For a large and rapidly expanding group of donors, philanthropy is about more than writing a check — it’s about creating true impact and facilitating transformative change that lasts. They seek proof that their charity will help make lives, families, and communities better. These donors like to use their philanthropic capital just as wisely as they make other investments. The hard part can be knowing when a significant donation will truly create impact.
Enter venture philanthropy, a strategic approach to charitable giving that applies the principles of venture capital and social impact assessment.
As described in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, “Venture philanthropy applies the analytical rigor of the for-profit world… and has become increasingly popular… as traditional funding sources have shrunk, and donors demand more impact from their giving.” This movement parallels the rise in social impact considerations in for-profit businesses, too. Put more simply, donors increasingly want proof that their money is well spent and that life will authentically improve for others — similarly to how today’s mission-driven consumers spend their dollars now too.
As more individuals, businesses, and foundations embrace this venture philanthropy results-oriented approach, the nonprofits that prioritize accountability and impact will be best positioned to attract long-term, strategic funding. Conversely, it’s increasingly imperative for potential donors to have easy access to information they can trust, which aligns with venture philanthropy values.
Impact Philanthropy Values And Criteria
While no universal venture philanthropy formula exists, the nonprofits that successfully attract impact-driven donors tend to share key characteristics. These include transparency, strong leadership, financial sustainability, and a clear commitment to measurable outcomes. Groups like Candid (formerly GuideStar), Charity Navigator, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance use some of these metrics to assess nonprofit effectiveness, too.
Our Make It Better Foundation’s venture philanthropy lens uses the following criteria — reflecting what matters most to the experts we work with and our data-driven audience:
- Efficiency: How much of each dollar goes directly to the mission?
- Effectiveness: Is the organization achieving tangible results?
- Excellence: Does it deliver high-quality, impactful programs?
- Leadership: Who are the key figures driving fundraising and program success?
- Scalability: Is the organization prepared to grow sustainably with additional funding?
Every nonprofit that we select, support, and promote has been carefully vetted through a Venture Philanthropy lens. Even more significantly, our Academy of Judges, who select our annual Philanthropy Awards — highly qualified philanthropy experts — use this rubric too.
Because of our venture philanthropy lens and expanding community of experts, and because we do not publish behind a paywall, every reader now has easy access to high-quality, venture philanthropy vetted nonprofit recommendations that they can trust, as well as lifestyle content that helps them align daily choices with impact-driven values. With the help of these accessible tools, anyone can a venture philanthropist and impact investor.
The following stories — curated from our archive — offer practical insights, expert advice, and real-world examples to help you apply venture philanthropy principles to your financial decisions and charitable giving.
Family Offices and Financial Stewardship
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How Blended Families Can Build Stronger Family Offices
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Is It Time to Create a Family Office?
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What Is a Family Office — and Do You Need One?
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Estate Planning That Enables — Not Inhibits — Your Heirs
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How to Pass Down Wealth — and Purpose
From wealth transfer to value transfer, this article outlines how to structure your estate for both financial and philanthropic continuity.
Why the Time for Estate Planning Is Now
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High-Net-Worth Families Are Sending Their Kids to Camp — To Learn About Legacy
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Smarter Giving Strategies
From maximizing tax benefits to aligning giving with your values, these pieces explore how to make every donation more thoughtful — and more powerful.
Give Smarter: Why Stock Can Be Better Than Cash
Donating appreciated stock can offer bigger tax savings — and make your giving more impactful.
Make the Most of Exceptional Giving Incentives
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Aligning Your Money With Mission
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Investing for Impact
Explore how to go beyond charitable giving by investing with intention — and learn how aligning your portfolio with your values can create measurable, lasting change.
Using Your Money to Do Good: Social Impact Investing 101
This guide explores how to shift from traditional giving to values-aligned investing — making your capital work for measurable change.
Investing in Women: A Smart Business Move
The data is clear — investing in women drives both social good and financial return.
Sustainable Investing: Profit with Purpose
Explore ESG strategies that align financial performance with long-term sustainability.
Impact Investing: Match Your Portfolio to Your Purpose
If you care about climate, equity, or education, your investments should reflect it. Here’s how to align your strategy with your values.
Lessons in Values-Driven Giving & Investment
Learn how the recipients of Big Shoulders Fund’s 2025 Humanitarian Award integrates their guiding principles into both philanthropic gifts and private equity investing.
Financial Tips for Sustainable Investing
Practical, expert-backed steps for individuals ready to integrate green investing into their financial lives.
Is Doing Good Good for Your Portfolio?
An evidence-based look at the performance of ESG and impact investing — and why it may be a smart financial decision.
8 Pro Tips on Investing with Impact
Top Morgan Stanley advisors share insights on how to achieve values-aligned financial growth.
Can Doing Good Also Do Good for Your Portfolio?
Two financial experts weigh in on the dual benefit of impact investing — conscience and performance.
Watch: Money, Values, and Impact
A powerful conversation with Morgan Stanley Vice Chairman Carla Harris and Top Advisor Kathy Roeser on the future of values-based investing.
Money + Mission: Inside the Impact Investing Movement
Top thought leaders gather to explore how investors can drive meaningful change through capital.
Risk and Resilience
Even the most well-intentioned plans can be upended without strong safeguards. These stories highlight the importance of protecting your assets and legacy against rising digital threats.
$130K Gone in Minutes: A Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call
When a family lost six figures in a wire fraud scam, they fought back — and won. Here’s what you can do to protect your own assets.
Cybersecurity Basics for High-Net-Worth Families
From phishing to ransomware, here’s how to stay ahead of growing digital threats to your finances and philanthropic activities.
Susan B. Noyes is the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of Make It Better Media Group, as well as the Founder of Make It Better Foundation’s Philanthropy Awards. A mother of six, former Sidley Austin labor lawyer and U.S. Congressional Aide, passionate philanthropist, and intuitive connector, she has served on boards for the Poetry Foundation, Harvard University Graduate School of Education Visiting Committee, American Red Cross, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Annenberg Challenge, Chicago Public Education Fund, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New Trier High School District 203, and her beloved Kenilworth Union Church. But most of all, she enjoys writing and serving others by creating virtuous circles that amplify social impact.
