When asked about how they learned to be an effective philanthropist, most donors will answer: By trying things out, by following the example of other donors, and sometimes also: By making mistakes... However, there exist few spaces where donors can try things out "in the dry dock", where they can meet others to learn from or join, and where they can find practical advice on the crucial issues related to becoming a (more) effective donor.
Active Philanthropy aims to be such a safe space, providing a variety of services ranging from administrative support, introductory readings and practical experiences in the field to individual consulting. Our main focus is always on hands-on experiences donors can implement in their own work, and on using learning methods tailored to their individual needs. Clients for us are partners: wherever possible, we encourage donors to contribute their own experiences, stories, successes and lessons learned to make them a part of the shared knowledge other philanthropists can build on.
Active Philanthropy's approach centres on:
