Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative

Why Effective Philanthropy?

Hundreds of billions of dollars are dedicated to philanthropy each year, but is it making the greatest impact? High-capacity donors face the challenge of aligning their giving with their values to achieve successful outcomes. Supports for effective philanthropic practice can lead to more intentional and strategic use of resources, resulting in greater social good.

What We Do

The Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative (EPLI) at Stanford PACS conducts research, develops materials, and teaches to help donors become more effective, strategic philanthropists. We are an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of philanthropy, the behavioral sciences, and design thinking to accelerate learning for donors and others in the donor-support ecosystem.

Tools & Resources

LearnEP is a self-paced online course that is freely accessible for all who are interested in elevating their philanthropic practice. This course is designed to help you, your family, and your advisors engage in thoughtful conversations, be effective in your charitable giving, and anchor your philanthropy around what most deeply inspires you.

 

Access the Course

EPLI’s signature resource to guide emerging, high-capacity philanthropists through their funding journey. This book covers the essentials of improving philanthropic practice in one easy-to-follow resource (Digital version available now, print version available for purchase). 

Access the Guide

Purchase Print Copy

 

An action-oriented workbook and planner for donors, families and advisors who want to engage in thoughtful, inspired, and effective philanthropy. The best practices reflected in this toolkit are based on field research led by Stanford experts with donors, advisors, and nonprofits  (Digital version available now, print version available for purchase). 

 

Access the Toolkit

Purchase Print Copy

The PRD is an online tool comprised of approximately 280+ organizations across the United States working to support the philanthropic activities of high-capacity donors. 

 

Access the Directory


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 announce that it will...

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news

Perpetual launches Australian Philanthropy Toolkit with Stanford

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

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news

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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