Philanthropoid

Donating to charities seems like a simple task. Until you realise that with the same resources at hand you can achieve not twice, not three times, not even ten, but thousand times more impact… if you choose the right modalities and instruments, that is. Then things start looking very differently, don’t they?

It turns out we can maximise the good we create in the world if we opt for effectiveness.  We can donate better, volunteer better, make better career and lifestyle choices. We can increase our philanthropic footprint if we use rationality and evidence to support what really works.

This is exactly what I do. I use my competence to help in making the right philanthropic choices – those that lead to maximising public good. 

If you share the interest in Doing Good by Doing Well, I would be delighted to be working with you.

I am a Philanthropoid – a person dedicated to working with philanthropic causes, a blend of “philanthropist” and “anthropoid” (the term was coined by Carnegie Corporation staff at the beginning of the 20th century).

I’m specialised in private philanthropy. My job is to narrow the distance between the giver and the getter. I work with private donors and social impact investors (individuals or families) helping them grow their social impact ideas and making the best use of their philanthropic resources.

My service portfolio includes:

• Donation guidance/coaching on how to give effectively
• Designing philanthropic strategies – from idea to execution
• Creating bespoke and innovative philanthropic solutions
• Due-diligence and selection of effective grant-recipient organisations
• Feasibility studies
• Connecting with other donors or philanthropic networks
• Training on strategic philanthropy.

Before I moved into philanthropy advisory, I spent ten years of my career working in the international humanitarian and development assistance sector. I worked in 14 countries across 4 continents as a project manager, programme designer, analyst and grant writer for big and small international organisations, United Nations, Red Cross system, public administration and private sector. 

In 2016-2018 I specialised in philanthropy advisory and wealth management (Family Office) and launched my consultancy service based in Milan, Italy. Since then I have been working with private individuals, families, family offices and foundations interested in developing and implementing most effective social impact funding strategies.

I am a holder of a post-graduate diploma in Philanthropic Studies at University of Kent and executive diploma in Family Office by the Italian Family Officer Association. I’m also a graduate of the Effective Altruism Fellowship programme at Stanford University. My core skills and competences include: analysis, planning and strategy development, strong writing and networking skills. I regularly work as a trainer, mentor and facilitator, sharing my knowledge and skills with others. I am a member of key professional networks: Philanthropy Impact, European Research Network on Philanthropy (ERNOP) and Effective Altruism community.

Personally, I like meeting new people, listening to stories and connecting the dots.

I am trilingual: Polish, English and Italian.

I strongly believe in the power of networks. They drive innovation, stimulate efficiency, help unlock new solutions to complex problems. And they simply keep us all in touch!

If you are professionally related or personally passionate about philanthropy and want to be part of the network, please do reach out and let’s get to know each other.

You can reach me at:

u.swierczynska@philanthropoid.it.