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.

A practical guide for donors that covers all aspects of being a philanthropist and how the nonprofit sector works (Digital version available now, print version available for purchase). 

Access the Guide

Purchase Print Copy

A step-by-step resource designed to help donors, their families, and their advisors explore and implement an effective, inspired philanthropic plan (Digital version available now, print version available for purchase).

 

Access the Toolkit

Purchase Print Copy

Explore the donor support ecosystem. Find additional organizations and services to assist you on your philanthropic journey. 

 

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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