Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

Effective philanthropic strategies are built on a base of sound and consistent policies, objectives and programs. Our clients rely on us to help establish that base and bridge the gap between philanthropic intentions and actions; between opportunities and results.Philanthropy is our sole focus, which means we know the issues you as our client care most about and what you hope to achieve through your giving. It also means that we are well versed in both potential opportunities and problems. Our role is to identify both, maximize the former and manage the latter so that you can focus on only those aspects of philanthropy you find the most rewarding. Collaboration is a hallmark of our reputation; we develop solutions with clients and for clients, for any philanthropic activity.Nowhere is this process more evident than in the management services we offer foundations and trusts. Everything we do is designed to realize, enhance and safeguard a client’s philanthropy and all services are customizable to a particular foundation or trust’s needs. As a nonprofit, our fees are fair, simple and clear and based on the level of service we provide.Our services fall into four main categories: planning; administration; management; and philanthropic advisement. What follows is a brief overview of activities or service that might fall into each category.

Starting A Foundation

Starting a foundation requires more than just a desire to do good and the signing of a few legal documents. It involves significant research, discussion, planning and reflection on both the part of the family and their advisor. This preparatory work goes a long way toward ensuring a foundation’s effectiveness and longevity.The planning service we offer is stand alone, usually one-time-only and may or may not lead to our involvement in the other stages of the foundation’s existence. The remaining administrative, management and philanthropic stages occur concurrently and constantly throughout the existence of a foundation. Among the services we offer to anyone considering this move include:

• Analyzing the family’s heritage values and vision;
• Conducting a family meeting and interviewing individual family members. The latter approach allows members to voice concerns and issues to Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors staff that they might not wish to voice in a public meeting;
• Developing family philanthropy mission, goals and strategies;
• Preparing a complete plan for foundation operations, which includes or takes into account:
  • All background information gathered during the discovery process, which serves as a guideline for major areas of focus;
  • Defining distinct approaches for each major area of giving;
  • Identifying and recommending groups or affiliations with which the foundation should maintain connections (e.g. national and local foundation or philanthropy networks);
  • The many issues that must be carefully handled and/or monitored to ensure effective management and continuity of the foundation;
  • Recommendations for managing the foundation on a day-to-day basis (e.g., a family member, independent consultant, philanthropy management service or full-time staff); and,
  • Next steps and a flexible timeline for getting started.
• Advising on by-laws and governance;
• Coordinating with or obtaining legal, tax and financial advisors to assist with startup; and
• Developing all systems needed for day-to-day management, (including the grantmaking process).

We do not have stock/boilerplate plans for donors. Rather, each plan indeed, all documents created throughout the start-up process is meticulously tailored to meet the needs of each donor and/or their family.back to top

Operating a Foundation

Once the groundwork has been done, a foundation requires significant attention to ensure that it helps you achieve your giving goals. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ staff has years of experience in administering foundations of all sizes, from developing budgets to preparing critical tax information. Available services include:

• Developing and monitoring grantmaking budgets;
• Coordinating all activities with legal, financial and tax advisors;
• Reviewing, analyzing reconciling and monitoring all financial reports;
• Handling custodial account transactions and making all foundation payments for operating expenses;
• Supporting investment committee and investment management process;
• Maintaining grant payment, monitoring and reporting systems;
• Preparing information needed for tax returns and other filings (including the 990); and
• Obtaining Directors & Officers liability insurance.

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Managing a Foundation

Operating a foundation entails far more than simply handling the administrative tasks. In many cases, some family members are interested and eager to be deeply involved in managing a foundation, while others are less inclined to deal with the necessary nuts and bolts. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ staff is equipped to take on all, or any combination of, the following management tasks, so that you are free to focus on the elements of philanthropy that most interest you and bring you the most joy. These include:

• Serving as the foundation’s professional staff;
• Planning and handling logistics and facilitating board meetings;
• Handling all board communications;
• Coordinating capital and multi-year grants;
• Designing and managing all communications with grantees, including assessments;
• Managing board committees and succession issues;
• Supporting new board members and the foundation’s next generation of leadership and members (who may or may not be family members).

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Philanthropic Services for Foundations

The core of our portfolio of services is our seasoned guidance on matters directly relating to funding causes that reflect your interests and values. Safeguarding and extending your philanthropy drives everything we do; our advisory services include but are by no means limited to:

• Developing grantmaking program areas and guidelines;
• Researching issues, strategies and institutions relevant to grantmaking programs;
• Conducting a thorough issue analysis for a potential area of funding, (e. g, education);
• Reviewing, evaluating and recommending proposals from prospective grantees;
• Performing all due diligence for potential grants, including:
  • Confirmation of tax-exempt status;
  • Assessing a potential beneficiarys financial stability, sound management and effective corporate governance; and
  • Conducting site visits, research and evaluation
• Developing and presenting complete grantmaking program and dockets;
• Provide mechanism for winnowing opportunities and identifying those most in keeping with donors goals;
• Coordinating with other funders with similar goals to establish special projects or collaborative funds;
• Representing the foundation appropriately with nonprofits, grantmakers/donors, institutions, and the media if needed;
• Evaluating outcomes and results of grants;
• Conducting annual reviews of foundations programs and results and recommending amendments or improvements; and
• Providing customized reporting designed to help clients see the full range of their grantmaking activities and to assess their progress toward achieving the desired outcomes.

For more than a century, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors has served America’s most philanthropic family. Doing so has given us unparalleled expertise in addressing a full spectrum of philanthropy-related issues, from structuring a private philanthropic program to launching and managing the operations of foundations no matter the size. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like additional information on our services.back to top