Our approach:

Tailored, informed, adaptive, effective.

We are known for guiding ‘win-win’ investments that support both client goals and community needs.

Field Expertise

We are versatile and sophisticated generalists.

Our clients’ giving areas vary and span local, national and international geographies.

We have deep expertise in designing and executing grantmaking strategy, engaging multiple stakeholders, building partnerships and assessing impact.

Services

  • Fractional support to foundations and families in the areas of grant programs, grant operations and donor engagement.

    Interim program officer staffing for private foundations, community foundations, + CSR departments.

    Guidance on transitioning charitable vehicles, including advising on infrastructure and staffing needs for new ventures.

  • Understanding philanthropic vehicles

    How to vet a nonprofit

    How to engage multiple generations in giving

    Understanding different strategies for grantmaking

    How to measure impact

  • Meeting Facilitation

    Multiple generation engagement

    Site Visit Facilitation

    Introductions to prospective partners + field leaders

  • Designing, launching + guiding donor ventures and partnerships

    Developing + implementing grantmaking systems

    Building + coordinating cross-functional teams

    Drafting + executing gift agreements with nonprofits

  • Vision + Mission Development

    Strategic Planning

    Giving Strategy

    Legacy Planning

  • Conducting Field Research

    Identifying Field Needs + Opportunities

    Identifying Potential Philanthropic Partners

    Conducting Listening Tour

  • Vetting Funding Opportunities

    Conducting Financial and Operational Due Diligence

    Reviewing and Analyzing Grant Reporting

  • Conducting a Charitable Giving Audit

    Identifying Donor’s Giving Values

    Tracking + Measuring Impact of Grants

    Conducting Stakeholder and Grantee Surveys

  • Without a doubt, Elana is a tremendous asset to anyone in need of philanthropic consulting services.

    - Mindy Freedman, President and Founder, The SAM Initiative Giving Circle

  • Elana's advice, organizational skills and follow through have been a great help to our family's foundation over the past 8 years.

    Michael Ziering, Ziering Family Foundation

  • I would strongly recommend Elana Wien and would definitely hire her again.

    - Janis Minton, Trustee, The Deutsch Foundation

  • Elana has been an outstanding philanthropic resource and advisor to our foundation, and I trust her completely.

    - Vanessa Bechtel, President and CEO, Ventura County Community Foundation

  • Elana has been a tremendous asset to our foundation. She has greatly contributed to both staff morale and efficiency over all.

    -Kristina Deutsch, Trustee, The Deutsch Foundation

  • Elana gave us the confidence to focus on making our greatest impact to the things we care most about. We are so grateful to have such a trusted and respected advisor.

    Heidi, Philanthropist

  • Elana has brought professionalism and class, and makes warmth and caring a foundation for all interactions. I appreciate all she has done for our family.

    - David, Philanthropist

  • Elana has enhanced our work and supported us in becoming more strategic philanthropists.

    Marilyn, Philanthropist

  • We have greatly enjoyed working with Elana and have appreciated her guidance and advice with our giving.

    Janet, Philanthropist