2024 Year in Review

Image by Rakicevic Nenad

By Stephanie Ellis-Smith, Founder and CEO

As 2025 gets underway there is a widely shared view that we are living in uniquely perilous and uncertain times. This feels true – but  I confess I’m always a little nervous at the start of a new year. What challenges will I and our team at Phīla have to overcome? What opportunities will come our way?  How will we adapt if the landscape changes? Trying to foresee all the possibilities is a little scary and plenty exhausting. 

A practice that grounds me is to use the start of a new year to be grateful and give thanks. Towards that end, I want to share a few highlights of what was a gratifying 2024 for Phīla. Reflecting on the accomplishments of my colleagues and our amazing community of partners fills me with energy and optimism about what lies ahead and motivates me to hit the ground running to have the greatest possible impact for our clients and the important causes that so desperately need their funding. 

2024 Wins

The most important measure of our success at Phīla is whether our clients increase their giving once they start working with us. While many factors influence each client’s generosity, a few variables are always important: creating a workable giving plan that all participants feel connected to and responsible for; increasing our clients’ knowledge of issue areas and the nonprofit sector so they feel more confident in their decision-making; participating in meaningful collaborations with allied professionals in estate planning, financial management, and taxation to help our shared clients make the most strategic and thoughtful decisions. 

We’ve been privileged to witness and share in many of our clients’ philanthropic accomplishments, but a few anecdotes showcase the best of our work in 2024: 

  • After decades of traditional giving, an inheritor couple wanted to do more. We partnered with them on a comprehensive and reflective review of their goals and how to achieve them. Ultimately we helped them embark on an audacious plan to donate the majority of their wealth in 10 years and increase their annual giving budget from $500,000 to over $20M, a 40x increase!

  • An inheritor was inspired to significantly draw down their donor advised fund by distributing $2M over a four-month period, the most they’ve ever given.

  • A retired software executive developed plans to distribute $5M after having never made any philanthropic investments. 

  • A private equity executive made their first foray into underwriting by funding a public television program, giving it a new season.

While these numbers are important, we also care a great deal about HOW our clients give. Qualitative measures reveal how our donors are interacting with the sector and what they are doing to diminish power imbalances and advance equity in the field. Since working with us, 100% of our clients have adopted at least two of the following trust-based philanthropic practices:

  • Adopting participatory grantmaking models that empower community decision-makers 

  • Making multi-year, general operating support grantmaking

  • Simplifying and adding transparency to grant application and reporting processes 

  • Reviewing and committing non-financial assets to support organizations and sector leaders (e.g., artwork, land transfers, network introductions, etc.)

Internal Transformation

“Transformation” has always been important to Phīla’s mission. We speak most often about transforming the practices of our clients so they are more active and intentional with their philanthropy. But 2024 was a year of internal transformation for us as well. We increased our focus on the how and why of our work. We invested in ourselves by crafting a refined business strategy that leverages our strengths to provide excellent service to our clients and offer a supportive work environment that honors the talents of our team. 

We studied our biggest wins so we can understand, document, and replicate “the Phīla way.”  We looked at what didn’t go as expected and moments when we could have done better. Taking the time to learn from our mistakes taught us where to dedicate more time and effort.

We went on a hiring spree and brought on a few of the smartest people in philanthropy who are well-equipped to share their expertise, using their hearts as well as their heads to steward people and communities. We’ve evolved from a one-woman operation to a team of dedicated experts who are steering Phīla toward the future with wisdom and drive. 

Our team is comprised of 88% women, 66% people of color, and 22% members of the LGBTQ+ community. Our team not only reflects our country’s diversity, it represents populations that are coming into more wealth, showcasing the unique value-add Phīla offers to budding philanthropists.

Thought Leadership

We continued to expand our online presence and thought leadership in 2024. As our business has grown, so has the number of people who want to know what we are up to and hear our perspective on developments in the field. One clear indicator is our monthly newsletter Insights in Philanthropy, which has increased the number of subscribers by 23% .We regularly get comments from folks expressing how much they enjoy receiving it, which is extremely gratifying. Thank you! Insights is truly a team effort and each of us are grateful for our readership. Our followers on Instagram and LinkedIn have grown by over 80% and traffic to our website  increased 40% from 2023. 

We were also thrilled to have two of our pieces published externally. The first was on the growing trend of major funders joining nonprofits in fundraising activities in The Stanford Social Innovation Review, and the second was our take on what the 2024 election may mean for philanthropy in The Chronicle of Philanthropy. 

We also began to share our perspectives through webinars on political giving and the New Economy. Creating webinars was a new activity for us and it was exciting to bring field leaders together to share timely information with our audiences. We hope to continue presenting webinars in 2025 so please let us know if there are topics you’d like us to cover!

Looking Ahead

We continue to create a network of strong supporters and dedicated clients, all of whom have had a tremendous impact on our growth and success. As I look ahead to the new year, I am excited for what’s ahead. We have a few particular priorities at Phīla: 

  • Expanding and enhancing client service offerings:  Responding to our clients' needs, we're creating more comprehensive and tailored solutions, like foundation management services and grantmaking oversight.  

  • Field building and thought leadership: We aim to deepen our impact within the sector by fostering growth, sharing our insights, and contributing to a stronger, more innovative philanthropic landscape. 

  • Embracing technology and fostering creative partnerships: We're exploring new technologies and innovative collaborations to amplify our impact and bring fresh perspectives to our work.

As a team, we will be leaning into our vision:

To foster transformation–both within the philanthropic sector and the families and organizations we serve. We work toward a world where philanthropy is a nurturing and equity-centered practice that releases wealth to the people and communities who need it most. 

This goal truly energizes me and helps me to focus more clearly on the work ahead. If this animates you too, join us in the effort. 2024 was a banner year for Phīla, but it’s only the beginning. 2025 will be a moment for opportunity and we are grateful for our clients, partners, and supporters (current and prospective) who believe in the power of philanthropy to change lives for the better.

3 Questions to Ask in This Era of Trump and Uncertainty

By Stephanie Ellis-Smith

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
— James Baldwin

Photo by Julie Aag

It has been less than a month since Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and his inauguration is still more than eight weeks away. 

Given the freshness of the news and the uncertainty of what lies ahead, I am struck by the wave of commentators confidently declaring exactly why Trump won and detailing exactly what philanthropy and the nonprofit sector must do to prevent the awfulness they are certain is to come.  

I tend to agree with Adam Grant that the future is unknowable and that humans — myself included — are terrible forecasters. Our brains are programmed to seek evidence that validates our beliefs, and in times like this, we must be especially careful with our predictions. 

So rather than share advice based on my own guesses about the next four years, I will  share three questions that I believe all of us — advisers, donors, nonprofit leaders, fundraisers — should be asking now. 

By doing so, I am following the advice we give to our clients when the way forward is unclear: We get curious. We summon the courage to face uncomfortable truths head on. And we resolve to act differently based on what we learn. 

Do we have the stamina to fight for justice over the long haul? 

Much has been written about the cascade of “rage giving” and the resistance movement that followed Trump’s first election in 2016. It remains to be seen whether a similar surge of activity is underway now. There is certainly value in quick-response gifts that fund legal and policy efforts to advance causes that donors care about, particularly in areas like immigrant rights, racial justice, and environmental protection, where Trump has signaled loudly that he plans extreme rollbacks. 

But donors and nonprofit leaders would do well to pace themselves and plan for a long, drawn-out battle. If we learn nothing else from this election, we should heed what real resistance looks like. It’s patient, it’s organized, and it’s unrelenting in its pursuit of its goals. 

We need stamina and patience to keep pushing on creating an equitable and truly democratic nation. While we have a few long-game wins of our own (see marriage equality), we can still be too quick to follow shiny new theories or fads that may be great in a moment but can still pull us off course. Will our multi-factioned coalition of social justice practitioners be able to find a pace that is slow and steady enough to be sustained over many decades, yet with the same sense of urgency that moves us forward?

Philanthropy was meant to fund the gap left from government services. What do we do if the gap becomes a canyon?

While we cannot purport to know what the future holds, we can take seriously what we’ve been told about immediate plans for change. For example, we know that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will team up to run the Department of Government Efficiency, a new agency to cut “waste” from other federal agencies. They and their acolytes are signaling drastic cuts or even the elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Arts, and more. 

Taking these announcements at face value, donors and nonprofit leaders must plan how to serve their communities in these crucial program areas without their federal government partners. For example, what does the conservation and environmental movement look like with no EPA? Philanthropies  often promote  approaches that incorporate  lofty and sometimes academic theories of change, celebrating those that are laser-focused on fixing “root causes” or changing entire systems that contribute to intractable problems — while overlooking the need for day-to-day support.

If these agencies are dissolved and their funding dries up, donors will need to invest more in direct service while also devising new strategies for longer-term change. We may face unprecedented and urgent needs for basic assistance in our communities.  What role will philanthropy play to, at minimum, take care of the daily needs of our fellow citizens? What could the modern version of old-school “charity” look like?

If a hole is left by the withdrawal of government funding, will we allow ourselves to organize and fund in a way that is responsive to our communities without judgment, and without unhelpful infighting about what “good” and “effective” philanthropy looks like? 

The rich are likely to get richer. What will they do with the surplus capital?

Trump gave tax breaks to the wealthy in his first administration with the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act and has signaled his intention to do more of the same. Investors are seeing their portfolios soar since the election. The one prediction I am willing to make is that wealth inequality will worsen as the rich get richer. 

Many philanthropists will have more resources than ever before. Call me a cynic, but I’m not sure their gains will translate to bigger gifts to the sector. While I hope I am wrong, this election was won by stoking fear in the electorate. The unpredictability of what the Trump administration may do, and when and how, likely means prolonged periods of unease and uncertainty ahead. 

Will the wealthiest take that as a sign to squirrel away more of their assets for themselves as a hedge? That’s a tough question to ask, and the answer may be even harder to hear, but history (and human nature) indicates that periods of extreme uncertainty and “scarcity thinking,” drive people to act more in their own self-interest rather than for the common good. 

I’m grateful that there are so many community-minded donors who care about underserved communities and underresourced issues. I hope their numbers rise in the coming years. But it would serve us well as a sector to understand the emotional and economic motivations that drove the election’s outcome and to ask how we may engage an increasingly fearful, and at times self-interested, population. 

No doubt there will be many more questions to ask and hard truths to swallow in the weeks and months ahead. But for now, my message to my peers and colleagues is to face our future with courage. We are such an optimistic bunch; we have to be to do what we do. We must have faith in our convictions and that we won’t be shaken off course, even when we’re forced to ask tough questions of ourselves. 

Finally, to all indefatigable donors and community organizers out there (especially to my Black sisters), make time for rest. We are in it for the long haul, and whether the electorate at large recognizes you for it or not, you make this world go around, and we would not be where we are today without you.

(Originally published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy Nov. 21, 2024)

Year-End Giving for Uncertain Times

By Lauren Janus

“I Voted” stickers. Image by Element 5

At times, this fall seems almost normal. The leaves are turning, plastic ghosts and spiders are everywhere, and pumpkin spice again abounds. This season always arrives with a crisp breeze of anticipation as those of us who work with donors and nonprofits approach November and December, when the vast majority of charitable giving occurs as part of the annual year-end giving tradition.

But of course, this year isn’t normal. Our country faces one of the most divisive and potentially destabilizing presidential elections in generations. In a few short days, we’ll face the outcome of this election and get a taste of how our country will move through the decision–whatever that decision is. 

As we as a country charge headlong, hat pulled over ears, raincoat belted, into the political process, we at Phīla are increasingly asked—by clients, colleagues, and family members—how one’s giving should change, or not change, to meet these uncertain, deeply unequal, and often frightening times. Here are my answers:

Start by taking honest stock of your 2024 giving using an equity lens. The inequality in this country, and around the world, is deeply rooted in systems that favor certain groups and economic systems. Philanthropy is both a consequence of this inequality (people with more have more to give away) and one lever for righting the ship or creating more equal outcomes. But just like where you spend your money matters, where you give it matters as well.

