Lessons From My Time at the Center for High Impact Philanthropy
Over the course of June, I was able to spend a few days in person and over Zoom learning more about philanthropy at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for High Impact Philanthropy. My hope is to be able to engage with clients at a deeper level when they do have charitable or philanthropic intent.
What is high impact philanthropy?
High impact does not mean high dollar. We can all be high impact philanthropists. The center defines high impact philanthropy as “the practice of intentionally using private, philanthropic resources to serve the public good. In other words, it’s philanthropy for social impact.” This is achieved through 4 principles:
1. A focus on social impact or good in the world.
2. Use the best evidence from research, informed opinions, or the field.
3. Link impact and cost – beyond overhead ratios.
4. Assess, learn, and improve.
These, of course, sound easier to do than they are.
So how has my thinking changed?
As I have been reflecting on what I’ve learned, here are a few concepts that I think will expand your thinking about philanthropy.
Philanthropy is a bet… a bet for a better world. Some bets are better than others, and we can improve the odds of making good bets.
Just like having an investment portfolio, we can have a philanthropy portfolio that funds known successes and potential future best practice programs. Our whole portfolio doesn’t have to be high impact, we can fund passion projects too.
Failing to achieve the expected result does not imply a lack of impact. While a program may not fully achieve the desired outcomes, it may still be a better outcome than the status quo with no intervention.
While there are significant needs for direct services, we can pursue broader and longer lasting impact through system building and policy/advocacy work.
Below are a few recommended resources from the Center for High Impact Philanthropy:
- Amplify the money you give | Kat Rosqueta | TEDxPhiladelphia
- 2025 High Impact Giving Toolkit - Center for High Impact Philanthropy - University of Pennsylvania
My challenge to you is to take a step back and think more broadly about your philanthropy and giving.
I’m happy to share and discuss more about what I’ve learned or to engage in conversation about philanthropy in general. Pick a time to chat here.