Where Purpose Meets Precision
We partner with foundations to turn vision into strategy and strategy into systems that deliver real results. Whether defining priorities, enhancing grantmaking processes, or building grantee capacity, we help funders move from intention to execution with clarity and confidence.
The Foundation’s
Role in Impact
Philanthropy today is more complex and more essential than ever. Foundations are being called to balance bold vision with operational rigor, steward resources responsibly, and build trust with the communities they serve.
As expectations evolve, so does the work of funding. Modern foundations are designing more equitable grantmaking models, investing in learning, and seeking partnerships that drive systems-level change. Many also face the same internal challenges as the organizations they support, including limited capacity, fragmented systems, and the need for alignment between strategy and execution.
The Planneris Group helps funders bridge that gap. We bring clarity to complexity, strengthen the infrastructure behind giving, and help foundations design strategies and systems that make impact measurable, sustainable, and true to mission.
Who We Serve
We work across the philanthropic landscape, partnering with funders of all sizes and structures to design strategies and systems that drive sustainable change.
Private & Family Foundations
Building clarity around purpose, governance, and long-term giving strategies.
Community Foundations
Strengthening local impact through aligned programs, partnerships, and operations.
Corporate Foundations
Integrating social purpose with business goals to achieve measurable community outcomes.
Venture Philanthropy Funds & Donor Collaboratives
Structuring innovative funding models that balance risk, learning, and scalable impact.
Grantmaking Intermediaries & Giving Circles
Enhancing process design, fund management, and partner coordination to amplify collective action.
Core Capabilities & Services
We design and implement strategies that turn purpose into measurable progress. Our work blends strategic insight with operational precision, building the systems, partnerships, and governance structures that make philanthropic initiatives sustainable and scalable.
Strategic Planning & Portfolio Design
Define giving priorities, theories of change, and investment approaches that align mission with measurable outcomes.
Services Offered:
1. Mission & Vision Refinement – Facilitate alignment around core purpose, guiding principles, and impact priorities.
2. Theory of Change Development – Design clear frameworks linking strategic intent to measurable outcomes.
3. Portfolio & Investment Strategy – Build balanced portfolios that integrate grants, programs, and impact investments.
4. Strategic Roadmapping – Develop actionable plans with milestones, roles, and key performance indicators.
5. Scenario Planning & Foresight Analysis – Anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities to ensure agility in long-term planning.
Grantmaking Systems & Funder Alignment
We strengthen the operational backbone of grantmaking, creating systems that are efficient, transparent, and values-aligned strengthening alignment between funders and grantees.
Services Offered:
1. Grantmaking Process Design – Redesign end-to-end workflows from application to reporting for clarity and fairness.
2. Funding Criteria & Decision Frameworks – Build equitable review processes that align with institutional priorities.
3. Grant Lifecycle Management Systems – Evaluate or implement digital tools for tracking, compliance, and communication.
4. Funder–Grantee Partnership Models – Develop frameworks for collaboration, reporting, and shared learning.
5. Operational Infrastructure Audits – Assess systems and internal capacity to streamline coordination and efficiency.
Impact Measurement & Learning
By developing evaluation and feedback systems that connect insight to decision-making, we help funders move from data collection to insight-driven action, ensuring every dollar invested drives meaningful change.
Services Offered:
1. Impact Framework Development – Create measurement systems that track both short-term outcomes and long-term results.
2. Learning Agendas & Evaluation Planning – Build cycles of reflection and learning into organizational processes.
3. Data Visualization & Reporting Dashboards – Translate complex data into decision-ready insights for boards and stakeholders.
4. Organizational Learning Facilitation – Lead post-grant and cross-portfolio sessions to embed a culture of learning.
5. Third-Party Evaluation Management – Coordinate evaluation partners to ensure rigor, alignment, and consistency in measurement.
Capacity-Building & Technical Assistance Design
We design scalable capacity-building models that strengthen grantee organizations and advance ecosystem resilience.
Services Offered:
1. Technical Assistance Program Development – Create structured models to deliver high-impact support to grantees.
2. Organizational Readiness & Capacity Assessments – Evaluate grantee infrastructure and leadership strength before multi-year investment.
3. Training & Learning Cohort Design – Build peer-based programs that drive operational excellence and leadership growth.
4. Entity Formation & Organizational Development Support – Support emerging grantees in formalizing governance, compliance, and operating structures.
5. Resource Toolkits & Knowledge Platforms – Develop practical resources to help grantees strengthen systems long after engagement.
Ecosystem Mapping & Partnership Strategy
We help foundations identify leverage points, strengthen networks, and drive collective impact across sectors to address systemic challenges.
Services Offered:
1. Landscape & Stakeholder Mapping – Analyze key actors, partnerships, and systemic factors shaping your focus area.
2. Cross-Sector Partnership Design – Develop collaboration models that connect philanthropy, government, and private enterprise.
3. Collective Impact Strategy – Facilitate the design, governance, and measurement of multi-stakeholder initiatives.
4. Systems Change Facilitation – Lead strategic convenings to align goals, resources, and accountability mechanisms.
5. Network Activation & Coordination – Design operating structures for funder collaboratives and shared initiatives.
Governance & Decision-Making Support
We help boards and leadership teams strengthen oversight, alignment, and accountability for long-term sustainability.
Services Offered:
1. Board Development & Training – Build capacity for effective governance, stewardship, and strategic oversight.
2. Decision-Making Frameworks – Design values-based processes that improve clarity and consistency in leadership decisions.
3. Leadership Succession Planning – Support smooth transitions that preserve institutional memory and vision.
4. Equity-Centered Governance Models – Embed inclusion, transparency, and shared accountability into governance practices.
5. Operational Policy Review & Codification – Establish policies and documentation that enhance clarity and continuity.
Every foundation has the power to shape lasting change.
But clarity and structure make it possible.
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