The majority of our client engagements start with a clear-eyed, numbers-don’t-lie look at where the donor has been giving. It’s always an illuminating exercise. Inevitably, a donor will be shocked to know they are giving so much to certain issues and types of organizations (often large, well-known nonprofits) and so little to others.

To do this exercise yourself, set aside an hour or so to go through your gifts for the year. If you have a Donor Advised Fund, that’s an easy place to start. You can also go through your bank statements, email receipts or ask a partner or spouse what they remember. Don’t forget any political gifts and other non tax-exempt gifts you made! In our eyes, those absolutely count. 

As you build your list of organizations and gift sizes, start to look for patterns and gaps. Are you giving substantial, regular gifts to large institutions like private universities and hospitals by default? What about organizations or political candidates your friends (i.e. people like you) recommended? If so, pause and take a moment to think about how these practices could reinforce the preponderance of gatekeeping in fundraising, thereby reinforcing inequitable funding patterns between White-led and BIPOC-led organizations.

Plan your year-end gifts and other philanthropic activities. If you’re like us, the political appeals have been coming fast and furiously to your inbox and text message screen. In a few short weeks, those appeals will be matched by any and every nonprofit you’ve ever given to asking for a year-end gift. When you take a moment to plan your giving, you stand less of a chance of reactively giving more to organizations that have the budget to send you gorgeous appeals. Take time now to think about any gaps revealed by your stock-taking in step one. Are there grassroots groups in your community you might support this year? Are there people outside of your social circle you could ask for lesser-known groups doing important work? Put them on your list. 

At the same time, think more broadly about your year-end philanthropic activities. Are you hoping to get your charitable estate plan updated or address an inflection point in the life of your family foundation? Start thinking about those tasks now and reach out to a philanthropic advisor like Phīla, as well as any legal, financial or other professional advisor. We all get busy this time of year.

Set some goals for 2025. As you begin your holiday and other year-end activities, be sure to set aside some time to map out your giving for the new year. Now’s the time to sit down with family and communicate your giving goals for next year. Do you want to give more to community-based organizations (even if the community isn’t your own)? Can you afford to increase your giving budget for next year? 

Talk with your spouse, children or others important to you about the gifts you know you’ll make and those that may feel unfamiliar but that you want to consider. Now’s also a good time to talk about where you want to show up in 2025 as a volunteer or even simply a dependable advocate.

Importantly, just because the election is over, now is not the time to stop making political gifts. Again and again we hear about democracy-building groups who fear the "post election drop-off" in funding. Many will have to lay off staff in January and some will close altogether. In fact, it's the time between elections when the groundwork is laid for success at the ballot box. Consider signing the "Election Day to Every Day Pledge" and continue to give (or even increase your giving) to organizations doing the hard work of registering voters, challenging unfair election laws and mobilizing communities for the next election.

These next few weeks will be nothing if not uncertain in our country. But as individual citizens, we can support our democracy and our communities by voting, by helping others to vote, and by being thoughtful, intentional and generous in our giving now and into the New Year.

3 Tips for Making It Easier to Choose a Charity

By Jen Shafer, ideas42

Black woman in yellow cardigan carrying a basket of produce. Photo by Kampus.

Donors receive a constant stream of requests for their attention and money. Fundraisers know this, and so they engage in an arms race of sorts, asking more often or more creatively for donors’ support. If the volume of these requests gets too high, it’s reasonable that donors would simply tune it all out. 

When that happens, smaller and equity-focused organizations are often the first to lose out. For example, today Black-led nonprofits only receive 1–2% of the billions of dollars in annual funding provided by foundations and donors. 

That, of course, is a shame for everyone—donors want to support causes they care about, and nonprofits want to tell their story and connect with their communities. One question that could benefit everyone is: How can donors find smaller nonprofits that align with their values? 

This is the question our team at ideas42 wanted to explore through a recent collaboration with Charity Navigator. We started by considering Giving Season, that humming driver of philanthropy spanning the days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. We know that curation—that is, giving donors a tailored set of recommended nonprofits—can help donors connect with worthy nonprofits. Additionally, we have learned through our research that GiveLists are a powerful tool to increase giving, and the curator (and credibility of that curator) makes a big difference. 

We wanted to take it one step further and explore how curation could encourage donors to give to smaller, equity-focused organizations that too often get lost amid the noise.

This question is particularly relevant for rating or aggregator platforms, financial advisors, or even individuals with specialized knowledge about the problems facing an underserved community. Sharing this knowledge with others by giving recommendations can increase the salience of worthy organizations and help donors cut through the noise. 

Based on the lessons we learned along the way, here are our top three tips on curating charitable giving recommendations.

1. Remember why donors need curation.

Two-thirds of donors wish they could give more to causes they support, but there are roughly 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the U.S. to choose from. Donors experience constant choice overload when selecting a new nonprofit to support, as many organizations are worthy, and it’s difficult to gather enough information to make a decision (or even to determine what constitutes “enough” information).  

This uncertainty can dull the warm glow of giving, and we know that uncertainty can make people less generous, as they use ambiguity as a reason not to give. Curation, then, can help donors feel good.

2. Set your criteria.

Start by considering data availability—what data can be found easily through research or existing tools (like Candid’s demographics API or the Lilly School Equitable Giving Lab)? Then, prioritize characteristics that will signal trust and will help donors map differences between charities. For example, the location of an organization’s headquarters and annual budget could help distinguish a local, grassroots organization from others working in the same space.

Resist the urge to to select the perfect selection criteria. Consistent recommendations of lesser-known organizations from trusted sources can create systemic change. Don’t fall victim to zero risk bias, which leads us to seek to entirely eliminate risk rather than choosing options that present some potential risk but a greater opportunity.

3. Make your list.

Next, put your strategy to the test—which organizations do you want to elevate now? Which organizations might you elevate in the future? When creating the list, you don’t have to pick just one organization to recommend. We know that providing donors with multiple organizations can increase giving, and we recommend including 3–5 options, based on our work with GiveLists. 

As you prioritize, do an equity check—consider which nonprofits may not receive as much attention, and ask for community input, when possible. Make sure your criteria work and aren’t too limiting—don’t underestimate the practical part!

Now you might be wondering, what did these tips yield for our team? Which organizations were on our list when we were working with Charity Navigator? Below are the organizations we recommended in our study.

These nonprofits were selected based on a combination of parameters including who they are and how they operate (e.g., small or medium size with annual revenue under $2 million; founded by and serving Black, Indigenous, or People of Color), as well as their presence on Charity Navigator (e.g., active Charity Navigator profile with a 3–4 star overall rating and completion of the Candid Equity Strategies checklist).

Through this work, we learned that donors want to receive recommendations, that recommendations can help channel support to previously overlooked organizations (recommended nonprofits saw a 20% increase in contributions!), and that offering a donation match can increase the likelihood of making a donation to a recommended organization.

For more on this work and how we plan to build on it, check out this one-pager. 

To see the original blog post from Ideas42 and more of their insights, click here.

Funding Rest as Community Care

Silhouette of woman in sunset standing on a hill. Photo by Michael Bruna.

By Celiz Aguilar McClish

My friend was sharing about her recent health struggles as we were walking along a rocky shore on the Puget Sound. We reflected broadly about who has access to care and wellness in the United States, regardless of income, education level, citizenship status, or geographical location. And as an Organizational Psychology practitioner and former caseworker, I can’t help but consider this question in light of the nonprofit workplace. Who has a right to be well at work?

I unequivocally believe that everyone has a right to be well at work. And while every sector has its share of challenges supporting employee well-being, there is a special imperative for philanthropy to prioritize broadly funding wellness within the nonprofit sector. 

Well-Being and Work 

The Center for Effective Philanthropy defines well-being as “as the state of employees’ mental and physical health” and notes that it is influenced by workplace culture and opportunities for growth. Similarly, the field of Organizational Psychology advocates for Decent Work, which is work that provides fair wages, job security, and opportunities for personal growth. When employees are well and can engage in decent work, they are more likely to meaningfully contribute and have longer tenures.

However, the reality for many nonprofit organizations is that their workforce is underpaid, overwhelmed, and understaffed. In a recent report by the National Council of Nonprofits, 74%  of nonprofits surveyed reported job vacancies, with public-facing positions experiencing the most vacancies. And at least half of respondents identified that stress and burnout is a top factor impacting their ability to recruit and retain top talent across all levels of the organization. 

In a study of nonprofit CEOs, The Chronicle of Philanthropy found that, while CEOs love their jobs, the challenges of retaining strong talent, balancing work and life, and fundraising can be too much to bear. One-third of CEOs surveyed said they are likely to leave their position within two years. This doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the additional burdens BIPOC leaders face. (See: Women Leaders of Color Are Exhausted. Philanthropy Needs to Step Up). But perhaps most concerningly, the Center for Effective Philanthropy found that 75% of leaders surveyed believe that staff burnout impacts their ability to impact and serve communities. 

Impact to Community 

When nonprofits are understaffed and employees are overworked, programs and vital services for the public are significantly impacted. Specifically, “there are longer waiting lists, reduced services, and sometimes elimination of services,” which can have far-reaching effects on communities and individuals. For example, a delay in housing services could result in a period of homelessness for a client. 

There is also a significant loss of institutional knowledge and shared history when turnover is high. While a challenge in any sector, it can slow progress in a highly-relational, resource-strapped field like the nonprofit sector. I experienced this first-hand as a caseworker for refugees and immigrants when colleagues—who had worked for years to build trust with key community members—left positions and, as a result, took relational knowledge with them. 

Hopeful Paths Forward: Unrestricted Gifts and Wellness Funds

If the problem seems bleak, the opportunities for creating change should inspire. Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to be a partner in creating systemic social change by strengthening organizations and their wellbeing. While there are a myriad of ways that this can happen, we at Phīla recommend unrestricted giving and dedicating funding specifically toward wellness. Both of these giving mechanisms demonstrate trust in the organization and offer much-needed support beyond what is offered through traditional grants. 

Unrestricted giving, a tenant of Trust-Based Philanthropy, allows the grantee to determine where funding is most needed. Grantees may put funding towards building repairs, programming, or salary increases—which are necessary to attracting and retaining staff given that three-out-of-four nonprofits stated that salary competition impacts their staff retention. 

A Phīla client recently supported a nonprofit with an unrestricted gift, reinforcing that the grantee could use the funds as they saw fit. The grantee later shared the impact with us: 

Thank you so much to the [redacted] Family Fund. WE raise our hands up to you all for helping us with our work and giving us your blessing to use it where it is needed most.

One leader also provided this feedback: 

You know it is the first time in years that I have felt like I have room to breathe. Knowing when to take a vacation is not easy in the nonprofit world and I think yesterday was my first real day off in a long time. Thank you all for helping with this necessary day of self-care and healing.

Clearly, unrestricted giving can provide a welcome reprieve for hardworking staff. 

Philanthropists can also engage in funding wellness, which can take on a variety of forms. By strategically funding rest and wellness initiatives, philanthropists can support the longevity and well-being of the nonprofit staff, thereby supporting communities and individuals with better services. 

The Share Fund, a philanthropy supported by Phīla, has an Opportunity Fund that is designated to “benefit the health, aspirations and broader well-being” of the grantee’s employees and is entirely separate from unrestricted funds for general operating expenses. Grantees can spend funding on coaching, professional development opportunities, childcare, fitness classes, or even a trip like one nonprofit used as a way to thank their home health aids. There are so many ways to fund restoration.

When employees are invested in and are equipped to thrive at work, they can engage and contribute meaningfully to their organizations. And what better sector to invest in employee well-being than one that provides vital (read: life-saving, poverty-alleviating, hunger-reducing) services to communities?

In a perfect world, nonprofits wouldn’t need to exist because communities would be self-sufficient and could meet their own needs. But until that day comes, we invite you to strengthen communities by strategically supporting the organizations that serve them. 


