August 2009

If philanthropy is to be truly effective, then it must be based upon a strategy that is thoroughly sound. Having identified the issue that they wish to address, donors must then set out their theory of change; that is to say, the steps that need to be implemented if they are to reach the goals they have articulated. Having articulated goals and a theory of change, they look to see where the gaps are and where they are best positioned to make a difference. They map their field of interest, indentifying those organisations with whom they can partner. They then work to devise assessment frameworks to determine whether they are having the impact they hoped and, if desired, a public communications strategy to promote broad learning - and perhaps even partnership - for the interventions with which they have experimented.

All of this takes significant effort; yet there is another vital aspect to philanthropy besides strategy, and that is leadership. For this reason, we are launching a programme for alumni of TPW, Leadership in Philanthropy, which will give them the personal skills to crate impact across constituencies and inspire others to follow their lead.

Leadership in Philanthropy, a seven-day course consisting of three modules, is for donors who wish to increase their own personal effectiveness as leaders and take on greater roles as advocates for their causes. Its introduction could not be timelier; the economic woes which have recently affected most of the world have thrown the need for assured and proactive donors into the sharpest focus.

The programme, which addresses everything from undertaking social campaigning to building successful coalitions and working with the media, embodies our belief that philanthropists should put themselves behind an issue as powerfully as possible; and that strategy is but one element of that force. With Leadership in Philanthropy, therefore, we look forward to working with our alumni as they become ever more successful advocates for the causes that they support.