Client Testimonials

  • Elana is a professional at the highest capacity. She has the leadership ability to walk into a philanthropic organization and be both a leader and at the same time collaborate with Trustees and staff. Elana’s public speaking, writing skills, communication abilities and relationships are strong and clear. She knows how to mentor a team and give them value. She is a very good tactical manager and stays on target to accomplish the goals and mission with excellence. She brings a warmth and professional capacity to all meetings. She is extremely compassionate to grantees, staff and trustees. She does not shy away from difficult conversations and is a respectful listener to assist in bringing resolution with differences. I would strongly recommend Elana Wien and would definitely hire her again.

    - Janis Minton, Trustee, The Deutsch Foundation (June 2, 2025)

  • Without a doubt, Elana is a tremendous asset to anyone in need of philanthropic consulting services. Elana offered exceptional philanthropic guidance to our giving circle for several years. Her capacity to attentively understand our requirements and leverage her expertise and connections to steer our decision-making and charitable efforts was truly impressive. I was so inspired by her dedication to excellence that she even extended her services to me personally.

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

  • Elana has been an outstanding philanthropic resource and advisor to our foundation, and I trust her completely. We have engaged her to advise us on complex donor issues and she has been simply tremendous. She is an expert on family philanthropy, community foundations, and complex philanthropic needs.

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

  • In the nearly one year Elana has been with us, we have very much grown to appreciate her contributions. She has been a tremendous asset to our foundation, quickly learning the existing systems and demonstrating a strong grasp of its operations. She was happy to offer improvements where she could and always with kindness and a sense of humor. Her positive attitude and collaborative spirit have made her a valued team member, greatly contributing to both staff morale and efficiency over all.

    -Kristina Deutsch, Trustee, The Deutsch Foundation (June 2, 2025)

  • What a pleasure it has been working with Elana and getting to know her over these years. She 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

  • From our first meeting with Elana, she impressed us with her calm manner, caring leadership, and her interest in engaging our family. We have appreciated the opportunity to work with her. She 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

  • 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