Resource: Additional Organizations Funding Wellness

  • The Boston Foundation partnered with New Sector Alliance to offer a Leadership Longevity Fellowship to strategically invest in the professional development and wellness of mid-career nonprofit managers. 

  • Allstate Foundation offers free leadership development to nonprofit leaders and staff. The foundation also awarded nearly $400,000 in grants for wellness initiatives. 

  • The Skillman Foundation has the Well Fund which supports the “wellness and capacity of BIPOC-led nonprofits” serving youth in the Detroit area. Awards support general operating funds, leadership development, and wellness activities. 

  • The Seattle Foundation launched the Black-led Joy and Wellness-Fund to combat some of the funding inequities that Black-led organizations face. The fund focuses on supporting the “physical, mental, and emotional well-being of staff at Black-led organizations.” 

  • Inspired by conversations with grantee partners, the Imago Dei fund created the Keep the Spark Alive program to combat exhaustion and revive leaders. The program was created to be as “non-burdensome as possible” with rolling applications, quick approvals, and minimal reporting requirements. 

Getting Proximate: Reflections from a Visit to Monroe Prison

By Sewheat Asfaha

Olivia Vanni / The Herald

Growing up in neighborhoods that are predominately communities of color, I've experienced and witnessed continually discriminatory policing. The school-to-prison pipeline was made clear to me at a young age, as I heard stories of family members and peers getting caught in this cycle.

 My first time visiting a carceral entity was in Lumpkin, Georgia, one of the poorest towns in the country. I was on a college service project trip centered around immigration, and the group and I watched a short documentary detailing how private prisons make a profit and therefore have an incentive to keep prisons filled. We drove 3 hours to the Stewart Detention Center, a private prison operated by Corrections Corporation of America. Incidentally, one of the detainees I spoke with was living in my hometown before he was transferred - I couldn’t believe how close to home it felt. In the years following, I continued to sharpen my analysis by becoming more involved with organizing efforts in my community.

The United States has long had the highest incarcerated population worldwide, with roughly 2 million people in jails and prisons. In Washington state, around 14,000 people are held in prisons, with 1,500 of them at Monroe Correctional Complex. 

My colleagues, Stephanie and Sofia, recently visited the Monroe facility with a donor community, One for Justice, which focuses on organizing and supporting the efforts of philanthropists who are committed to reimagining the criminal justice system. The experience was also coordinated by Collective Justice, which is a nonprofit that leads training on restorative and transformative justice practices to equip agencies and individuals with the skills to address harm through community healing. They are one of many organizations working to create new ways of enacting community safety, accountability, and healing outside of the traditional structures of the criminal justice system. When Stephanie and Sofia came to our staff meeting after this visit, their reflections were so moving and thoughtful that I thought to have this interview be my first blog post for Phīla. I hope you appreciate their reflections as much as I did.

***


What was the process like to enter Monroe prison? How did it feel entering the premises?

Sofia: The process to get on the list to be able to visit was challenging and needed registration weeks in advance. We were instructed to bring a state or federal-issued identification. Upon entering, the prison staff kept our documents in exchange for a visitor badge. I noticed feeling anxious about surrendering something that represented my personal freedom in order to enter the space. I also was thinking a lot about my brother who was in and out of jail through much of his life, up until his passing. I wondered how it felt for him knowing he would spend months behind locked doors like these, and that made me enter with a feeling of being a sister.  

Stephanie: It was tightly controlled and very organized. We were a group of about a dozen, and came on one bus. We had to move as one group, and pause in each chamber and wait for doors to lock behind us and unlock in front of us to get through. It was a medium-security prison, but every space had guards watching. Once we were on the grounds, I noticed a community garden and a bench. I wondered what is the process of being able to sit on this bench in the garden. How would an inmate get to access a meditative space like that and what bureaucracy is required?

Once you entered, tell me about the group you met with and the individuals. What stood out to you from the conversations you had? 

Stephanie: Our group met with a group of 12 incarcerated men. Guards gave us explicit instructions to only give handshakes and no hugs. There was a nervous energy, myself included, but someone mentioned just how significant it was for people from the outside to visit and I think we all felt how special it was that we were there. 

Sofia: A member of Collective Justice opened the circle with a grounding exercise, which they typically use in their justice circles as part of the Healing Education and Accountability for Liberation (HEAL) program. A question was posed to the group - “what brings you here?” There was a mix of responses, and we got to hear a piece of everyone’s story.  A common theme was hearing multiple generations of family members going into prison and experiencing the carceral systems, sometimes simultaneously. Having a high percentage of adult men in prison for long periods of their young adult lives had a notable impact on their communities. Members in the circle shared wanting to break this cycle and support others in this journey. 

Stephanie: We learned about how difficult it is to get programs like HEAL at the prisons. There were many stories of folks growing up in foster care, experiencing violence, and ultimately being abandoned once they become 18. Fundamentally, I wondered - why is it so difficult to access these programs that are so needed?  Why wouldn’t we give folks a chance to heal and make sense of the life they had?  What are the barriers to accessing programs like this? Folks in the circle shared the layered politics that often block these programs from happening. Additionally, a few shared that even wardens and correctional officers are also not in socially stable conditions themselves and are in need of many of the same services that inmates would get. So there is a perceived feeling of resentment that the inmates could get access to therapy, education and healing which feels like a reward when they are there to be “punished”. I found this fascinating and disturbing. 

Sofia: Another thing we took away from the circle was “hurt people hurt people.” So many folks in the circle were victims of violence themselves when they were young, powerless, and vulnerable. They shared how the HEAL program helped them build an awareness of why they might have engaged in violence, but they also continue to build their analysis towards actionable accountability for the harms they created. The participants work to actively disrupt these patterns of harm.

Stephanie: I was struck by how criminal justice as an issue area is deeply intersectional. It is tightly connected to issues of foster care, housing, economic justice and more. What happens when folks leave Monroe? Where can they afford to live? I also learned recently that WA State law prevents released prisoners to stay until morning thus releasing them in the middle of night, in unsafe conditions - without stability or a social safety net, which increases the probability that they’ll return.

What surprised you about the visit? What did you learn? 

Sofia:  I was surprised to hear that since 2020, Monroe had not allowed any nonprofit programs to operate in person and this visit was the first time in years that the community partners had  in person contact with their clients. I learned that DOC is closing a unit at Monroe that has allowed these programs. From a prisoner standpoint, it was shared with us that it felt like a political decision to close one of the “better” units. I also want to highlight that Washington state does not have parole - many people we met were serving 15-year-plus sentences, often from crimes they committed as a youth. I was saddened and angry hearing how so many had spent their entire adult lives imprisoned. 

Stephanie:  I also want to emphasize Washington’s lack of parole. We hear all the time about how progressive Washington is but we often see the opposite. With our regressive tax code, and now learning that we are one of only sixteen states without parole, we see there is still work to do. I wondered how Washington’s criminal justice system measured in comparison to other states. In a conversation with one of the program leaders, they said that advocates were able to make some progress in Washington, but I got the impression that there is still a lot that needs to change.

For folks who have not had much interaction with the criminal justice system, what is something you want to share from the visit?

Sofia: Visits where you get to interact with and hear from people who are the most impacted are important for philanthropists. This visit underscored the importance of getting proximate when it comes to truly understanding social issues. 

Stephanie: You have to be willing to experience discomfort with what you’re witnessing, hearing, and feeling. Criminal Justice is a complicated issue with a lot of perspectives to hold. I thought about my cousin who has been incarcerated and his very complicated life. Sometimes in philanthropy, we try to look for things that are neat and clearcut. The harder thing is navigating all the gray areas, and that’s what this visit brought out for me. How do we acknowledge that harm has been done while also recognizing that the current justice system is cruel, and unhelpful across the board? For a visit like this, folks should be prepared to hold a lot of different emotions.

How did it feel leaving Monroe?

Stephanie: Perhaps it may sound strange, but I felt grateful. It was such an eye-opening experience and I learned so much. It reinforced for me how important site visits are to hone one’s understanding of issues.

Sofia: I felt humbled by this experience. I reflected about how hard everyone we met was working to be accountable and heal themselves. I also thought about how being in prison alone does nothing to rehabilitate - a time sentence with no investment in a healing process does not really help the communities or people who have been hurt. I left wanting to continue to learn more, and gained an even deeper motivation to connect with clients who are responding to the urgency of criminal justice. I’m glad that groups like One for Justice are convening philanthropists to reimagine the criminal justice system.

***

Centering voices of the most impacted is essential to understanding solutions to social issues. In the realm of criminal justice, several barriers disrupt any connection to incarcerated communities and many restrictive practices continue to limit nonprofit program work. Yet, organizers continue to be creative and persistent in reaching their base while forging new paths of accountability and healing.

As you continue your philanthropy journey, I hope you can reflect on what it means to stay connected to these issues, and what it can look like for funders to work alongside community partners towards a justice system that is truly restorative. 

Phīla Recommended Summer Reads

Photo by Link Hoang

By Sofia Michelakis & Celiz Aguilar McClish

The long days of summer bring endless invitations. There is a persistent beckoning to pursue joy and delight in life’s simple pleasures. Dare we submit that watermelons taste sweeter, birds sound happier, and the stars gleam brighter during the summer.

The long days of summer also tempt us to slow down and let our minds wander. During warm afternoons and time spent in nature, we have opportunities to pause and reflect, our minds thankful for the reprieve from frequent business. New ideas can take hold as we make space to observe, listen, and imagine. 

As you look towards the warm months ahead, the Phīla team invites you to peruse our curated reading list that’s sure to cultivate joy, challenge ideas, and invigorate your mind. This year’s edition of our Annual Recommended Summer Reads has a little bit of everything - dynamic writings on rest and delight, the journey of women in philanthropy, and narratives from the diaspora. Allow yourself to be surprised by what emerges as your new favorite summer read! 

Our Recommendations:

Sewheat Asfaha: I read Home is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo through a book club organized by Sudanese Diaspora Network, which is a global hub to unify, mobilize, and empower the youth toward a better, more sustainable Sudan. This work of fiction is a vivid portrait of the diaspora experience, weaving in themes of nostalgia, displacement, connection to culture, and belonging. We follow the journey of Nima, who is a middle school aged Sudanese girl growing up in the states with her single mother. She navigates her identities as an American born second generation immigrant, continuously reflecting on who she would have been had she been born in Sudan. Elhillo's poetry is striking to read, creating a cinematic and deeply personal experience for the reader. Through magical realism, we are able to gain a deep reflection of identity, and an appreciation of "who we are and who we could be, and the dangerous and beautiful place in between."

Stephanie Ellis-Smith: I recommend The Red-Haired Woman, by the Nobel Prize winning author Orhan Pamuk. I recently had the pleasure of taking some time off for family time abroad and I wanted a novel to get lost in. I’m a sucker for a good story and intricately woven tales; Pamuk did not disappoint. This dreamy and literary novel, taking place in contemporary Istanbul, is about a series of tensions: East versus West, fathers versus sons, youth versus experience, and the secular versus the sacred. It was a beautiful read that compels one to think about how we as humans deal with personal hardship and uneasy relationships with those we are closest to. As far and distance as Istanbul is from Seattle in many ways, it is yet so very relatable and imaginative.

Mark Greer: As a millennial steeped in the world of philanthropy and social impact, I am always fascinated by profiles of the next generation of donors and how we think about giving from both practical and heart felt approaches. Generation Impact: How Next Gen Donors are Revolutionizing Giving, written by colleagues in the philanthropic advising field Sharna Goldseker and Michael Moody, reveals how next gen donors are driving impact with their giving in deep partnership with the communities they are seeking to invest in.

Celiz McClish: Ross Gay is back with more delights! In The Book of (More) Delights, Gay chronicles his daily delights throughout the course of a year. The essays are short, poetic, tender, and, put plainly, just delightful. I would read his essays in the morning, before bed, during my lunch break, and anytime in between. His observations on daily life and the beauty that exists on this earth is such a welcome reprieve from the constant business that seems to surround us. 

