PEF connects the operational needs of causes with philanthropic goals, backed by industry and sector expertise. The result is an expansive effect on every donation, driven by capacity building, a methodology and process that strengthens organizations’ operations, leadership, and infrastructure.
With PEF, philanthropists can engage at the level they’d like, whether that’s more hands-off updates or direct, ongoing participation. Contributions become a true extension of philanthropists’ vision, one that reflects their values and strengthens the future of causes they care about.
WHAT WE DO
Our service
What sets PEF apart?
We provide . . .
Clients receive a structured pathway for high-impact philanthropy built and operated by our team of seasoned professionals.
TRUST & SPECIALIZATION
SIMPLICITY
While we give clients more pathways to maximize their philanthropy, we’ll also handle the complexities of identifying aligned organizations and managing capacity-building processes.
ALIGNMENT
Every philanthropic journey should reflect a patron’s unique vision. We align with that vision and ensure contributions build the enduring legacy they’ve conceived.
PROVEN IMPACT & RELIABILITY
Philanthropists expect results; we deliver them. Our approach is rooted in decades of organizational development expertise, which ensures contributions are used effectively for long-term, scalable success. We call this our Return on Contribution™.
FLEXIBILITY
Whether you’re a philanthropist or advisor (like wealth managers or estate-planning attorneys), we provide flexibility in working to ensure clients’ long-term objectives.
RETURN ON CONTRIBUTION™
Return on Contribution™ is how we measure our impact. It’s calculated by dividing the total funds a tax-exempt organization raises by the amount the patron funded.
CAPACITY BUILDING
Our team is particularly adept at capacity building, the process and methodology by which we strengthen organizations’ operations, leadership, and infrastructure for growth. See our custom approach to capacity building.
How PEF works
Client contributions go to producing outcomes for organizations instead of fees and operating costs. Here’s a high-level look at how PEF approaches work with organizations and ensures those outcomes.
1. CONNECTION
A philanthropist comes to PEF and wants to make a difference with their resources. PEF works with the philanthropist to identify and truly understand their long-term goal in addition to how they see their vision being realized.
2. ALIGNMENT & GOALS
Together, PEF and the philanthropist choose an organization. Philanthropists can come with their own suggestions, or PEF can identify a few for their consideration. The philanthropist ultimately selects which organization to accomplish their vision.
3. ASSESSMENT & AUDITING
After a cause is decided, PEF starts by conducting an audit to understand the organization's systems, structures, and strategic priorities. This lets PEF tailor a unique approach, meeting organizations where they are in their journey. This assessment also helps PEF define our own role for each organization, goals for our guidance, and a comprehensive blueprint for the duration of PEF’s involvement. This phase includes a communication plan that changes depending on how involved the philanthropist wants to be throughout the process.
4. CAPACITY BUILDING
PEF then assembles the best team to partner strategically with that organization. The team provides guidance and support to build and share the necessary infrastructure, performance management, operational resources, industry knowledge, strategic planning, and processes for sustainable, scalable impact. This team also informs which tools PEF will recommend to manage data and tasks in addition to building a consistent, powerful message the organization’s leadership team can get behind.
5. COMMITMENT TO SUCCESS
With a solid foundation in place, PEF puts the systems in motion with specific campaigns, evaluating opportunities from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies for the organization. Outputs from this stage run the gamut from extensive programmatic fundraising initiatives to inter-organizational leadership partnerships to physical projects, like stadiums or collaborative spaces.
6. A LASTING LEGACY
Finally, PEF creates a strategy for the organization’s future to thrive on its own. During the partnership, PEF remains actively involved for a minimum of three years ensuring an embedded framework. While organizations and their communities can operate independently after this stage, PEF often maintains ongoing relationships with organizations who elect to continue the collaboration.
