Kris Putnam-Walkerly

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

A key challenge in family philanthropy is engaging diverse family members in a meaningful and resonant way. Each individual brings their unique perspective, values, and interests, which can make it challenging to create a unified approach to family philanthropy. However, by embracing these differences and employing various strategies, you can foster a more inclusive and

In the world of philanthropy, the paradox of thrift often stymies even the most well-intentioned efforts to drive change.   Many philanthropists, in their earnest attempt to maximize the impact of every dollar, fall into the trap of what I term “Delusional Altruism.” This occurs when donors are so focused on minimizing overhead and operational