I'm drawn to ideas that invite us to rethink the conventional. In The Other Significant Others, NPR's Rhaina Cohen encourages the reader to consider how friendships might be able to have a larger, more significant footprint in our lives. She highlights stories from individuals who have chosen to own homes, co-parent, and care-give with friends. While people across America may be experiencing a greater sense of loneliness and disconnectedness, it may be worth rethinking the expansive possibilities of friendships in our lives. I highly recommend this book as someone who lives in a communal household and believes in the power of community. 

Sofia Michelakis: Ordinarily a fiction lover, I’m stepping outside of my familiar boundaries with two nonfiction recommendations this summer! A book that really spoke to me this year is Rest as Resistance, by Tricia Hersey. Through a blend of personal storytelling and economic analysis, Hersey joyfully reminds us that rest, healing and repair are prerequisites for Black liberation and should not be viewed as a luxury. While reading this book, I'll confess that I did take several naps. Not because the book exhausted me or was boring, but rather, because I was invited to listen to my body and what it needed. I would wake up more energized and inspired, feeling more empowered to return to my work with clients to advance racial equity and economic and social justice.

Second, I learned about The Guarantee: Inside the Fight For America's Next Economy through an Aspen Ideas Book Talk that author Natalie Foster gave recently. I've been interested in the guaranteed income movement and have been looking for a resource to learn more. Foster is a leading architect of the movement to build an inclusive and resilient economy. Through this book, she elicits what's possible and how we have the power to transform systems and co-create better realities for our communities.

Sonia Nussbaum: I found The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid on the shelf of a Little Free Library. After a few chapters, I knew it was one of those moments of being in the right place at the right time! Over the course of a meal and tea, Changez, our narrator, has a conversation with an American man in his home of Lahore, Pakistan. He shares bits and pieces of his life story—moving to the United States from Pakistan for school and work, falling in (and out of) love with people and places, and attempting to come of age on your own while people are defining your identity for you. This book is told as a "frame story", which also makes it rather unique!

Janell Turner: As a philanthropic advisor, it's hard not to get engulfed in personal stories. Storytelling is at the heart of philanthropy, connecting founders to their missions and illustrating the transformative impact on beneficiaries. In The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, Melinda French Gates bares her soul! She offers an unforgettable narrative of her own "becoming," weaving together deeply personal reflections about her wealth, finding her voice as a woman in philanthropy, and providing a platform for voices and stories of women worldwide who have faced unimaginable harm and neglect. This book touched my heart so deeply and has sparked thought-provoking conversations with many of my clients--it's a must-read for women who are defining their why and leaning into their purpose.

A Night to Remember

By Stephanie Ellis-Smith

Last week was a monumental week for the team at Phīla and it was capped last Thursday night in the best way possible—winning an award!  

First, a little backstory to set the stage. Lauren and Mark led a beautiful family board meeting that shepherded in a new generation to giving, Sofia returned from Abu Dhabi where she attended the AVPN Global Conference representing one of our clients, and Janell was in New York to attend Women Moving Millions. Meanwhile, I was in DC to attend the board retreat for the National Center for Family Philanthropy. But on Thursday, I did a Joe Biden and took my first the Acela trip from DC to New York to meet up with Janell. Needless to say, it’s been HECTIC for team Phīla.

Stephanie and Janell holding the Philanthropy Advice Award

Janell and I met up that evening to join many of our outstanding peers in New York City to attend the Family Wealth Report Awards. This black-tie event at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel was a stunner. The moment we got off the elevator on the 36th floor, the buzz from the crowd was practically deafening! People we’re clearly pumped to be there.

We were seated at a table of incredibly interesting people: an art advisor, personal insurance executives, and, most interesting, two product leads for a company that automates work-flow processes for alternative investments. (It’s like a different language). When our name was called, everyone at our table erupted in applause and grabbed our phones to capture photos of the moment that I get to share with you here. What an experience!

This award recognizes the best of professionals in North America serving ultra-high net wealth clients. We were honored to receive the award for our innovative, client-centered approach to philanthropic advising. Our team, clients, and partners recognize the distinctive quality of our approach—and now, so do many more. This high praise would not have been possible without the unwavering care and commitment of my team and the trust and collaboration of our incredibly generous clients.

Since our inception in 2017, we have been on a relentless pursuit of excellence, guided by a vision to help donors be active participants in creating a more just and equitable world. Phīla Engaged Giving is proud to be among the leading lights in the field working to shape philanthropy into a life-giving and equity-centered practice. We look forward to celebrating more victories with you.

Rethinking Political Giving: A Holistic Approach to Philanthropy

By Stephanie Ellis-Smith

Demonstrators at a protest waving American flags.

For years, the IRS's tax regulations have inadvertently compartmentalized charitable giving and political contributions in many donors' minds. At Phīla, we challenge this separation, advocating for a more integrated approach to social impact across various giving avenues, including direct donations, foundation grants, and even investment strategies. Our focus is to help individuals align their wealth deployment with their values, extending to political giving as well.

In January, when we surveyed our readers on philanthropic giving trends, engagement in democracy emerged as a top priority. Respondents expressed a strong desire for access to expertise and learning opportunities for effectively allocating their political giving in this very consequential election year. Responding to this demand, Janell Turner and Sofia Michelakis organized Political Giving for Progressive Donors, a webinar and companion handbook offering a comprehensive overview of the political giving landscape and strategies for a donor to make a difference. As I watched the webinar live, I was struck by just how much knowledge is out there but inaccessible to the average donor. With deep thanks to our panel of experts (Alexandra Acker-Lyons, Dionne Foster, Kevin Geiger, and Jamie Van Horne Robinson), the information is out there. Here’s a very high-level overview of what you can expect.

The webinar begins with practical advice on setting a budget for political giving and strategically allocating funds. Panelists address common client queries such as integrating political giving with philanthropic goals, determining budgetary allocations, and navigating the choice between local and national contributions. Additionally, they shed light on the nuances of utilizing different giving structures, including c3, c4, or PAC dollars.

Moving forward, they delve into the impact of investing in candidate races and supporting key local ballot initiatives and election infrastructure projects. Dispelling doubts about the efficacy of individual contributions, the panelists assure that every donation counts and share insights on maximizing impact.

Further, we highlighted top considerations for donors, including core candidates, critical initiatives, and organizations deserving of support in the current election cycle. Addressing questions about donation limits and defining major gifts, we provided clarity to empower donors in their decision-making process.

As we look beyond the 2024 election, our panelists provide valuable advice for preparing for the future of democracy, emphasizing the need for long-term investments to fortify our democratic systems for generations to come. While they may have only scratched the surface, understanding the ongoing reform efforts and strategic focus areas is crucial for shaping a resilient democracy.

At Phīla, we advocate for a holistic approach to philanthropy, recognizing that political engagement is integral to effecting systemic change. We're committed to breaking down silos and fostering a more integrated approach to philanthropy and political engagement. By aligning values with actions, we can collectively drive positive change and safeguard the principles of democracy for all. Thank you for joining us in redefining the boundaries of philanthropy and shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

2024: Noteworthy Trends in Philanthropy, Part Two

Photo by Jon Tyson

By Sofia Michelakis

We are thrilled with the response to our first three trends last month–the rise of financially independent women, the importance of democracy giving, and the impact of AI on society. Our survey is still open for you to share your thoughts, including what resources would be most useful. So far, engaging in Democracy is slightly edging out the other two topics for our readers, so we are preparing a giving guide for donors this political season. If you’d like to receive a copy, email Sonia to register your interest. 

And now onto Trends 4 and 5, both of which are especially resonant during Black History Month. Combating DEI Fatigue and Wealth Supporting Racial Repair are growing methodologies for how givers are addressing racial equity and justice. 

Trend #4: Combating DEI Fatigue

Inside Philanthropy found mixed results in their study on whether the billions in philanthropic pledges to DEI and racial justice in 2020 following George Floyd’s murder have come to fruition. Simultaneously, there are large retrenchments on DEI in corporate America. And of course, last summer’s Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in Students for Fair Admissions is another setback for advancement on closing racial gaps in education. 

We don’t believe that the Students ruling should cause individuals and families to be concerned that giving plans to promote racial equity will actually be threatened. But warnings that the Students ruling could get extended to race-conscious funding decisions, scholarship programs, and other areas could give license to excuses for cutting back on philanthropic racial equity programs. This larger social context and culture of waffling around DEI has an impact on individuals and families and the way they give. We suggest that givers begin with a thorough examination of what kind of impact their giving has on communities of color and who benefits the most by their decisions. 

We have been sought out by many individuals, families, and donor collectives to gain practical learning and knowledge of how to center racial equity and justice in one’s giving, particularly the "first steps" funders can take. From these engagements we know that donors are more apt to act when they learn from social investor peers who are doing this work well, and will ultimately find joy and true inspiration by practically connecting money to meaning.

Undoing generations of racial injustice is not going to be solved in a matter of years. We are buoyed by these clients and other philanthropists who are staying the course in their racial equity journeys and integrating their values into their philanthropic plans. 

Some of the examples of givers leaning into DEI who inspire us:


What to make of this trend: Donors who are concerned about the growing opportunity gaps for Black Americans and Native Americans have many choices. It may be possible to fund efforts to pursue equity within elite institutions in compliance with Students, which has left a small crack open for “race neutral alternatives” like being a descendant from enslaved Americans. In addition, donors may invest in post-secondary schools where the vast majority of underrepresented racial minority students are currently receiving an education. We believe that community colleges are an outstanding place for donors to consider for their philanthropic investments. (See an earlier blog post on this topic.) Most community colleges are experiencing reduced public support and rarely receive large support from alumni donors to augment their resources. Also, HBCUs are seeing rising applications over the last several years, many due to the anticipated Supreme Court ruling, and are another great place for donors to give. 

Trend #5: Wealth Supporting Racial Repair


We have seen a variety of philanthropic efforts showcasing how wealth can be a vital tool for repair. First, a note on terminology. Reparations is a broad term used to describe a process of addressing, healing, and restoring a group of people injured because of their group identity and in violation of their human rights. Expert social movement leaders are pursuing a case for state and federal government racial reparations in the US for Black Americans as a result of not only enslavement, but also its aftermath of Jim Crow, redlining, mass incarceration, and other forms of systemic racial oppression. In this post, I am using racial repair to describe actions by individuals and families to address and remedy harms committed by their predecessors or ancestors. 

There is a growing trend of wealthy individuals and families bringing a lens of racial repair and power shifting into their giving. Whether or not they are funding racial reparations movements (and many are), these donors are not waiting for the government to act in order to respond with accountability and consistency with their racial justice values. Some examples:

  • The Libra Foundation, started by members of the Pritzker family, is committed to moving money to groups building BIPOC power. 

  • The Share Fund’s Bill and Holly Marklyn believe in shifting wealth and power to communities in their grantmaking and in their investment practices.  

  • The fourth generation of a legacy family client of ours decided to address their family’s origin of wealth created by extractive forms of capitalism by creating a new giving entity that directly engages with the communities who were harmed decades past.

As our taxation structure becomes more favorable to the uber-wealthy and the stock market continues to show record gains, those with the most financial means are beginning to ask a new version of the age-old question “how much is enough”. Now for many, the question is “how much is too much?” 


What to make of this trend: There are resources that can help you learn and explore effective ways to apply your wealth to racial repair. This often begins with understanding your family history and wealth origin story. While at times the work can feel heavy, we’ve found that donors ultimately find huge satisfaction and joy in coming to terms with the past so that they can face the future with a deep sense of purpose and integrity. At Phīla, we regularly work with multi-generational families on examining the meaning and purpose of their wealth as a path toward justice. Increasingly, we are asked to facilitate family meetings around sensitive topics and develop customized plans that reflect the intentions behind a family’s revised legacy that honors their efforts to repair harms of the past. As long as wealth continues to accumulate at the pace it is currently, we do not see this trend slowing. Philanthropists who are attune to the racial wealth gap will continue to find novel ways to redistribute wealth to those who have long been denied it.

