Archive February 2011

Are Philanthropic Consultants Still Relevant?

When I launched Ideal Philanthropy & Sustainability, a philanthropic advisory and grantmaking services firm, a year ago, it was during the biggest economic downturn in recent history.  Even though I am a former foundation executive, I knew I just couldn’t let my friends and colleagues know that I launched this business and wait for clients.  So, I spent the first seven months talking to about 50 philanthropic leaders and staff from a variety of philanthropic organizations and to some individual donors and impact investors.  I was trying to learn how the economic downturn had changed their approach to philanthropy or investing and what types of outside consultants they saw themselves retaining now and in the near future.  This was clearly not a scientific study, but simply something I did for my own purposes.  However, when I shared some insights with others, it became clear that other people in the field could also benefit from what I learned.

Everyone said that the economic downturn impacted their philanthropic work in a variety of ways.  Sometimes, it simply moved-up or slowed-down the time frame for initiatives they were already planning, but sometimes, it was clearly the impetus for changes in direction or ways of working.  Here is what I learned: 

“I am not your project, I give you the tools to access better markets” — Fair Trade USA

(Re-posted from Fair Trade USA site)

In late September 2010, I received a late night email from a colleague stating that she really needed me to help her with our Fair Trade Certified mango program. Obviously, I was filled with excitement, mixed with trepidation about this opportunity.  One week later, I was on an airplane descending into Port-au-Prince gawking through my jetlagged haze at the ramshackle, makeshift tents crowding the airport from every angle.  Welcome to Haiti and to the most unforgettable experience and people of my life.

I initially came to Haiti to provide institutional support to the umbrella organization FENAPCOM, the only Fair Trade Certified mango cooperative in Haiti, and to FENAPCOM’s 10 member associations located from the central plateau to the northern mountains of Gros Morne and back to the river valleys of the Artibonite.  My mission was clear; help these groups regain their Fair Trade certification.  How I was going to accomplish this was to be ironed out while driving Haiti’s bumpy back roads, but why it was important was evident.  In the 2010 harvest season, mango growers selling on Fair Trade terms were earning nearly double what the local market traders were paying for the same quantity of mangoes.  Each farmer I spoke to glinted with joy when they explained the importance of the “second payment” they received from the Fair Trade premium they earned in December, long after the end of the harvest, and at the exact moment when their families needed it the most.