Core values

Centering Humanity

We exist because we believe that the world needs nonprofits to thrive. We see the potential in every community, nonprofit, and fundraiser and work to unlock that potential through philanthropy. Our approach is rooted in the fact that we care deeply about the world and our work. We are truly here to be of service to the nonprofit community and their missions.

Aspirational 

We are courageous. We ask bold questions and dig deeper, unapologetic, and unafraid of hard work. We are curious intellectually and interpersonally, pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones every day. We support each other and nonprofits in recognizing and realizing their potential—and strive to realize our own in the process. We meet people where they are and work shoulder-to-shoulderwith them to take the next step.

Collaborative & Inclusive

We believe we are stronger when we collaborate and honor the perspectives, experiences, and expertise of others. We are committed to fostering an environment that is supportive and accepting. We pride ourselves in creating a safe space for our colleagues, clients, and community members alike. We always listen first, approaching every conversation with curiosity. We build trust through authenticity.

 
 

Intentional

We recognize that our time, energy, and creativity are our most valuable resources and put them to highest and best use. We approach our work with clarity, focus,and results-orientation. We set boundaries proactively. We hold each other accountable to our shared vision and priorities.

Proven

We hold ourselves to the highest esteem of character, integrity, and professional growth. We are experienced professionals, subject-matter experts, and transformative thought leaders. Our team produces high-quality work that delivers real results. Our recommendations are credible, substantive, and reliable.

 
 

Our committment to diversity, equity & inclusion

We recognize that nonprofits, philanthropy, and fundraising are products of systemic racism—as well as our best hope for change.

We believe that our sector is deeply complicit in institutionalizing racism and that a complete ‘decolonization’ of our minds, relationships, and practices is essential for realizing the hope we all have for our sector: that it be an instrument for enabling people and communities everywhere to thrive.

We view anti-racism as our highest-priority daily work. Every day, we confront and unlearn racism in ourselves, our company, and our sector. And every day, we look for new ways to accelerate change. Our efforts have included:

  • Overhaul of our recruitment and onboarding practices

  • Ongoing training and personalized coaching by a DEI expert

  • Ongoing, intentional review and re-working of our resources and recommendations for clients to operationalize a community-centric approach to fundraising

  • Re-imagining ‘relationship-based fundraising’ to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive

  • Fostering community conversation about anti-racism through every public event, monthly book club gathering, and networking conversation we have

 

Diversity

We aim to become and to cultivate a community of capacity-builders and thought-leaders who are: representative of traditionally marginalized or disenfranchised groups; committed to anti-racism and serving as allies and advocates in all spaces; and celebrating and honoring of differences in perspectives, experience, background, ability, and identity.

Equity

We aim to create an environment within our company, industry, and communities that is conducive to: promoting justice, impartiality, and fairness; actively challenging and dismantling systems of oppression; centering humanity; and working to eliminate barriers to access, success, or well-being.

Inclusion

We set standards and build business practices to further: purposeful communication; intentional decision-making; broad consideration; a culture of curiosity; and a sense of belonging for our team, our clients, and our communities.

We are just beginning.