It has been an enlightening exercise to examine these trends and report out our interpretations. I hope you enjoyed this series as much as I did. It will be interesting to look back a year from now and see where we will be. While I can’t predict the future, one thing is certain, we are living in the middle of a profound period of change as the old ways of giving become more and more antiquated. Where this all takes us is a question for the ages. Thank you for taking this ride with me! And as always, never hesitate to reach out to me or anyone else on the team with questions or comments.

***

Additional Resources

  • For a thorough legal analysis of implications of Students for Fair Admissions for the charitable sector, read Davis Wright Tremaine’s memo, which addresses why values-based grant programs that prioritize racial disparities should be safe from legal challenges. 

  • If you are interested in joining other donors to pursue racial reparations at the federal and state level, contact Liberation Ventures. Also, you can learn more about the role of philanthropy to build a culture of racial repair in this article that they co-authored with Bridgespan. 

  • The Decolonizing Wealth Toolkit created by Edgar Villanueva and the Decolonizing Wealth Project is a good starting point for beginning a racial repair journey. 

  • The Good Ancestor Movement, founded by Stephanie Brobbey, is a UK advisory firm working with families to help them redistribute wealth and restore communities and natural resources. 

2024: Noteworthy Trends in Philanthropy, Part One

By Sofia Michelakis

My 8th grade school photo with my “bi-level” (aka mullet) cut

I refuse to accept that the mullet is back. For me, that hairstyle will forever be associated with awkward middle school dances. Maybe that’s why I always view the onslaught of New Year predictions and trends with a healthy dose of skepticism. 

At Phīla, we serve a wide range of high net wealth individuals, couples, and families. We are discerning about separating meaningful trends from fads which, like my 80s mullet, are best quickly forgotten. In this post, we share the first three of the top themes we’ve been noticing and how givers wanting to have a deeper social impact could apply them. In future segments, we will share additional relevant trends. 

Trend #1: The Rise of Financially Independent Women

Whether because they earned it themselves or came into financial abundance through divorce, death of a spouse, or other inheritance, women are increasingly holding the reins of large amounts of wealth. In 2020, McKinsey & Company predicted a massive wealth transfer in this decade, with White women baby boomers as the biggest recipients. According to Fast Company, women currently control $11 trillion in assets, and that figure is expected to nearly triple by 2030. We see this growing trend in our client base as well. 

However, even when they have financial power, women can sometimes second guess themselves and their decisions about how they deploy their wealth or have their priorities minimized. We have observed that women–especially those over 60 in that baby boomer demographic–often defer to the men in their families and others who are so-called “experts”, even when those men are of similar age, education, and intelligence. 

To be sure, the finance industry is in need of an overhaul to better serve the philanthropists of today and tomorrow, as has been aptly written about elsewhere. Over the past few years, we have increasingly engaged with our clients and like-minded wealth managers and other advisors with a common goal of helping women gain more confidence in determining the purpose of their wealth and becoming more effective financial stewards. 

What to make of this trend: To our women readers, we want to support you to step into your financial power with confidence. When it comes to where to invest your philanthropic dollars, you likely know more than you think you do. Whether it’s cheering you from the sidelines, coaching you behind the scenes, creating space in meetings for your voice, or connecting you to fellow women travelers in philanthropy, we have your back! To our male readers, we are looking for allies. Support the women you know–your spouse, your mother, your sister, your colleagues, etc. Validate them, support their decisions, advocate for them to be recognized in leadership roles, ask questions to understand and learn, and be willing to listen.

Trend #2: Engaging In Democracy Is Social Impact

Regardless of your politics or whether you have a political giving strategy, this year’s election will have huge consequences for every sector and every cause about which you care. You will no doubt be asked repeatedly to give to candidates, but that is certainly not the only way to be active in this year’s election cycle.

Some people reflexively believe that their political giving is not part of their social impact strategy. We think differently. We do not cede the final say on defining social impact to the IRS, which simply defines rules for what can be considered tax deductible or not. Political giving and engaging in democracy can be part of a holistic social impact plan.

Several of our clients have begun exploring the connection between unions and democracy. Indeed, the Democracy Alliance has noted strong evidence that “Labor unions are the countervailing force the United States needs against nearly every trend eroding democracy, including rising political polarization and extremism, partisan pressure on the electoral process, harmful immigration policies, and growing wealth disparities.” 

Other clients are asking their current grantees about how they are engaging in advocacy activities at the local and national levels, either as a 501(c)(3) or through an aligned 501(c)(4) entity. In addition, we are currently supporting a few of our clients to bring in political advisors when needed to develop a specific, targeted giving strategy for the 2024 election cycle, integrated with their overall social change vision.

What to make of this trend: Don’t silo your political and philanthropic giving. Be sure that the staff and advisors with whom you work are informed about your goals and interests in democracy and elections so that they can better harmonize your giving strategy. You may find out that you can use philanthropy as a tool to advance many of your interests in supporting a healthy democratic society.

Trend #3: How Philanthropy and AI Intersect

The potential threat of AI to society and the social causes you care about is less about machines run amok ala the Terminator films, and more about what the government and your fellow humans might do. Think of AI as a ridiculously powerful tool – in the right hands, it may provide unique ways to speed scientific innovation and create social good; but in the wrong hands and without appropriate guardrails, it can be misused and lead to greater inequality, oppression, and other harmful consequences.

Common concerns about AI include future disruptions in the labor force, potentially putting millions out of work. But the impacts are not just theoretical. Crucially, we are already witnessing significant harms today. AI technology is already responsible for cutting safety net benefits, placing kids with loving parents into foster care, and falsely accusing Black and brown people of crimes.

There are huge ethical questions about this new technology, both in who benefits and who makes decisions. Philanthropy can play a significant role in ethical approaches to AI, as we know that under-resourced populations are less able to advocate against well-financed corporate interests. Several field-building initiatives are already emerging to foster more shared intelligence and agency around the philanthropic response to AI. For example, through a network of philanthropic advisors in which we are actively engaged called “P150,” we have been exposed to some of the leading thinkers who are exploring the big questions for philanthropy and AI. One of these experts, the Effective Institutions Project, has put together a funder’s guide to AI governance and strategy, which offers both a broad framework for thinking about philanthropic opportunities in AI and examples of specific organizations doing impactful work. 

What to make of this trend: Consider how AI will impact the social issues you care about as well as the implications for your own philanthropic organizations. We can help you identify nonprofits engaged in areas such as policy development, research, advocacy, talent development, technical assistance, and field-building that could benefit from additional funding. We can also facilitate family / board meetings to discuss ways to align the implications of AI to your philanthropic organization’s values.

We would love to hear your thoughts about these and other trends that are top of mind heading into the new year via this two minute, confidential survey. We’ll check back soon to share survey results along with trends 4 and 5. Stay tuned! 

Resources

Women Becoming Confident Financial Stewards


Ideas for Engaging in Democracy


Learning More About AI and Society

Reflecting on Six Years of Impact: Phīla's Journey to 2023 in Numbers

Man in silhouette overlooking body of water

By Stephanie Ellis-Smith, Founder and CEO

As we approach the end of 2023, we find ourselves compelled to reflect on the milestones and metrics that define our road to success. At our core, we measure success not just in numbers, but in the lasting impact we create for both our clients and the communities they serve. Let's dive into our year by the numbers, highlighting the quantitative and qualitative aspects that shape our narrative.

Quantitative Impact

Assets Under Influence (AUI): $2.8B

While we don't manage funds, we proudly guide charitable assets; we call them "Assets Under Influence" (AUI). As of December 2023, our AUI stands at an impressive $2.8 billion. This figure represents the combined philanthropic resources of our clients that we have the privilege of influencing for the long term, shaping the landscape of giving for generations to come.

Growth: Steady and Sustainable

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us; it's a key metric. Over our six years in operation, we've experienced a sustainable revenue growth of 30% year over year. This growth is a testament to our commitment to making a lasting impact in the philanthropic landscape AND being a role model for building a successful Black-owned business. We’re here for the long haul.

Client Portfolio: Expanding

From our humble beginnings of serving four clients annually, we've evolved into a dynamic team guiding well over a dozen clients each year while keeping our bespoke service level high. This expansion not only speaks to the quality of our services but also reflects the growing demand for our unique approach to philanthropic advising.

Service Offerings: Dynamic

Our steady growth has allowed us to offer our clients so much more now than when we began. In addition to our bespoke advisory service, which remains core, we now offer grants management, executor services for charitable estates, and most notably the Phila Venture Fund. The Fund is our new 501c3 entity that is able to host donor collaboratives, fiscally sponsor client-driven initiatives, and act as a re-grantor for private foundations.

Team Growth: From 1 to 8

In 2017, I was a solo practitioner and since then, we've flourished into a formidable team of eight. This expansion reflects our shared commitment to our mission and our responsiveness to the evolving complexities of the philanthropic terrain, ensuring a more impactful and tailored approach for our clients.

Increased Giving by Clients: $100M

The impact of our work is evident in the increased giving by our clients. From 2020 to 2023, we've mobilized over $100 million in new giving and assisted 12 clients in establishing brand new giving areas centering equity. These numbers underscore our ability to inspire and guide transformative philanthropy.

Qualitative Impact

Adoption of Equity-Based Practices: 100%

Beyond the numbers, we care deeply about HOW our clients give. A remarkable achievement for us is that 100% of our clients have adopted trust-based and power shifting practices. This includes embracing participatory grantmaking models, adopting a values-based approach to giving (i.e., giving beyond c3s to investing in individuals, c4s, and politics), making multi-year general operating support grants, simplifying grant processes, minimizing reporting requirements, and actively seeking input from grantees.

Thought Leadership


Sector Influence: Rising

Our impact extends beyond individual clients. In the last year alone, our perspective has been sought after by more than 15 different philanthropic sector organizations, networks, and major wealth advisory firms--as keynote speakers, facilitation experts, and trend spotters. This recognition underscores our thought leadership in the sector. As an example, you can listen to Senior Advisor Janell Turner expertly talk about the intersection of our work and the financial sector in this podcast.

Active Followers: Growing

Our commitment to sharing insights and knowledge is evident in the growth of our community. We currently have 894 subscribers to our monthly newsletter, Insights in Philanthropy, serving as a platform for sharing valuable information and fostering a sense of community among philanthropic stakeholders. Our subscribers are curious donors, nonprofits, foundations, professional advisors, and estate attorneys all keen to broaden their sector knowledge.

Social Media Engagement: Trending

While the exact numbers may vary, our impact on social media is substantial, with thousands of impressions and reposts. Our digital presence on LinkedIn and Instagram allows us to amplify our message, reaching a broader audience and influencing conversations in the philanthropic space. 

Who We Are: Diverse

Our team's diversity is not just a statistic; it's our greatest strength. Comprising 100% women, over 66% BIPOC, 25% LGBTQ, and with a growing presence in the Midwest, our team brings a dynamic awareness of the grantseeking side, acting as a bridge between donors and doers. This diversity fuels innovation, empathy, and a richer understanding of the multifaceted challenges within the philanthropic landscape.

Looking back makes me excited for the future! 2023 is a narrative of growth, impact, and a steadfast commitment to transforming the face of philanthropy. As we step into the future, we carry these achievements with us, knowing that each number represents a life touched, a community empowered, and a step toward a more inclusive and impactful world. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Our Year in Review

Soaking up naturing on our morning hike in the Snoqualmie National Forest

Stephanie: A highlight of the year for me was our team retreat in the mountains. It was amazing how productive we were AND how much fun we had! It was also a special moment for me as I pushed myself to be a bit less of the “striver” and more centered in gratitude this year. Spending two full days with this incredibly smart group of people drove home just how special this group is to me. The amount of absolute trust and care we have for each other is a true gift– we’ve all had the opposite experience in professional environments. I’ll end this reflection by saying that I’m proud of myself for having a good eye for talent! ;)

My hopes for 2024 are grounded in activity. I hope that my fellow Americans become active and energized to fully participate in our (fragile) democracy. We will no doubt continue to experience the stress that results from the violence and divisiveness sown from politics and media, but I hope that we can also appreciate how important it is for all of us to take our rights and privileges seriously. As Joni Mitchell sang “you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone”.

