Case Studies

An Anonymous Family Foundation

Research

7 Questions for Effective Philanthropists

Families and Individuals

We assist families by applying a core competencies of strategy, insight, and analysis as well as providing additional capacity.

Strategy

Families come to Arabella Advisors for assistance in translating their values into philanthropic goals, knowing we treat these deliberations with the same sensitivity and rigor they give their financial investments. We guide decisions while engaging family members, often from multiple generations, in planning. We are focused on outcomes, keeping the family legacy in the forefront while building and implementing strategies that achieve objectives.

Our philanthropy advisors:

Develop legacy and mission statements that align philanthropy with family values;
Articulate grant-making goals focused on clear outcomes;
Facilitate family meetings to build consensus around philanthropic strategies and implementation;
Mentor younger generations to engage new stakeholders and continue family legacies;
Broker large gifts to effectively structure partnerships with nonprofit organizations;
Coordinate active involvement with nonprofits, including volunteer opportunities and board membership.

Insight

As thought leaders in the philanthropic world, we provide families access to cutting-edge tools and grant-making strategies. We keep families abreast of best practices while facilitating their exposure and connection to other philanthropists and like-minded donors.

Clients rely on us to:

Research new philanthropic strategies to spur innovation;
Facilitate high-engagement or venture philanthropy investments to create a deep relationship between donors and grantees;
Investigate program and mission-related investments to leverage resources;
Manage formal donor collaboratives around cutting-edge issues;
Build peer relationships among donors to leverage support around shared interests.

Analysis

Our expertise in the nonprofit world allows families to make confident decisions and informed contributions. Through research and analysis, we help them pursue new opportunities and assess the likely impact of their grants. We monitor results, evaluate outcomes and, when necessary, help refine strategies.

Our experts help:

Educate family members on new or complex issues of interest;
Investigate organizations and issues to identify giving opportunities in specific geographies;
Conduct due diligence of nonprofit organizations to establish credibility and, when necessary, provide anonymity;
Coordinate local, national, and international site visits to enable first-hand knowledge;
Monitor grant-making programs to ensure success and inform further grants;
Evaluate grant-making programs and individual grantees to measure impact.

Capacity

We enable individuals and families to focus on the most rewarding aspects of philanthropy. Through operational solutions and administrative support we help philanthropists manage their giving more efficiently.

Arabella Advisors helps:

Draft clear grant agreements that clarify expectations;
Manage grants to facilitate financial reporting and, if necessary, provide confidentiality;
Plan strategic and logistical aspects of family philanthropy meetings;
Develop operating plans to support efficient and effective grant making;
Coordinate comprehensive and easy-to-understand grant dockets;
Provide reliable accounting and investment referrals;
Develop approaches to board development within and outside of the family;
Report on meetings of issue and philanthropy thought leaders;
Integrate next generation trustees through the use of tools such as junior boards, leadership development exercises, and other training mechanisms.