Neithercut Philanthropy Advisors is committed to helping foundations and charitable individuals engage in effective, rewarding philanthropy. Our work is defined by our themes of Experience, Perspective and Integrity.

We Have the Experience . . .

Neithercut Philanthropy Advisors founder and principal Mark Neithercut knows how foundations work. He served for 12 years as a senior executive at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (Detroit) and The Kresge Foundation, and was responsible for managing more than $250 million in grants.  As a foundation executive, Neithercut designed and managed dozens of grantmaking programs. Since founding NPA, Neithercut has advised foundations around the country on grantmaking, governance and philanthropic strategy.  See Clients and Projects.

Mr. Neithercut has also advised hundreds of charitable individuals and their families on how to give in a more effective and strategic way, thereby enhancing their sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Read Mark Neithercut’s bio.

To Deliver a Fresh, Unique Perspective . . .

With 20 years of active involvement in philanthropy, NPA Principal Mark Neithercut brings a unique perspective to his work.  Neithercut typically raises a number of important issues with his clients, includiong the following questions:

Is perpetuity too long? Many donors start new foundations with the presumption that the foundation will live forever. Yet choosing a sunset date for the foundation can significantly enhance its impact and success.

Does your foundation focus more on activities than outcomes? Many foundations define themselves by the activities they support instead of their desired long-term outcomes or goals.  NPA has experience developing grantmaking strategies that focus on goals rather than activities.

As a board member, are you concerned that your grants are not producing any real impact?  NPA believes that successful grantmaking is the result of a thoughtful strategy combined with investments in nonprofit leaders who have the commitment, drive and vision to be successful.  Throwing grant money at an issue or a problem does not usually lead to success.

Strategy + Leadership = Success (Not more money!)    

 

Do the restrictions on your gifts hurt or help the recipients? For some donors, imposing restrictions on a charitable gift seems like careful giving, but often these restrictions end up hurting the recipient organization rather than helping it.

Do you suffer from donor remorse? NPA finds that a surprising number of donors who make large gifts are unhappy with the result of their giving. A gift should give the donor a sense of satisfaction that the recipient used his or her hard-earned dollars properly and that the gift made a difference.

With Integrity and Commitment . . .

Neithercut Philanthropy Advisors stresses the values of integrity, humility, and community responsibility in all of our work. We are firmly committed to donor intent, and we believe that charitable assets have a public responsibility. In addition, NPA staff recognizes the importance of discretion and confidentiality in our work with foundations and individuals.