My husband Michael and I with our haul of greenery

Tara: As we bid farewell to 2023, I can't help but reflect on the unexpected highlight that became a source of joy and solace – gardening. What started as a simple attempt to bring some greenery into my life evolved into a flourishing passion for growing my own produce. This year, the garden became my sanctuary, a place where the stresses of the world (especially law school!)  melted away amidst the vibrant hues of blooming flowers and the fresh aroma of herbs. Harvesting tomatoes, peppers, and herbs straight from the backyard added a sense of accomplishment and a connection to nature that I didn't realize was missing.

As we step into 2024, my hopes are rooted in the continuation of this journey. The simple act of tending to plants has been grounding and taught me patience, resilience, and love for our earth and environment. I now have a growing interest in environmental justice, the importance of community gardens and teaching our community how to grow food. Here's to a 2024 filled with more growth, both in the garden and in our lives! New favorite color: green! 

Halloween with my son in his horrible costume. But I’m still smiling!

Lauren: I have a good friend who talks about “keeping to your hula hoop” or controlling what you can and letting go of (sometimes even delighting in!) the rest. As someone who definitely prefers order to chaos, I’ve tried to remember my friend’s wise words this year. In this picture, you’ll see my younger son and me on Halloween a few months ago. When he picked out this revolting costume (he’s seven), I could have refused to let him wear it. Instead, I took a breath, recognized that he was sending me a message about who he wanted to be in that moment, and realized it was my role to accept it whole heartedly. 

How does this resolution to explore and embrace the unexpected translate in my work at Phīla? It’s enabled me to be more open-minded about opportunities, as well as the intentions of our clients. Over the summer, my colleague Sewheat Asfaha read a letter to the editor in the Chronicle of Philanthropy that led us to respond with our own op-ed. I took on more opportunities to speak up in professional forums about the role of philanthropy and the responsibilities of donors. Finally, I’ve deeply enjoyed working with our amazing clients, who challenge my assumptions and stretch my thinking about what’s possible in philanthropy each and every day. I wish everyone in our Phīla community a restful and restorative break. I cannot wait to start up again in the New Year!

Enjoying some delicious phở in Hanoi, Vietnam

Sonia Nussbaum, our NEW Intern! 2023 was a year of large–but exciting–transitions for me. I am fortunate to share that I graduated from college in May, earning a B.S.P.A. in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. In October I was extended an opportunity to work alongside the tremendous women here at Phīla Engaged Giving. This position is the first of what I hope will be many in the philanthropic sector as I am incredibly passionate about the positive outcomes it can have on our society. That being said, I've heard that if you work hard you have to play hard too. So, in the time between completing college and finding employment, I spent four months traveling in Southeast Asia and Australia. Between visits to elephant and koala rescues, never ending street food, and conversations with strangers who quickly turned into travel companions, I truly had the trip of a lifetime. Upon returning to the U.S., I moved to Chicago, branching out from my east coast roots. This year I am looking forward to building community in my new home and continuing to develop the skills to support those engaging in philanthropy. Wishing you all love and happiness in 2024. It's all up from here!

Delighting in the charming seaside village of Cowichan Bay, Canada

Sofia: 2023 arrived with the launch of my philanthropy advising practice, and I soon joined this amazing team at Phila. My new colleagues motivate me every day through their combined brilliance and care, and I feel so lucky to work alongside them. My themes this year: creativity and wellness. From January through April, I engaged in an Artist’s Way workshop. I’m still writing daily morning pages and taking myself out for weekly artistic adventures. Last summer, my partner John and I spent an enchanting week on Vancouver Island. I also took a month-long break from technology and wrote about the experience.

I arrive at this year’s end grateful for my clients and the joyful variety of my work – from guiding family giving and governance to fostering donor collaboration aimed at reimagining capitalism. Moving forward, I am bringing a mindset of abundance into 2024, celebrating my family, my teachers, and the glorious calm that can be found under the blanket of winter. 

Me and the weeds

Claudia: My 2023 highlight was continuing to find opportunities to connect with my community. In my photo I am crouched in front of a pile of weeds pulled by a group of Earth Gay volunteers. Earth Gay is an inclusive celebration of the Earth, this particular event took place at Burien, Washington’s Salmon Creek Ravine. As a volunteer I helped with litter pick up and weeding followed by a nature walk and bird sit.I’m optimistic about 2024. My head and heart are full of all sorts of plans and hopes, but as I’m writing this, I’m most looking forward to the simple things. I’m looking forward to seeing how the sun hits my yard in the summer. I’m looking forward to finding the perfect dining table for the house I moved into this year. I’m looking forward to filling the pages of my sketchbooks.

Me, deep at work. I was VERY into finding the perfect match of scents for 2023!

Janell: To celebrate my birthday this year my partner and I embarked on a scented escapade at a candle-making  bar in Seattle. The moment we stepped through the door the tantalizing aroma enveloped us. The walls, adorned in a tapestry of scented oils, drew us in. Before the candle-making journey began, we were tasked with the seemingly impossible mission of choosing just a handful of scents. The selection processes demanded an unexpected level of focus, thought, and care. I approached the task with meticulous attention. A drop of this, two drops of that—I engaged in a delicate dance until I discovered the perfect harmony of scents that made my heart sing. This “wax alchemy” of sorts served as a metaphor for the journey that encapsulated 2023. It was a year of embracing all of the various “drops of life” that define our humanity— relief when your child overcomes a crisis, grieving the departure of a loved one, navigating the delicate balance between ego and insecurity, the ebb and flow of weight loss and gain, and finding precious moments for self-care amid the overwhelming noise and chaos in our world. 

Throughout this transformative year, I embraced pauses and extended more space and grace to those in my orbit—loved ones, friends, colleagues, and clients. As I look toward 2024, I’m grateful for the kaleidoscope of experiences that shaped my journey and look forward to what the future holds. Cheers to navigating life’s intricate fragrances!

Investment Policy Statements: An Old Tool for New Purposes

By Kirsten Andersen and Nancy Reid

We hear this story over and over again.  An investor – let’s call her Janice – wants to make an investment in a social or environmental initiative she’s heard about.  Maybe it’s a solar energy project, a community loan fund, or a small venture fund backing entrepreneurs of color reimagining the future of work.  She doesn’t want to make a mistake, though, and so she runs the investment by her financial advisor.  And that’s where the conversation ends, because the investment turns out to not be a good fit.

Sometimes an investment truly isn’t a good fit. It’s too risky, too illiquid, or too weird to fit nicely into an existing investing framework.  Maybe it really isn’t a good idea for Janice to pursue this idea.

But often, the reason Janice’s financial advisor won’t approve an investment with a social or environmental focus – an investment that seeks to do well and do good – is that her advisor is following a set of instructions that prohibit them from doing so.

Ironically, Janice probably signed off on those instructions herself. They are part of a document called an Investment Policy Statement (IPS). An IPS is where investors and their investment managers document their agreed-upon investment objectives, risk parameters, liquidity needs, and asset allocation.  It’s the job description for your wealth managers, a guiding document for difficult decisions, a communication vehicle between a client and their advisors, and a decision-making tool.  

You probably have an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) too. We recommend digging your IPS out of your files, or requesting a copy from your financial advisor. What does it say? It probably says roughly the same thing everyone else’s says: maximize profit, minimize risk.

You may be thinking that maximizing profit and minimizing risk is good! And it is – especially if these instructions govern money you’ll need to retire on, or money that is being invested for the benefit of a special needs child.  

For many investors, though, these instructions are incomplete. What’s missing from these statements is as important as what is present. By omission, your IPS says that you prioritize maximizing financial return at any expense. And because of this, our economy churns forth according to the default settings of the financial industry, often at the expense of people and planet.

Of course, profit is the basis on which our entire economy is built, and everyone has their own ideas and feelings about where tradeoffs can and should be made. Contributing to this complexity is a culture that does not encourage us to discuss purpose and profit in relation to one another. But we can make progress through an investment policy statement that integrates all of the outcomes that matter to an investor, not just the financial ones.

Aligning purpose and profit 


Purpose and profit can co-exist in a broad array of ways. From pension funds recognizing the climate risks inherent in traditional oil and gas investing, to investors buying laddered Certificate of Deposit (CD) portfolios from Black-owned banks, each investor has their own sense of what risks and outcomes matter most to them.

Our work is focused on helping investors craft investment policy statements that reflect the precise ways in which they choose to integrate their philanthropic values into their investment approach. Many investors find it strategically essential to revisit and update their investment policy statements, including:

  • Families whose kids and grandkids are alienated by the idea that their inheritance funds political lobbying, fossil fuels, or private prisons;

  • Foundations wanting to avoid the reputational risk associated with certain investments in their publicly available 990 forms; or

  • Individual investors simply seeking to create integrity and harmony on both sides of their financial life. 

Some of these investors may have philanthropic plans, mission statements, and strategic support teams to maximize the positive outcomes of their philanthropic giving. But the people who make decisions about the core assets – which may be 95% of a family’s wealth – are reading from a very different page. As long as your philanthropic intent remains documented in a vision statement instead of being integrated into your investment policy, it won’t change how decisions are made on your behalf.

One family foundation’s journey

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement in the summer of 2020, one family foundation signed a pledge that called for racial equity across the investment industry. In part, signatories pledged to take racial justice into consideration when making investment decisions. But like so many other organizations, the question for the family foundation became: how do we implement this?

The answer was simple but not easy: update their investment policy statement, integrating their racial equity values into the decision-making framework from which their financial advisors work.  

In collaboration with the foundation’s executive leadership and investment committee, we integrated the ideals and aspirations they had for their investments alongside the very real constraints of how their investment committee interpreted their fiduciary obligations.

The resulting document introduced the foundation’s values into a tool that investment advisors are familiar with and utilize in their work. By building a common language with their advisory firm, the IPS served as a place from which to begin conversations about the social or environmental good the foundation wanted their assets to create in the world.

Why it matters

Equipped with an updated version of an Investment Policy Statement, investors are ready to have grounded and sometimes challenging conversations with their financial advisors about their portfolios. Should these conversations reveal major differences, the IPS can also guide a search to find an advisor who can implement the ideas that matter most to any particular investor.  

We are not evangelists for any particular issue or investment approach. What we listen for are the specific issues you want to use your power as an investor to influence: climate solutions, the governance or employment practices you care about, the people are who make money from your money, or something else entirely.  

Because whether we like it or not, the world is shaped in large part by businesses, and businesses report to their lenders and shareholders. If you want to take responsibility for the decisions being made on your behalf, taking responsibility for your investment policy is a great place to start.

Nancy Reid CTFA and Kirsten Andersen PhD bring a breadth of experience with families and foundations to their work as independent consultants. Kirsten Andersen has a doctorate (PhD) in economic sociology, bringing a research-informed methodology to investment policy design. Nancy Reid puts her Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) certification and mediation training to work helping families and investment committees reach agreement on investment policy.  Their bespoke process helps clients navigate the sometimes confusing world of impact investing.

Social Impact Through Social Media: Navigating the World of Influencers with Young People

By Alyssa Sweetman

Image by Alex Hamer. A boy with headphones on at a key board intensely playing a video game.

Influencers and culture shapers have existed since the dawn of humanity, but before the widespread accessibility of the internet, it was limited to people with means, a network, or the limited chance offered by a few professions (e.g. celebrities, politicians, those with extraordinary wealth).

