transaction for both the grantee and our foundation. Thanks to your support, we now have a clear management process in place and a resource to give us confidence in making future donations, knowing they will be impactful and align with our intentions.

–The President of a Corporate foundation that made their first eight-figure gift

After our first meeting, facilitated by Strategic Philanthropy's team, we realized aligning three generations around a philanthropic mission could strengthen our relationships. The experience fostered unity, empathy, and purpose. It set us up for an exciting journey.

–The Board President of a family foundation

4422 N. Ravenswood Dr. #1046
Chicago, IL 60640

TALK TO US

773.244.5185
info@stratphilanthropy.com