Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative

Our Mission

The Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative (EPLI) at Stanford PACS conducts research, develops resources, and delivers educational programs to help donors worldwide become more effective, catalytic philanthropists. We are an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of philanthropy, the social sciences, and design thinking to accelerate learning for donors and professionals in the donor support and advising ecosystem—so they can make informed and deliberate giving decisions to increase their impact.

Why Effective Philanthropy?

EPLI defines effective philanthropy as:

  • grounded in respectful and trusting relationships
  • strategic, well-informed, and thoughtful
  • focused on clear ultimate goals
  • long-sighted and realistic about interim results
  • oriented to learning and adaptation.

Our Programs

Research

We believe that society is better when donors, and the professionals who support them, deploy their resources thoughtfully. To that end, EPLI conducts research to understand the nuances of philanthropic practice and improve its outcomes. We use interdisciplinary methods to understand what motivates giving, what new ideas are influencing philanthropy, and how donors create change. Our research findings improve our educational programs and materials, and we widely share them for the public’s benefit as well. 

Education
EPLI endeavors to educate as many philanthropy practitioners worldwide concerning effective practices. Our learning experiences are designed to meet the wide-ranging and continually evolving needs of the sector. Programs include:

  • signature executive education courses, which include instruction from Stanford scholars and leaders in the field;
  • interactive workshops for wealth advisors; 
  • an introductory online course, LearnEP, for those just getting started;
  • bespoke custom engagements that center the specific needs of an organization;
  • effective philanthropy publications and tools.

We are committed to making our knowledge and resources accessible to anyone, ensuring donors and their ecosystem of professionals make the biggest difference they can.


Education for Philanthropy Professionals

EPLI offers an executive-style learning program delivered over several days with supplemental on-line sessions. The program is for donors, for philanthropic professionals in a leading role within a family foundation or family office, and for advisors who guide clients to execute on their vision for changing the world. 



Education & Engagement Opportunities

EPLI offers in-person trainings, workshops, and educational opportunities for donors and other philanthropy professionals. Read more about our past events facilitating strategic philanthropy practices, and how you, your colleagues, or your organization might advance your learning and insights.

The Latest From EPLI

news

Education for Philanthropy Professionals Course

The EPLI team is excited to host its Education for...

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Perpetual launches Australian Philanthropy Toolkit with Stanford

Perpetual Private has launched an Australian Philanthropy Toolkit (the Toolkit)...

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Call for High-Earning Individuals to Participate in Research

A team of researchers at the Stanford Center on Philanthropy...

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event

[Webinar] Findings on Giving Vehicle Use Among Bay Area Donors

Presentation Slides: Full report here [Past] Event Info Join the...

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news

Donor Advised Funds Webinar – Most Frequently Asked Questions

By Paul Brest and Erinn Andrews, Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative,...

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event

[Webinar] Donor Advised Funds and Their Critics

 Presentation Slides: [Past] Event info: Do donor advised funds...

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publication

Bay Area Millennial Giving: Current Trends, Challenges, & Opportunities (May 2020)

This report examines how millennial donors, specifically those with significant...

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