“Tactical philanthropy” is a phrase coined by our founder Sean Stannard-Stockton in 2006 in the book Mapping the New World of American Philanthropy.
Tactical philanthropy is an approach to philanthropy that positions donors as social investors. A tactical philanthropist expresses his or her interests through supporting a portfolio of organizations that are effectively producing social impact in areas about which the donor is passionate. Tactical philanthropists are people who view their giving as a way to invest in organizations that are making a positive difference in the world.
Philanthropy is not always practiced this way. Strategic philanthropy is an approach that positions donors as problem-solvers. While we all want to figure out solutions to the world’s problems, at Tactical Philanthropy Advisors we focus on helping our clients find and support great organizations that are solving big problems. We believe it is often the nonprofit management teams – those with decades of experience in their chosen fields – that are best positioned to figure out what works.
If you are looking for a consultant who can help you figure out the best way to keep kids in school, for example, we’re not the right advisor for you. But if you care about keeping kids in school and want to support a portfolio of outstanding nonprofit organizations that are deploying various programs to keep kids in school, we’re a great fit.
We believe philanthropists have many tools at their disposal. Aside from grantmaking, advocacy, funding media projects, and convening important stakeholders are all examples of important roles philanthropists can play. We can help you deploy these various tactics, but we do not claim expertise as social science researchers.
Just as great for-profit investing is mostly about designing a solid financial plan and then building a portfolio that reflects ones goals, Tactical Philanthropy is about designing a great philanthropic plan and then building a portfolio of grantees that is aligned with your values. If you are looking for social science research consultants, we are not the firm for you. If you are looking for an advisor who can help you build a personalized approach to your giving and bring innovation, effectiveness and joy to your philanthropy, we’d love to help you.