For those of us who grew up in the early days of the internet, our experience was vastly different. We searched for obscure blogs, content, and connected with people across hyper-specific and niche forums/chat rooms. Today, young people have a completely different experience; they frequent a handful of apps and websites, consuming content that's optimized to compete for their attention. This content shows them highly curated homes, relationships, and vacations. They develop strong emotional connections to strangers on the internet, many of whom they have never had a two-way interaction with. These parasocial relationships, combined with the notion that seemingly anybody can become famous or wealthy through sharing content on the internet, have hyper-commodified daily life.

Today’s influencers do more than recommend products or lifestyles, they influence what people believe in, how they act, where they give their money, and even directly or indirectly wield their audiences like citizen armies. 

Though many are notorious, cue PewDiePie (who has been accused of being a White Nationalist), Joe Rogan (the most listened-to podcast host in the world and is considered by many to produce content that serves as an alt-right gateway), and Andrew Tate, (perhaps one of the most infamous influencers, is suspected of earning over $5 million a year through his Hustle University program and currently is facing a human trafficking charge), influencers have also shown to be an incredible force for good. For example, Twitch streamers raised over $310 million for nonprofits globally. It’s much harder to get a picture of exactly how much influencers have raised for nonprofits across all of the social media services, crowdfunding sites and through product sales, but I’d wager it’s well over $1.5 billion. 

While corporate philanthropy often entails extensive initiatives guided by marketing and public relations strategies, influencers' philanthropic efforts might seem more individualistic and grassroots, directly engaging with their audience and leveraging their authenticity. However, just like in some corporate philanthropy, this approach can be part of influencers' branding strategies. Like greenwashing, some influencers use philanthropy to project an image that can serve to protect them from criticism and accountability from their fans.

One of the most well-known philanthropic influencers is none other than MrBeast. Jimmy Donaldson's aspiration was simple – he dropped out of college after two weeks, telling his mother, "I'd rather be poor than do anything besides YouTube." After experimenting with various trends on YouTube, his gimmicks and philanthropy stunt videos began to gain traction. Within almost five years, he reached one million subscribers; today, he boasts an impressive 173 million subscribers. In December 2018, MrBeast earned the title of "YouTube’s biggest philanthropist."

Jimmy's extensively documented journey portrays an individual who held an obsessive desire to create viral YouTube content from a young age. Many of his supporters vehemently defend him, arguing that his charitable actions overshadow any criticism. However, those who point out that Jimmy strategically optimizes for views, thereby creating a form of "inspiration porn" and positioning himself as a savior, often face severe backlash, including death threats, doxxing, and harassment. 

And, like every industry, the influencer economy is comprised of all kinds of people. Hank Green and John Green, lovingly referred to as "The Green Brothers," focus on creating educational content, raising funds for health-related charities, and, most recently, engaging in a public battle with Johnson & Johnson to compel them to share the license for a tuberculosis vaccine. Benjamin Lupo, better known as DrLupo, has raised over $13 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is known for his welcoming live streams – even making statements of support and uplifting marginalized creators, something that's rarely done by creators similar to him. Tanya “Cypheroftyr'' DePass uses her platform to encourage better representation of historically excluded groups within the gaming and tabletop industries. Popular Trans TikToker Mercury Suzanne Stardust raised $2.25 million for a trans healthcare nonprofit within 24 hours. It wouldn’t take much to find other examples of influencers who are incredible role models and use their platform responsibly.

We all want our children to be inspired and do good things for the world, and social media, GOFundMe’s and other platforms have a tremendous capacity for good. However, it is still worth remembering the importance of being thoughtful and savvy media consumers–even, or maybe especially, when the intentions are good. Teaching our children about internet safety goes beyond the basic "don’t believe everything on the internet" and avoiding predators or potential kidnappers. It's crucial to engage with our children about their favorite subjects, particularly the influencers they admire and aim to emulate.

Tips for navigating conversations about influencers with young people:

Be Curious: Encourage discussions about the content they consume and the influencers they admire by asking questions. Refrain from making judgments and instead ask more questions if you have concerns. Utilizing this approach is an effective way to help others understand your perspective without feeling dismissed by your reaction.

Explain Parasocial Relationships: Influencers, whether intentionally or not, excel in establishing parasocial relationships with their followers. They employ language like "family," "community," and other endearing terms for their fan base. They invite their fans into their lives or engage them in conversations (such as when MrBeast asks for help from his fans).

Dig into Motivations: There's often a tendency to accept people at face value and believe what they say. Encourage the young individuals in your life to critically examine the potential motivations behind the actions of their favorite influencers.

At the end of the day, our desire remains to be recognized for our good deeds and to engage with like-minded individuals. The difference is that now, we're forming connections through online comment sections, where many hopeful influencers are motivated to transform us into devoted supporters rather than agents for real social change.


Alyssa with brown hair, in a green sweater looking off to the side holding a teacup

Alyssa Sweetman

Alyssa is the Director of Strategy at Player 2, an agency that develops comprehensive strategies for companies using gaming and esports, and the former Global Head of Social Impact at Twitch. She is a storyteller, community advocate, and a thought leader in the social impact space. Her work with charities, influencer fundraising, mental health advocacy, and diversity has earned her a place in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.




Empowering Change: A Transformative Journey with The Share Fund in Participatory Grantmaking

By Lauren Janus

The Share Fund Team (from top left: Bill Marklyn, Holly Marklyn, Emily Washines, Rashad Norris, Stephanie Ellis-Smith, Sewheat Asfaha, Bridgette Hempstead, Estakio Beltran. Not pictured: My Tam Nguyen, Vivian Phillips, and Lauren Janus)

In the ever-evolving landscape of philanthropy, traditional approaches are being challenged by new, innovative models that prioritize transparency and community engagement. Participatory grantmaking, by including people closest to the issues that philanthropy is working to address, has brought fresh perspective to the design of charitable initiatives and funds. One shining example of this radical approach is The Share Fund, a Seattle-based family fund that is redefining the dynamics of philanthropy through its commitment to empowering communities and redistributing wealth. 

Phīla Engaged Giving has collaborated with The Share Fund since inception, and we helped the Marklyns publish their learnings from the first year of the Fund in this new report. Below, I share our journey and the valuable lessons we've learned from working alongside Bill and Holly Marklyn and the Funding Committee members who have helped shape the Fund.

Prioritizing Community

The Share Fund’s journey began with two simple yet transformative ideas: What would it take for high-wealth individuals to redistribute all of their wealth within their lifetimes? How could this be done in a socially-just manner? 

These questions led to the birth of The Share Fund, a grantmaking body created in 2021 and focused on supporting racial and gender justice in Washington State. Working with the Marklyns, Phīla Giving established and continues to support all administrative aspects of The Fund. This included identifying and onboarding Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) leaders to conceptualize and help make The Fund’s vision a reality. Today, this same concept still stands—a group of BIPOC leaders with deep community connections and expertise in racial and gender justice is responsible for the selection of grantees. For a deep dive into how this work was done, I invite you to read Bridgette Hempstead’s opinion piece for Philanthropy News Digest.  

The early stages of The Share Fund broke away from the traditional models of philanthropy where a donor-centric framework positions high wealth individuals to make decisions on behalf of the communities they aim to serve. Instead, The Share Fund handed decision-making power to the communities and individuals who are directly impacted by challenges like underinvestment, systemic racism, and lack of access to opportunity. By doing so, The Share Fund ensures that the needs and the aspirations of the community are prioritized.

Adjusting as Concerns Arise 

Phīla’s collaboration with The Share Fund was a well-made match as we understand the need to lean into community and evolve as needed. For example, in the early stages of The Share Fund, Committee members spent too much time on administrative work—taking away from their purpose of designing the participatory process of The Share Fund. Once this concern was raised, The Fund’s administrative tasks shifted to us at Phīla. 

Moving at the Speed of Trust

Building trust between funders and communities is essential for successful participatory grantmaking. The Share Fund's emphasis on collaboration and transparent communication demonstrates the importance of creating a safe space where open dialogue can flourish. The Marklyns and The Share Fund model a hands-off approach that serves the community without strings attached. In fact, Bill and Holly are not on calls where funding discussions, and ultimately, decisions happen. The Marklyns entrust the Funding Committee members with all aspects of the grantmaking process, only giving the parameters that grantees must focus on race and gender justice in Washington State. 

When new Funding Committee members join The Share Fund, they are often surprised by the loose structure of The Fund. It simply isn’t their experience (especially for those who are leaders of nonprofit organizations) to have full control. Yet working in this manner has yielded incredible outcomes. Since inception in 2021, The Share Fund has made more than $1.1 million in grants to organizations on the frontlines of change. This includes our most recent round of grantmaking, which wraps up this month. By relying on the insights of a Funding Committee, the Share Fund strongly reiterates what seems obvious but is often lost: Trust is the cornerstone upon which impactful partnerships are built.

Reshaping the Philanthropic Landscape

As our collaboration with The Share Fund continues, we are excited by the potential of participatory grantmaking to reshape the philanthropic landscape. This revolutionary approach reminds us all that there is a great reward when we relinquish control and embrace a new era of inclusivity, collaboration, and empowerment.

The Share Fund's journey exemplifies the profound impact of participatory grantmaking on the lives of individuals and communities. Their dedication to transforming philanthropy from within serves as an inspiration to all those who seek to create meaningful change. As we move forward, we are committed to applying the lessons we've learned from The Share Fund to our own work, and we invite fellow philanthropic organizations and families to join us in this transformative journey toward a more equitable and just world.

Want to learn more about the Share Fund and its approach? Download “Letting Go of Power, Centering Community: The Share Fund’s Story of Incorporating Participatory Grantmaking in Family Philanthropy” today!

Discovering Animal Philanthropy

A waving polar bear. Photo by Hans Jurgen Ma

By Claudia DeCasas and Tara Smith

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you consider how to support animals through your philanthropy?

For many, they think of animal shelters, a local humane society, or conservation groups working to save endangered species. While those organizations are fundamental in taking care of animals, they do not necessarily give us the full picture of the diverse needs of animals that could be addressed through our philanthropy. Many, if not all of them, intersect with human, environmental, or climate related issue areas. 

One notable example that has caught our attention is the construction of a wildlife overpass in California, designed to ensure secure wildlife passage across US-101. This endeavor aims to benefit numerous wild animals, with a particular focus on the Mountain Lion, which has been experiencing increasing mortality rates with its efforts to cross the dangerous highways. Another example is how allowing wild horses to roam free helps to curb wildfires. Protecting these horses is an innovative approach to protecting our homes and the environment, while also keeping wild animals free. Whether it’s protecting endangered whales from boat strikes or defending our friendly pollinators, the wild bees, there is so much variety in how you can choose to make an impact.

If you are new to animal philanthropy, we hope this simple, 3-step guide will help you to find an issue you care about, connect with an organization, and take the next steps toward making an impact. We end the blog with a few of our favorites.

Step 1: Reflect on where your caring comes from. 

You’re here, you’re reading this blog, so let’s assume you’re one of those people who has a warm place in their heart for the other living things we share this earth with. Have you ever stopped to reflect on where this caring comes from? Is there a specific moment that jumps out to you as an inspiration? It can be anything, a childhood pet that was very meaningful to you, tide pools that sparked an interest in ocean life, a report you wrote on the endangered red wolf population, or maybe a food sensitivity that set you on a path to research farmed animal advocacy.

Now, without judgment, reflect on this moment. Maybe you have more than one. Consider these reflection questions: 

  • Why do you think this particular moment is meaningful to you?

  • What emotions were you feeling in that moment? Were they positive or negative?

  • Are there any other events in your life that have made you feel a similar spark of interest or empathy? If so, what’s the common factor in these events?

Let’s translate this moment, this spark, and define it as an actual interest area. This doesn’t have to be an interest that you’re already knowledgeable about. For Lecia Mata, co-founder of Natives in Vet Med, her spark was her childhood interaction with dogs on her reservation, or “rez dogs”. This spark eventually led to her interest in and eventual contributions to the field of veterinary medicine.

Consider your moment, consider yourself, and consider your community, and how each of these things overlap with the animals all around us. What interest bubbles to the surface? Consider these reflection questions:

  • How broad or narrow is your interest in animals (is it as broad as a rainforest ecosystem or as specific as a particular animal in that rainforest)?

