Philanthropy for Advisors

Empowering Generosity: Understanding Philanthropy for Advisors

Philanthropy is evolving in exciting and dynamic ways. New communities of donors are emerging, giving vehicles are multiplying, and a new generation of philanthropists is assuming the mantle of leadership. Increasingly, philanthropists, new and established, are looking to advisors to guide them through this dynamic and sometimes complex landscape. Whether you're a financial planner, wealth advisor, philanthropy consultant, or part of a community foundation, this course will equip you with the knowledge, tools and networks to help clients give with purpose and impact.

Empowering Generosity: Understanding Philanthropy for Advisors is a three-day, in-person certificate program designed to deepen your understanding of philanthropy and enhance your advisory practice. This immersive experience blends academic insight, case studies, practical tools, and peer learning to help advisors support clients in achieving their philanthropic goals.

March 9-11, 2026 in San Diego

Location, dates and cost:

The course registration fee of $5,000 includes:

Two-and-a-half days of expert, actionable instruction
Three nights at the luxurious Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Breakfast, lunch, and mid-session snack breaks on all three training days
A certificate from the prestigious Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
March 9-11, 2026

Who should attend:

Financial, wealth, and philanthropy advisors
Professionals at community foundations
Anyone seeking to better understand the role of philanthropy in advisory work

What you’ll learn:

The course is informed by the unique and internationally-regarded research expertise of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Through its evidence-based curriculum, participants will:

Explore the roles of a philanthropy advisor and explore different approaches, contexts and business models
Gain a comprehensive understanding of philanthropic trends and demographics, the most recent research in the field, and what various communities of donors seek from advisors
Examine ethical considerations in advising
Explore family dynamics and how they influence giving and governance
Learn how to guide clients through the continuum of charitable to strategic giving and understand how to maximize social benefits at each stage
Access resources to continue learning and support client success

Instructors:

Three renowned experts will teach the course:

Dr. Amir Pasic, Professor of Philanthropic Studies and Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Michele Thomas Dole, MS, CFP® Senior Vice President & Senior Fiduciary Strategist at Key Private Bank
Dr. Salvatore LaSpada, CEO, Alchemy Philanthropy

Course agenda:

Day 1: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Time	Description
8:30 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions
9:00 a.m.	Understanding Philanthropy and Advising: An Overview Discover a fresh perspective on the purpose of philanthropy and its role in shaping society. Explore how giving reflects shared values and addresses social challenges. Then, examine the diverse roles of philanthropic advisors, guiding donor intent, strategy, and impact, before learning practical ways to turn generosity into meaningful change.
10:15 a.m.	Break
10:30 a.m.	Understanding Philanthropy and Advising: An Overview (continued) Continue exploring the purpose and impact of philanthropy with a deeper look at its role in society and the evolving landscape of philanthropic advising.
11:15 a.m.	Understanding Philanthropy Advising: Who are today’s philanthropists and what do they seek from advisors? Draw on the latest research, including insights from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, to explore who today’s philanthropists are, what drives their giving, and how new perspectives and participation are reshaping the field. Learn what individuals may expect from advisors, including strategic guidance, impact measurement, access to networks, and innovative approaches to maximize social benefit.
12:00 p.m.	Lunch with Guest Speaker, Topic TBD
1:00 p.m.	Understanding Philanthropy Advising: Who are today’s philanthropists and what do they seek from advisors? (continued) Dive deeper into modern philanthropy—exploring donor profiles, motivations, and strategies for impact. Discover what philanthropists expect from advisors, from strategic insight to measurable results.
2:30 p.m.	Break
2:45 p.m.	Current Trends, Giving Vehicles, and New Approaches to Philanthropy Examine current trends and motivations, then dive into the tools and assets fueling philanthropy, from foundations and donor-advised funds to impact investments, corporate programs, and even art collections.
4:30 p.m.	Debrief and Reflection
5:00 p.m.	Adjourn

Day 2: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Time	Description
8:30 a.m.	Recap of Day 1
9:00 a.m.	Ethics for Advising on Philanthropy Explore key ethical principles in philanthropy advising, including confidentiality, fairness, and professional integrity. Learn how to navigate power dynamics between donors and communities, address potential pitfalls, and help clients avoid common missteps while building trust and impact.
10:15 a.m.	Break
10:30 a.m.	Governance, Family Systems, and Family Dynamics Discover governance models and collaborative decision-making approaches for family philanthropy. Understand how family dynamics, across small and large families, shape these processes, and explore practical strategies for integrating multiple generations effectively.
12:00 p.m.	Lunch with Guest Speaker, Topic TBD
1:00 p.m.	Facilitating Client Meetings and Building Consensus Understand strategies to lead productive discussions and guide decision-makers toward shared agreement. Explore the stages of group decision-making and gain practical skills to help families clarify goals, assess options, and build concensus.
2:45 p.m.	Break
3:00 p.m.	The Art of Social Impact and Big Ideas, Part 1 Explore the continuum of philanthropy, from charitable to strategic giving, and learn how to maximize social benefits at each stage. Topics include giving principles, leverage and multiplier effects, and philanthropy as risk and patient capital. Gain practical tools for guiding families, such as grantsmanship techniques, due diligence processes, effective site visits, key grant proposal questions, and evaluation approaches.
4:30 p.m.	Debrief and Reflection
5:00 p.m.	Adjourn

Day 3: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Time	Description
8:30 a.m.	Recap of Day 2
9:00 a.m.	The Art of Social Impact and Big Ideas, part 2 Continue building on the exploration of the philanthropy continuum, from charitable to strategic giving, while examining ways to maximize social benefits at each stage.
10:30 a.m.	Break
10:45 a.m.	The Art of Social Impact and Big Ideas, part 3 Continue building on the exploration of the philanthropy continuum, from charitable to strategic giving, while examining ways to maximize social benefits at each stage.
12:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:00 p.m.	Resources for Philanthropy Advisors Discover the ecosystem of philanthropy support, from donor networks and community foundations to major field conferences, and how these resources amplify impact.
1:30 p.m.	Debrief and Reflection
2:00 p.m.	Closing

Cancellation policy:

All cancellations and transfer requests must be in writing (may be sent via email to tfrs@iu.edu) and received at least two weeks prior to the start of the class. All cancellations and transfers are subject to an administrative fee of $275. Registrants who do not cancel or transfer the minimum two weeks in advance, or do not attend, are liable for the entire fee.

We cannot hold a credit for any reason.

If you are unable to attend a course after registering, you have three options:

Transfer your registration by designating, in writing, the alternative date you will attend ($275 administrative fee).
Designate an alternate person to attend in your place (no fee).
Receive a refund, minus the $275 administrative fee.