The Meyers Philanthropy Advisors’ approach is thoughtful, professional and discreet. Our range of services is comprehensive, from short-term projects such as providing guidance for a one-time gift to long-term strategy development and implementation.
The work is designed around four key components:
Visioning and Strategic Planning
Bringing together a shared set of values and goals for a foundation is not a simple task, particularly when different family generations are all contributing. We facilitate a process that helps families find common ground where all their interests and passions have a focused and honored place in their giving. This shared vision along with a solid strategic plan forms the heart of the philanthropic work.
Research and Landscape Analysis
Effective giving starts with a comprehensive understanding of the issues affecting a family’s areas of interest. We conduct research to help establish a clear picture for donors of where the unmet needs are the greatest; who is already giving in this area; how a small, medium or large gift can be most effective; how to measure the impact of a gift; and what kinds of giving have been most successful (or unsuccessful) in bringing about lasting change.
Building an Infrastructure
Board development, governance, legal compliance as well as sound administrative practices are the necessary elements of effective giving. Whether a family decides to make a one-time gift, establish an independent foundation, partner with donors who share their interests, or establish a fund through a community foundation or affinity group, we can connect donors with the right people to ensure they have the appropriate infrastructure to manage their giving in a thorough, legal and accountable way.
Transitions and Succession
As families change and grow, so do the values and conditions that guide their giving. Next generation members may be ready to get involved in their family’s philanthropy while older generations may be challenged by the new passions and approaches newer generations bring to the table. The wishes of the original founding donor from generations ago may need to be renewed, revisited, or reconsidered. All of these dynamics must be handled fairly and sensitively. We guide families through these changes and help tap into their family stories and values that ultimately guide their giving now and into the future.