  • How has your interest evolved, has it stayed the same or changed? 

  • Are you happy with your current level of involvement or is there more you’d like to do and/or learn?

  • Is this interest already incorporated into your current giving?

  • What barriers (if any) are holding you back from being as involved as you’d like to be?


Step 2: Find and evaluate the organization you are interested in. 

Now that you’ve explored and identified your interest area, you’ll want to find the organizations that are doing the work you’re passionate about. If there are gaps in your knowledge about your area of interest, these organizations are also a resource to fill in those gaps. You can start with a simple Google search. Read through mission statements. Do the ideas resonate with you? Do they align with your own mission and values?

Once you have started your list, there are several additional resources you can use to further research your choices. You can look at a nonprofit’s 990 form - there is a lot there to learn from and it’s simpler to do than you’d think! We like this article that breaks down what to look for on a 990 and why it matters. Charity Navigator has a ranking system for nonprofits, this tool is most useful for larger organizations. If you’re able to give five or six figures gifts, you can consult with a philanthropic advisor. Advisors can also look at your current giving patterns and interests and help you develop a long-term giving plan that has meaningful impact. Lastly and most importantly, don’t forget that the organizations themselves are a resource. Reach out to the organizations that you are interested in and find ways to get involved. 

Remember, these resources, while helpful, are not the only factors to consider when deciding where to give. Consider adding some smaller underfunded local organizations to your list. Consider that nonprofits run by people of color receive less grant money. Consider the fact that “ugly” animals are often left out of major conservation efforts.

If you find yourself needing additional support in your research, you can always reach out to us. We’re happy to help where we can!, 

Step 3: Determine how you want to support the organization and cause. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of organizations, decide how you want to support and engage the cause you care about. Here are some ways you can support a nonprofit using “The Five Ts”*: 

  • Time: Volunteer virtually or in person with an organization. 

  • Treasure: Donate funds to support an organization's work and mission. 

  • Ties: Connect a nonprofit organization that you care about with other donors or other organizations that are engaged in the same work. Creating connections is a powerful way to drive change in the sector. 

  • Talent: Use your special skill to contribute. Nonprofits have a variety of needs and could benefit from one of your specialized skills.

  • Testimony: Speak to the organization's mission, work, and impact with other professionals and donors. Be their advocate! 

*Keep in mind that the T’s can be solo or work together! Find a giving groove that best suits your style. 

We hope this roadmap proves helpful and that you are able to connect with an animal cause that you care about. Should you have any questions on the topic, please reach out. We’d love to connect with you and help guide your giving.

Tara’s Picks 

  • Harbin SHS Animal Rescue / Harbin SHS is an international organization based in Harbin, China, that primarily rescues dogs from the illegal meat-trade, along with local abuse, neglect, and abandonment cases. 

  • Wild Horse Fire Brigade / Based on the West Coast, Wild Horse Fire Brigade saves wild horses through conservation and relocation efforts, and advocates for rewilding to prevent wildfires, protect the environment, and keep horses free. 

  • The Humane League /The Humane League is a national organization that advocates for humane farming policies and legislative action to end the abuse of animals that are raised for food.

Claudia’s Picks 

  • Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO) / In English, APOPO translates to “Anti-Personnel Landmines Detection Product Development”. APOPO is a Dutch organization that saves lives by training animals to rid the world of landmines and tuberculosis.

  • Old Dog Haven / Based in western Washington, Old Dog Haven helps senior dogs find safe and loving living situations through a large network of foster homes.

  • House Rabbit Society / A national organization headquartered in Richmond, CA, House Rabbit Society’s mission is to rescue, educate, and elevate the plight of domestic rabbits.

 

Summer Reads to Challenge Our Assumptions

Man reading a book on a bench overlooking the sea. Image by Ben White

By Lauren Janus and Janell Turner

We have a semi-regular tradition each June at  Phīla. As a team of readers, we like to take time out at the start of the summer season to share some of the books we’ve read recently that we deem significantly thoughtful, but also beach read worthy. It is summer, afterall!

In June of 2020, we were deep into the reality of a global pandemic, while only weeks away from the murder of George Floyd. Our blog post then was called Summer Reads for the Times and included several of Lauren’s picks for books on racial equity in America. In 2021, we all needed a lift, so our picks focused on diverse, inspiring stories. We called that post Summer Reads that Celebrate Humanity. And in 2022, we were just too busy and didn’t get a book post out. Sorry friends!

This summer, we are back in the reading saddle so much that two of us (Janell and Lauren here) wanted to share our suggestions for your warm weather reading. As we talked about the books that have moved us in the last year, a clear theme emerged: one of challenging assumptions to build empathy for those climbing their own mountains. In that vein, we are pleased to present Phīla Book Picks for Summer 2023.

Nonfiction

Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker (Janell)

This story resonated deeply with me as it struck a chord with my own experience. Witnessing my younger brother’s journey as he developed schizophrenia in his early twenties, after showing immense potential in his writing and spoken word career, has been both heartbreaking and eye-opening. Kolker’s portrayal of the Galvin family’s struggles evoked profound emotions and reflections, reminding us of the remarkable power of family connections and the resilience that can illuminate even the most challenging circumstances. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, he gently peels back the layers of mental illness within the Galvin family and skillfully humanizes the complex world of mental health, offering a compassionate lens into the challenges faced by both individuals and loved ones. A compelling read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience within mental health. 

The Myth of the Silver Spoon; Navigating Family Wealth and Creating an Impactful Life by Kristin Keffeler (Lauren)

This spring, our entire team read Kristin Keffeler’s thought-provoking dive into the often unexpected challenges and struggles of those living with wealth. Keffeler comes from a wealthy family herself, and uses her background in psychology and lived experience to coach primarily younger people who grew up surrounded by the opportunities–and expectations–that often come with an outsized inheritance.

Through stories and insights on brain development, Keffeler paints an empathetic picture of ultra high-net wealth families. She tells of children who grow up unintentionally coddled, only to be pushed out into the world with the assumption that they’ll behave exactly like the high achieving family members that came before them. As one could imagine, these sorts of expectations can lead to high levels of depression, despair and emotionally fraught relationships. Thankfully, Keffleler also offers plenty of evidence-based advice on “clearing the emotional clutter” and finding purpose for those for whom money has always been a given.

Cutting School; The Segrenomics of American Education by Noliwe Rooks (Lauren)

As the parent of two elementary school-aged children, I think a lot about education…what it can mean to different types of children, how to support teachers, and how our system of education in the US often too fails children of color, those with disabilities and the poor. That’s why I devoured Noliwe Rooks’ book on what remains a segregated school system in America, where Black and Brown children’s educations often become opportunities for “businesses to make a profit selling schooling.” If you read it, please let me know what you think, especially of the chapter, “White  Philanthropy, Black Education.” We’ll get coffee and talk about it. 

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker (Janell)

This book drew me in from the very first page and inspired immediate action. It’s like having a secret weapon in your pocket as a host, event planner, professional advisor, or anyone who is looking to create unique, memorable experiences with friends and loved ones. Parker's insights are pure gold as she dives into the nitty-gritty of creating gatherings that truly matter. She goes far beyond the usual logistics and shows us how to create authentic connections that leave a lasting impact. I can't stress enough how much I appreciate her emphasis on being intentional, inclusive, and purposeful in how we bring people together. Plus, she brings everything to life with interesting real-life examples that make you go, "Aha! I can do that!" This book is a game-changer for anyone who wants to bring people together, spark action, and strengthen our communities. You don't need to be a fancy party planner to get something out of it. It's a must-read!

Fiction

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers (Janell)

This book has claimed the top spot in my women's book club, emerging as the standout read of the year. It swept me away, gently whisking me back to my cherished southern roots. Within its 800+ pages, we discovered a treasury of vibrant prose that pays homage to the teachings and literary legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois. Jeffers skillfully weaves together a tale of familial bonds, love's enduring power, unwavering resilience, and the pursuit of identity—a narrative that captivates and draws you closer with each turn of the page. As the story unfolds, she breathes life into history's forgotten corridors, taking us on an unforgettable journey through time, unraveling the multi-generational saga of a fictional Black family in the heart of Georgia. Veronica Chambers, in her review for the New York Times Book Review, astutely observes, "The historical archives of Black Americans are too often filled with broad outlines of what happened—accounts of injustice, enslavement and oppression—and not the details of how Black people lived and breathed, thought, wondered, wandered, dreamed, and prayed." Jeffers fills this void with unmatched finesse, transporting us into a world where the vibrancy of Black lives pulsates on every page.

Have a wonderful summer!

A Fresh Frame on Impact Investing for Philanthropists

Nancy Reid, Impact Strategist and Phīla Collaborator

By Nancy Reid, Impact Strategist

Will you join me in a thought experiment?

What if, instead of asking ourselves what kinds of giving the tax code permits and rewards, we asked ourselves a different set of questions?

What if we asked ourselves: how do we want to invest in community, economy, and ecology?  What mechanisms might we put in place now to support communities and ecologies two or three or seven generations from now?

And based on that vision, what kinds of funding will be most effective in bringing about the change we most wish to see in the world?

For example, if we want to eliminate ocean plastics, surely we need policy to regulate waste streams, and public and philanthropic capital to fund the thankless work of cleaning up rivers around the world.  But I don’t see a solution to this problem that doesn’t also rely on innovation and change within the private sector.

We need to accelerate funding of startups using new technologies to reduce and displace plastics across form functions.  And then we need venture capitalists poised to support those technologies and scale them across industries.  And then?  We need large public companies, particularly in consumer packaged goods, to see these innovations as a competitive advantage and acquire those technologies to replace plastics at the start of the product cycle.  

So while a wealthy person might look at the problem and begin to research environmental nonprofits, what if that person also thought of herself as an investor?  She might also become an angel investor in green technologies, reallocate part of her private investing portfolio to venture funds with explicit focus on accelerating technologies that mitigate or resolve environmental problems, or invest in an activist public equities fund that uses shareholder power to advocate for improved environmental policies at large public corporations.  

In another example, a philanthropist focused on racial equity might be inclined to donate to BIPOC-led community nonprofits or  make grants to HBCUs. And these efforts are powerful ways to support communities of color. But as long as payday lenders are the most available lenders in underserved communities, and Black homeowners continue to receive lower valuations for their homes, and less than 1% of venture capital goes to fund companies led by diverse teams, our country’s racial wealth gap and discrepancies in outcomes will remain intolerably vast.  

An investor willing to mobilize investment capital to support their philanthropic goals, however, might reallocate portions of their investment portfolio to buy CD’s at Black-owned banks actively lending in Black communities.  They might find investments that fund the conversion of private companies to employee ownership in communities of color.  They might buy a broad index of publicly traded stocks run by an asset manager who actively votes shareholder proxies and advocates for inclusive HR policies and environmental justice in urban areas. 

We are not financial advisors, and unfortunately we can’t recommend specific investments.  But wealthy clients who choose to mobilize some portion of their investable wealth have the option to design an investment approach that allocates money to:

  • Finance only (conventional investing)

  • Finance first (ESG and other “socially responsible” approaches, of which many are performative, so beware)

  • Thematic (attempting to achieve strong financial returns and strong positive impact)

  • Impact first (investing made primarily to advance an issue area, with high financial risk or below-market financial returns)

  • Impact only (traditional philanthropy)

We help clients think through the logistics and tradeoffs involved in each of these approaches, and coordinate with clients’ investment advisors to see what’s possible, in order to build an integrated capital strategy that funds innovation and problem-solving in our communities and on this planet.

This work requires that we examine our assumptions about the purpose of investing, which can cause nervousness.  But doesn’t the future require us to expand our beliefs about what’s possible?  Many investors find that the impact they can have by mobilizing an array of capital sources lasts far longer than the discomfort of examining our assumptions about the purpose of wealth.  A trusted guide can even help make the journey well worth taking.