Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative - Research

EPLI Research

EPLI conducts applied research to understand the nuances of philanthropic practice and improve its outcomes. We examine the realities of philanthropy for high-capacity donors, as well as for members of the donor-support–ecosystem. We then develop practical tools, resources, and education programs designed to increase the effectiveness of giving.

Guiding Questions

Donor Motivations:

What motivates high-capacity donors and next generation donors to improve their commitment to solving social problems? How do we inspire them to become more strategic philanthropists?

Donor Needs:

What are the current needs of those practicing philanthropy? How are available resources addressing those needs? What are the unmet needs? What experiences, resources, and information help donors clarify their goals and increase their impact?

Leveraging Intermediaries:

How can intermediaries in the donor support ecosystem (e.g., advisors, wealth managers, estate planners, and accountants) expand their understanding of philanthropic best practices and help increase donors’ philanthropic impact?

International Adaptations

The Guide to Effective Philanthropy for Latin America

We are pleased to share this Spanish-language adaptation of EPLI’s Guide to Effective Philanthropy, which is entitled La Guía de Filantropía Efectiva para América Latina, created in collaboration with Stanford PACS and el Centro de Filantropía e Inversiones Sociales, (CEFIS UAI) and a committee of experts on Latin American philanthropy and social impact. For more information about CEFIS UAI.

Download the Latin American Guide (pdf)

Australian Edition of the Toolkit

EPLI has partnered with Perpetual Asset Management Australia to create an Australian version of the Toolkit available for free online here.

Download the Australian Toolkit (pdf)

Go to Perpetual

Upcoming Research Projects

EPLI conducts research to better understand high-capacity donors’ philanthropic interests, motivations, and behaviors. This year the research team at EPLI will pursue three lines of inquiry: how the occupations of high-income individuals shape ideas and norms related to charitable giving and capacity for charitable giving; how donors who espouse values related to social justice apply those values to their charitable giving practice; and how donors interested in political advocacy choose between various types of organizations when considering which efforts or individuals to support.

Research Participation

If you are interested in participating in one of EPLI’s interview or survey studies, please fill out the form below and a member of the research team will contact you if you are a good fit for one of our studies. Thank you for your interest in participating!

Interest Form

Articles & Papers

Below is a list of EPLI research papers, articles, case studies and other publications. For more, see our tools and resources.

Research

EPLI Research

Guiding Questions

Donor Motivations:

Donor Needs:

Leveraging Intermediaries:

International Adaptations

The Guide to Effective Philanthropy for Latin America

Australian Edition of the Toolkit

Upcoming Research Projects

Research Participation

Articles & Papers

External Articles & Publications

Are Donor-Advised Funds Good for Nonprofits?

Wealthy Donors Need to Go Outside Their Bubbles and Support Local Organizations Driving Social Change

Are Donor-Advised Funds Good for the Nonprofit Sector?

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