Advisory & grant management: Your vision, our expertise

Effective climate philanthropy requires thoughtful strategy, sound analysis and effective grant making.

What we offer

We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and aspirations, wherever they may be on their philanthropic journey. From developing a comprehensive strategy to offering targeted expertise on specific areas such as thematic focus, governance, and grant services, we tailor our guidance to meet each client’s needs. To ensure the long-term impact of our clients’ work, we use proven tools such as individualised frameworks, thematic analyses, interactive workshops, qualitative interviews and our global network of experts.

Philanthropic strategy

We provide comprehensive, end-to-end guidance to help funders make a lasting impact. This approach supports funders from defining their objectives to full operationalisation, ensuring funders can act with confidence and clarity.

Grant management

We support funders through the entire grantmaking process, from identifying values-aligned funding partners to monitoring impact and evaluating outcomes, with the option to remain anonymous throughout. Our services ensure that grants are strategically allocated, grantees are empowered to achieve their goals, and outcomes evolve through partnership and shared learning

Thematic analysis

We believe that an in depth understanding of the issues at hand is key to addressing climate change. Our thematic analyses equip funders with expert insights and strategic clarity.

Incubation of foundations

We support clients in building new funding vehicles from the ground up, setting them on a path to long-term impact through strategic development, operational readiness, and team building.

Due diligence

We conduct due diligence in partnership with potential funding partners, respecting their time and resources. The process helps identify risks and clarify concrete funding needs, building the foundation for trusted relationships between funders their grantee partners.

Our impact

  • Enhanced strategic focus: Funders gain clarity on how to align their mission, values, and resources for maximum impact.
  • Informed decision-making: Access to expert analysis and sector-specific insights allows funders to make educated funding choices.
  • Reduced risk, built on trust: A collaborative due diligence process identifies financial, legal, and reputational risks while laying the groundwork for trusted funder-grantee relationships.
  • Strong partnerships: Values-aligned funding partners and genuine collaboration amplify the reach and sustainability of philanthropic initiatives.
  • Shared learning, lasting impact: Continuous monitoring and dialogue with funding partners allow strategies to adapt toward outcomes that reflect the shared goals of funders and grantees.

“I adjusted the focus of our foundation to support more organisations with a focus on systems change. Active Philanthropy closely guided this process, which has been enormously helpful.”

Laura Viegener, Founder | ALV Foundation

“Supported by Active Philanthropy, we developed sustainability principles for ourselves as a team (around 40 employees) and are currently in the process of becoming one of the first climate-neutral foundations in Germany.”

Tim Göbel, Managing Partner | Schoepflin Foundation

“The team at Active Philanthropy has deep knowledge of the climate and philanthropy sectors and a unique ability to bring the two together.”

Nalini Tarakeshwar, Former Deputy CEO | ​UBS Philanthropy Services​

References (Selection)

Generali Logo
Beisheim Stiftung Logo
Seedling Foundation Logo
UBS Optimus Foundation Logo
alv Logo
BurdaForward Logo
Schöpflin Stiftung Logo

Get in touch

If you would like to know more about our advisory and grant management services, please contact Dr. Johannes Lundershausen, Executive Director Climate Insights & Philanthropic Strategies.