In a development that underlines growing recognition of the importance of philanthropic advice, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) is to get a $3.7 million grant from the Gates Foundation to fund a campaign that will arm emerging donors with the knowledge to make thoughtful giving plans and make their giving more effective. The programme will run over three years and its basis will be the compilation of a core ‘curriculum’ of key issues for donors in the form of over two dozen guides. Topics will include giving motivations and interest areas; approaches and strategies; appropriate vehicles; and assessment of impact.

Much of the success of the initiative will depend on the availability of the materials produced. RPA will therefore ensure that interested parties, who will include financial advisers as well as organizations in the philanthropy field, have full access to those resources. The guides and all other resources developed over the course of the programme will be available for download free of charge through a new ‘Donor Resources’ section of RPA’s website.