Testimonials

“A new source of inspiration and skilled guidance”

Today, foundations and those with resources need to do more to tackle the massive inequities facing so many people in our country and around the world. That’s why I’m thrilled to see Kyle, who I’ve known for many years and as a fellow Board member of FSG, launch Boldly Go Philanthropy, a new source of inspiration and skilled guidance to help turn philanthropic passion into results for the betterment of society and the planet.

“ability to influence senior leaders, bring people together across divides”

Jeff worked on behalf of The Tow Foundation and a group of other funders to lead a statewide effort to reform the juvenile justice system in New York. The steering group included senior leaders from the governor’s office, law enforcement, state and New York City justice and child welfare agencies, advocates, and the courts. Over the course of eight months, Jeff deftly facilitated the group to align on a common vision and strategy for system reform that was adopted by the group, endorsed by the legislature, and led to lasting reform – positively impacting tens of thousands of young people. Jeff approached this diverse group of leaders in a manner that allowed everyone to be heard and kept the group focused on common goals. His ability to influence senior leaders, bring people together across divides and arrive at compromises and solutions was key to the success of this project. I would highly recommend family foundations or high net worth donors engage Jeff if they want to develop or have someone lead bold philanthropic strategies that deliver results.

“Well-versed and skilled in global philanthropy”

Now, more than ever, what is needed is change, not charity. Smart funders are looking to be more active and affect positive change in their communities and around the world. And they know they can’t go it alone if they want impact. The Boldly Go Philanthropy team is well-versed and skilled in global philanthropy — having lived and worked around the world and advised companies, foundations, and nonprofits — and are up to the task of helping others who want to take their giving to the next level.

“masterful at building relationships”

We engaged Boldly Go Philanthropy to convene leaders from Houston Independent School District and ten local universities and community colleges to better align efforts to improve college-going rates for students impacted by the COVID pandemic. Jeff was masterful at building relationships with local leadership, supporting the group with diverse interests to develop shared goals and priorities, and producing a clear roadmap to set the region up for success. The workgroup was consistently attended by local leaders, which spoke to Jeff’s ability to keep the individuals engaged all while working remotely during a pandemic. I would strongly recommend Boldly Go Philanthropy to peers who are interested in infusing expert support into complex ecosystems in order to develop shared goals and plans for a path forward.

“Partnered on launching a leadership coalition to make Omaha more inclusive”

As Executive Director of Latino Center of the Midlands (LCM), I worked closely with Jeff Kutash in his past role leading the Peter Kiewit Foundation. Jeff and I also partnered on launching a leadership coalition to make Omaha more inclusive. We share a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a strong belief in the power of community. As a funder, Jeff was amazingly down-to-earth and accessible. His advice and the way he structured our grant helped us improve our strategy, services, and sustainability. Jeff is an inspirational leader in the community and serves as an informal mentor for me – helping me build my leadership capacity, raise LCM’s profile, and make us more effective in serving the Latino community. I have complete confidence in Jeff’s integrity and expertise, and am pleased to recommend him and Boldly Go.

“Profound ability to make philanthropy highly impactful”

I have known both Kyle and Jeff for nearly 20 years, and worked closely with each of them for most of that time. I cannot imagine two people better qualified to manage anyone’s philanthropy. Both Jeff and Kyle have absolute integrity. They also have a profound ability to make philanthropy highly impactful, delivering social progress that vastly multiplies the financial investment. They understand the complex intergenerational dynamics of very wealthy families, as well as the broader ecosystem of leading global philanthropic players. Their vision, creativity, and wisdom are widely respected throughout the philanthropic sector. I recommend their services enthusiastically and without reservation.

“They’ve led foundations so they know what works and how to translate ideas into action”

Boldly Go helped me and my team design two new initiatives – one to create an entity that will strengthen American democracy and breathe life into the civic infrastructure of our country and another to structure a major philanthropic fund to support American ingenuity in solving community problems. We had tight timelines, and we asked Jeff and Kyle to provide us with recommendations that were bold, innovative, and practical to implement. And they delivered. They are big thinkers, and they’ve led foundations so they know what works and how to translate ideas into action. They’re professional, and fun to work with. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs help shaping and launching new programs or social ventures.

“Knowledgeable, innovative, caring, and a great listener”

I’ve known Kyle for many years, first when he was at FSG and then as he led the Walton Family Foundation. He was a great partner to us on important work to improve the environment, reproductive health, and impact investing. Kyle is knowledgeable, innovative, caring, and a great listener – qualities that make him ideal to provide insight to ambitious philanthropists. And as a former foundation CEO, he knows how to be practical, include multiple points of view, and inspire people to reach shared goals.

“Visionary, bold, and action oriented”

Jeff worked with me and a high-level steering committee to develop a business plan to launch a major national effort to strengthen democracy — a timely and urgent issue. Our group of 13 was diverse, cross-partisan, highly opinionated, and included CEOs of national nonprofits and foundations, former White House officials and Members of Congress, and high profile civic leaders. A tough group to manage! But we emerged with a business plan that is visionary, bold, and action-oriented. Jeff is analytical, strategic, a great writer, a bridge-builder, and one of the most effective leaders with whom I have ever worked. He is also a compassionate, empathetic person, who listens to different perspectives and finds common ground. I recommend him without reservation. He is the kind of person who can tap the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of the American people and engage them in effective problem-solving across sector and differences.

“Deep commitment to tackling inequities”

I’ve worked with Kyle in several of my leadership roles – as head of the Medtronic Foundation, Executive Director of the Decade of Diabetes initiative, and now as the CEO of the Siemens Foundation. Kyle brings global experience, a different level of consulting firepower and gravitas to meet with board members, and a valuable perspective on shared value that brought new meaning to our philanthropy and corporate social responsibility efforts. Throughout this period, I’ve gotten to know Kyle and understand his deep commitment to tackling inequities. So, I’m excited about Boldly Go Philanthropy and look forward to seeing him partner with other leaders to create additional impact in the world.

“Smart, mission driven, and fun to work with”

I met Jeff ten years ago when he was leading FSG’s education practice, and I was CEO of Greater Texas Foundation. Jeff worked with us to develop our first-ever strategic plan, which led to a multi-year partnership in which he helped craft a statewide higher education plan with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, launch a cradle-to-career collective impact effort in the Rio Grande Valley, and set up a first of its kind scholarship program for early college high school graduates. While Jeff was CEO of Peter Kiewit Foundation, we participated in a small leadership circle of foundation executives. As part of that group, I benefited often from Jeff’s strategic thinking and gentle ability to provide critical advice. Most recently, Jeff and Boldly Go is helping me and my board at the TLL Temple Foundation develop a strategy to greatly increase our impact in rural East Texas. Jeff is smart, mission driven, and fun to work with. I’ve never seen anyone better at moving groups to decisions on critically important issues.