We are a national philanthropic advisory firm, headquartered in Chicago, that partners with high-net-worth 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.
Strategic Philanthropy or Foundation Source?
Let us answer the question we are asked all the time… “How is Strategic Philanthropy different?”
Talk to one of our advisors.
Two Different Models
Foundation Source provides a technology-enabled platform focused on the administration and compliance of private foundations. Its services emphasize standardized processes, reporting, and operational efficiency. This model is generally well suited for foundations that have a clearly defined direction and primarily need help managing ongoing administrative requirements.
Strategic Philanthropy, Ltd. operates as an independent philanthropic advisory firm, with foundation management at the center of our work. We serve as both the day-to-day manager of foundations and the strategic advisor to donors and boards. Rather than separating administration from advisory support, we integrate foundation operations with strategy, governance, grantmaking, and learning. Our model is relationship-driven and designed to adapt as foundations evolve over time.
SERVICE APPROACH
SP: Advisor-led foundation management
FS: Platform-based foundation services
FOUNDATION MANAGEMENT
SP: Central to our work and a primary service line
FS: Core platform function
STRATEGY AND DECISION SUPPORT
SP: A core function within a team of experienced advisors
FS: Limited and largely donor-directed
CUSTOMIZATION
SP: Highly tailored process for each foundation and family
FS: Standardized frameworks
GOVERNANCE & FAMILY SUPPORT
SP: Active facilitation and board support
FS: Typically outside core scope
ENGAGEMENT STYLE
SP: High-touch, long-term partnerships
FS: Scalable, process-driven support
Foundation Source may be the right fit if:
- Your foundation’s strategy is already clearly defined
- Your primary need is administrative efficiency
- You prefer a standardized, platform-based solution
Strategic Philanthropy may be the right fit if:
- You want a partner to manage your foundation and help guide its direction
- Your foundation is evolving, growing, or otherwise becoming more complex
- Governance, family engagement, or long-term intent are priorities
- You value having strategy and administration integrated as a single service
Which is the right fit?
See our full suite of foundation services
Some of our foundation clients
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Client Testimonials
