Strategic Philanthropy for Private Foundations
We help you design focused, effective giving strategies so your dollars actually do what you intend them to do.
Foundation Clarity Session
When you need this: You're not sure where your operational gaps are, or you want to test working together before committing to a larger engagement.
What you get:
90-minute structured discovery call
Review of your current grantmaking process, compliance status, and board reporting
Written Clarity Brief (3–5 pages): findings + prioritized recommendations
30-minute follow-up call to walk through the brief
Timeline: 2–3 weeks from start to final brief delivery
Scholarship Program Design & Launch
When you need this: You want to launch a new scholarship program or rebuild an existing one to be compliant and operationally sound.
What you get:
Program strategy: focus area, eligibility criteria, award structure
Application design + evaluation rubric and selection process
Compliance framework and record-keeping system
School/organization outreach plan and communications templates
Recipient communications
First-cycle management and post-cycle impact report
Timeline: 8–14 weeks from kickoff to first application cycle
Fractional Program Director
When you need this: You need ongoing operational support but can't justify (or don't want) a full-time program executive.
What we do:
Own the grantmaking calendar and ensure deadlines are met
Manage grantee communications, reports, and relationships
Track disbursements and maintain compliance records
Produce quarterly board impact briefs
Monthly strategy call with foundation leadership
Respond to questions within 1 business day
Pricing tiers: Vary by number of programs and complexity
Impact Reporting Package
When you need this: Your board keeps asking for impact data you don't have time to compile.
What you get:
Collection and synthesis of grantee reports
Identification of 3–5 meaningful impact metrics
Written board-appropriate impact narrative
Designed 4–8 page impact brief (PDF)
Timeline: 4–6 weeks from data collection to final brief
Why Keystone?
You get a partner who:
Has sat on the nonprofit side and understands what’s realistic
Knows how to translate your intentions into programs that actually work
Brings clear thinking, honest feedback, and practical tools, not jargon
How We Can Work Together
Strategy Intensive
A focused engagement to clarify your giving strategy, vetting approach, and near-term priorities.
Ongoing Advisory
Retainer support to review grants, refine processes, and act as a thought partner to your team.
Project-Based Support
Help with a specific portfolio, RFP, initiative, or geographic/issue-area expansion.
