Call for Papers: Philanthropy Consulting

(Kris Putnam-Walkerly is a philanthropy expert and consultant and the principal writer and editor of the Philanthropy 411 blog. You can follow her on Twitter at @Philanthropy411.)

The Foundation Review has issued a Call for Papers for an issue focused on philanthropy consulting. The March 2015 issue, co-edited by the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers, will explore quality, trends, and impact in an what has become an increasingly significant component of philanthropic practice. Abstracts of up to 250 words are due by May 15, 2014. Upon invitation, full papers will be due by August 15, 2014, for consideration for publication.

Papers are invited on topics including but not limited to:

• Scope and scale. To what extent do grantmakers and funder networks retain consultants, and for what purposes?
• Role. Why do foundations hire philanthropy consultants? What are the roles of philanthropy consultants? How do roles vary by grantmaker type, size, lifecycle?
• Value and impact. What value have grantmakers recognized from engaging philanthropy consultants? What impact have consultants had on the work of funders and the philanthropic sector as a whole?
• Quality and effectiveness. What constitutes quality in philanthropy consulting? What are the characteristics of effective consultants and consulting engagements?
• Capacity. How does the field of philanthropy support or invest in philanthropy consulting? What efforts exist to ensure diversity within the consulting field and to support career pipelines for future consultants?
• Trends. What trends do we anticipate in the field of philanthropy in the U.S. and globally, and how can consultants add value?

I chair the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers and will serve as co-editor of the  issue. I encourage you to share this announcement with your colleagues, and to consider submitting an abstract. Learn more here.

-- Kris Putnam-Walkerly