Why boldly go
Bolder for better.
we Up your game
Leadership to light the way
We are uniquely positioned to help leaders because we’ve been leaders. As former foundation CEOs, our founders have been held accountable for delivering results. We have led large-scale grantmaking operations, championed diversity and inclusion efforts, managed boards, and brought families together to engage in philanthropy across generations.
Investing in Great Philanthropists
We invest in our clients’ ability to be extraordinary philanthropic leaders. We are intentionally small so we can form deep relationships with individual donors, families, foundation leaders, and trustees. We earn their trust and help them be the philanthropists they want to be.
Deep reservoir of knowledge
Through hundreds of engagements with the world’s most impactful funders and by developing ideas such as catalytic philanthropy and collective impact, we have developed a deep understanding of what works and how to amplify impact and avoid mistakes.
our Network at Your Fingertips
Over decades of experience, we have developed robust global and national networks. We connect our clients with diverse community leaders, elected officials, corporate and nonprofit executives, field experts, and peer funders for learning, hands-on experiences, and co-investment.
we Deepen Your Impact
Bold and Practical strategies
We have worked on the ground and delivered systems-level change. So we don’t look at issues like typical consultants. We focus on strategies and approaches that are ambitious, innovative, and practical so that we can meet the urgent needs of today and create a better tomorrow.
All the Tools on the Tool Belt
We have crafted high-quality grant portfolios so we know how to identify the best grantees and manage grants to successful outcomes. And we have used philanthropic tools such as advocacy, impact investing, capacity building, convening, and coalition-building to drive impact.
addressing inequity
We have sought out, supported, and scaled solutions with demonstrated or great potential for equitable impact. Whether it’s saving countless lives by reducing HIV transmission in Zimbabwe, ensuring that low-income youth are able to complete college, revitalizing rural economies, or transforming a broken juvenile justice system, we have rolled up our sleeves and delivered measurable results.
acting with Urgency
Our clients want impact that is tangible and immediate, so we develop grants, impact investments, and initiatives that are straight-forward, have clear goals, and are action-oriented. We also work with our clients to leverage additional financial resources, form unlikely partnerships, and bring together coalitions for change.
we Lighten your load
Less fuss and MOre Joy
Helping people and the planet should be filled with joy, but too often, overly complex strategies and bureaucratic processes get in the way. Because we’ve been on the front-lines, we know what is and is not needed to create change. So we help clients simplify processes and eliminate hassle so they and their grantees can focus on impact and take more joy in the work.
less Infrastructure
Managing a large staff and office is a significant undertaking. We help clients build the right level of internal infrastructure and we provide the rest. Our program and operational supports are turnkey, saving clients the time and resources it would take to hire and manage staff, implement new technology, and invest in other capital expenditures.
The Exact Right Team
For every client, we hand-craft an exceptional team with the specific experience and skills they need. Our diverse team members and strategic partners collectively provide expertise in areas such as climate change, economic development, racial equity, education, health, impact investing, scenario planning, evaluation, and communications.
Rigorous Execution
We are proven implementers with the ability to assess opportunities, manage grants, structure partnerships, evaluate results to improve performance, oversee budgets, and handle compliance issues and paperwork. By doing so, we save our clients time and effort, all at a lower cost than hiring comparable staff.