what we do
BE Philanthropy Partners helps individuals, families and corporations turn philanthropic ideas and aspirations into strategic action. Our team draws on our individual and collective expertise in philanthropic and nonprofit management to customize each client’s experience. We are focused on our clients’ goals and invest in the process alongside them.
EXAMPLES OF CURRENT AND RECENTLY COMPLETED ENGAGEMENTS:
Working with the second generation to fulfill a deceased family member’s long-term, philanthropic strategy. Work has included facilitating the creation of a mission for the foundation, scope and areas of interest as well as desired outcomes for grantmaking. Having established a rapport with the donor’s children and grandchildren during the establishment of the Foundation, Be Philanthropy is now assisting with the grantmaking process which includes interacting with grant seekers, conducting due diligence and supporting the trustees’ decision-making process.
Re-engaged with a previous client to facilitate a learning journey focused on foundation governance. With the ultimate goal of onboarding additional trustees in the following year, the focus of our engagement was to “level the playing field” so that trustees could make collective decisions about if and how to update the foundation’s governance practices and policies.
This engagement led to another learning journey aimed at enabling trustees to reflect on ways the foundation’s mission, vision and values are reflected in their grantmaking and how the historic intention of the foundation can continue to inspire the present-day work.
Led a year-long engagement with a prominent and historic Atlanta foundation to prepare trustees for the retirement of a longtime Executive Director. With a goal of establishing a common understanding and appreciation for the history of the foundation, trustees worked with Elise and Staci, to craft updated values statements, rooted in the foundation’s legacy but with an eye on the pressing needs of today’s community. With deep engagement from the trustees and using evaluative processes, longstanding grantmaking and governance practices were translated into policies that reflect today’s best practices while respectfully honoring the founders’ intentions. In addition, Elise and Staci assisted the board in defining the qualities they were seeking in a new Executive Director and facilitated a process that helped to determine the transition timeline.
“Over the past decade, we have engaged the founders of BE Philanthropy Partners on several occasions to help our foundation find our way to being more responsive and responsible to the nonprofit sector. From strategic planning to succession planning and beyond, we have benefited from their research and relationships in the philanthropy field, as well as their guidance on helping nonprofits scale up sustainably and engaging next generation members in philanthropy. Most importantly, they are fun to work with and will leave you feeling joyful & hopeful!”
Serving as a thought-partner for a couple who are actively working on creating a culture of giving for their multi-generational, blended family. Elise convenes and facilitates quarterly meetings for the family, has helped give shape to a successful collective grantmaking effort and offered counsel to various members of the family as they consider their own involvement and discretionary grantmaking priorities.
“Staci has been a tremendous help in guiding our family through the process of establishing our family’s philanthropic practice. She is facilitating our journey to express our shared values through our grantmaking. The entire family is engaged in our philanthropic journey. Staci’s energy for this work is truly inspiring!”
Facilitated a deep dive into Georgia public education reform for a collective of 15 funders. Planned and staffed learning opportunities around issues like advocacy and policy change. Coordinated several group trips to other cities to better understand educational approaches and roles for philanthropy in education reform.
“Elise Eplan and Staci Brill have been magnificent partners to us. They have led the grantmaking for the Molly Blank Fund since its inception – always balancing heart and creativity with smarts, discipline and responsible stewardship. Plus, they are delightful to work with!”
Worked with adult children after the death of a parent to establish new foundation practices. Work included facilitating the creation of a mission for the foundation, scope and areas of interest as well as desired outcomes for grantmaking. Having deepened a working relationship with the client during the initial phase of work, we planned and facilitated their first family meeting. From time to time, we are called upon for guidance as opportunities to facilitate conversation as the board considers ways to engage the next generation or make significant, long-term grants.
“It has been a tremendous joy to work with Elise Eplan who has been supporting our foundation as an advisor and consultant for more than a decade. We have found her depth of experience, good listening skills and strong strategic thinking vital. With Elise’s guidance, the Kelin Foundation established credibility and relationships that allow us to make thoughtful grants and have a lasting impact on our community. We have benefitted from her passion for helping others and her friendship.”
Re-engaged with a long-time client to serve as a thought-partner for staff and trustees as they began the process of adding younger family members to the Board. Over a period of six months, Elise and Staci worked to build rapport with younger family members to gauge readiness and receptivity to deepening their involvement with the family’s culture of philanthropic activism. Ultimately, we provided recommendations that consider the geographic dispersement and life stage of the Foundation’s future board members and will help create a path toward leadership that is flexible and “wide enough” to accommodate the next generation needs. In addition, we helped define the evolving roles of the board.
“While navigating the complex world of philanthropy, I depend on Staci Brill to be my advocate and wise counsel, ensuring that grants always align with the mission of the foundation. I appreciate Staci’s deep commitment to our community and her creativity in helping me to find meaningful partners for my philanthropic work on behalf of the Helen Marie Stern Fund.”