Your Trusted Partner in Charitable Grant Management

Applying values-based planning and experienced guidance to your charitable grant process.

Realizing Your Opportunity

Whether you have a private foundation, a donor-advised fund, or another vehicle already in place – or whether you are just exploring ways to create a legacy of giving, we can help.

Our services are customized to meet client needs and can range from short-term engagement to providing an ongoing presence responsible for managing the grants process at every level.

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Our Mission

To support individuals, families, and corporations realize their philanthropic purpose for greater satisfaction and community impact.

Our Services

  • DEVELOPING: developing a philanthropic identity and complementary strategic plan

    Branding Identity

    The primary guide for any foundation should be found in an individualized mission and vision statement.  Working with donors and members of the board, we seek to craft these statements based on core values.
    The mission and vision statement not only communicate your purpose and direction to the community but guide each decision when evaluating organizations you wish to support.

    Strategic Planning

    We collaborate with your decision makers to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that aligns with your mission and values. We facilitate strategic discussions, conduct analysis, and help define funding priorities and long-term goals.

    Principal Support/Board Development

    We seek ways to maximize the personal interests and talents of each board member or decision maker so they can be effective and focus on the most satisfying aspects of giving. We strive to fully engage board members, particularly those who represent different generations of the donor family. Work may include board retreats and ongoing counsel and resourcing for members of the board.

  • CREATING: creating policy that ensures alignment of donor values and accountability

    Governance & Policy Development

    The successful outcome of charitable giving must be based on sound policies and procedures. We will develop documented practices on leadership structure and operation, roles of board members, grant guidelines, and application requirements in collaboration with the decision makers for unified understanding, transparency and accountability.

    Grant Evaluation & Management

    We support the identification, evaluation and follow-up of aligned nonprofits who receive grants. Work may include screening and vetting of requests, ensuring IRS compliance of applicants, providing guidance to applicants on the application process, conducting site visits, and proposal evaluation. Our work includes thorough research and due diligence such as assessment of the mission, organizational impact, financial stability, and alignment of shared philanthropic goals.

  • MANAGING: managing all aspects of the grant process and providing oversight of outcomes

    Grant Monitoring and Compliance

    We conduct rigorous follow-up to ensure grants are utilized appropriately and effectively. We monitor the progress of grant recipients, track project milestones, and evaluate the impact of funded initiatives. We also provide compliance oversight to ensure adherence to reporting requirements. Where appropriate we navigate appropriate donor recognition and stewardship.

    Administration

    We provide structure and consistency to your philanthropic work including organizing, staffing and recording board meetings, maintaining printed and electronic materials, conducting board and grantee correspondence, administering awards and keeping permanent records of grants, as well as implementing post-grant monitoring and evaluation.

    Integrated Management

    We coordinate with your existing professional advisors including accountants, attorneys, custodians and investment advisors to aid in the compliance with all legal and tax requirements and ensure a fully integrated and coordinated approach. We do not offer investment management, legal or accounting services.

Meet Dan Thompson

Dan Thompson, with three decades of experience in nonprofit collaboration and philanthropy, excels at aligning donor intent with community and nonprofit goals. As the former Vice President of the Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation, he managed $100 million in assets for nine Middle Tennessee hospitals. His expertise spans major gift fundraising, strategic planning, and nonprofit management. Dan holds degrees from Southern Methodist University and Belmont University, and he resides in Nashville’s Green Hills area with his wife, Mara.

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