Kris Putnam-Walkerly

You understand the importance of strategic planning in philanthropy. However, the real challenge lies in the implementation of your strategy. Despite the significant effort invested in developing a strategic plan, many organizations struggle to bring their strategies to life. Here are five common reasons why strategic plans often fail and what you can do to […]

Inaction has a price. Hesitating to put a new strategic plan into motion can have significant hidden costs, impacting the the foundation’s effectiveness and its ability to make timely and meaningful contributions. Despite the best intentions, many funders fall into the trap of believing that strategic plans need a lengthy incubation period before they can

As philanthropy leaders, we’re all familiar with the importance of regular strategic planning, financial planning, and investment planning. These practices are essential for ensuring the long-term health and impact of our organizations. Without them, we risk financial instability, mission drift, and ineffective use of resources.

Reflecting on a quarter-century of progress and impact This year marks my 25th anniversary in business, a milestone that has inspired me to reflect on my journey. Over the next year, I’ll be sharing monthly emails highlighting insights and key learnings from 25 years of advising philanthropist and foundation leaders. This is the first of

We are in the midst of the largest generational transfer of wealth in history, with $84 Trillion expected to transfer over the next several decades in the United States alone. Whether the result of inheritance, business merger or sale, or other large liquidity event, many foundations will find themselves doubling, tripling, or quadrupling in size.

In philanthropy, just as in business, the strategic foresight to plan for leadership succession is not just wise; it’s imperative. Ensuring that a foundation or philanthropic organization can continue to function effectively and pursue its mission amidst leadership changes requires a proactive approach to foundation succession planning. By embedding thoughtful planning into the fabric of