Choosing a philanthropic advisor is about more than finding someone with an impressive resume. This is a relationship built on trust, shared values, and the ability to navigate both your vision and the realities of the communities you want to serve. If you’re considering working with an advisor, here’s what you should keep in mind.
Key Qualities to Consider
1. Trust and Reputation
Your advisor should have a track record you can stand behind. Ask about their experience, their network, and the results they’ve helped other families achieve. Just as important: do they understand the cultural and historical context of the communities you care about? For families investing in the South or rural America, this experience is non-negotiable.
2. Chemistry
Philanthropy is deeply personal. You need to feel comfortable sharing your money story, your values, and even your family dynamics. A good advisor listens as much as they guide. Pay attention to whether you feel heard, understood, and respected in those early conversations.
3. Experience
It’s not enough for an advisor to understand philanthropy in theory. Look for someone who has worked directly with nonprofits, grassroots leaders, and funders. Bonus points if they’ve done so in the South or rural areas, where the funding landscape can be very different from larger urban centers.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- How do you approach family dynamics in giving?
- What’s your experience with rural or Southern philanthropy?
- How do you balance donor goals with community needs?
- Can you share examples of how you’ve measured impact?
These questions will help you gauge whether an advisor can support your goals and help you grow into the kind of giver you want to be.
Understanding Fee Structures
Philanthropic advising isn’t one-size-fits-all. Advisors may charge in different ways, depending on your needs:
- Project-based fees for specific support, like designing a giving plan.
- Retainer models for ongoing, long-term guidance.
- Hourly rates for flexible, on-call advice.
The right structure depends on whether you’re looking for a short-term project partner or a long-term thought partner.
The BlackBridge Difference
Here’s where I step in. As your philanthropic advisor, my superpower is connection. 🔗 I connect philanthropists (and philanthropies) to the right issues, the right communities, the right people — and to each other — so we can change the world through giving.
For more than 25 years, I’ve been in the trenches of philanthropy, strategizing around complex issues like climate justice, youth development, economic security, and criminal justice reform. I know where the real work happens — and how to help move money in ways that fuel lasting change.
At BlackBridge Philanthropic, we don’t just design giving strategies. We help families move the mountains ⛰️ that separate them from creating meaningful social and environmental impact. Whether that means building long-term strategies, conducting evaluations, mapping power, or simply having candid conversations about your giving, we make sure your philanthropy is rooted in both impact and purpose.