FAQs
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The Philanthropy Accelerator Program is a four-week, cohort-based donor education experience designed to help givers clarify their values, explore causes, and develop a practical giving plan. It blends short online learning modules with guided reflection and optional in-person connection.
What is the Philanthropy Accelerator Program?
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The program is offered by select community foundations and organizations around the country in partnership with the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy.
Who is offering this program?
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The curriculum was co-designed by:
Elizabeth Dale, Ph.D., Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy
Farrah Azizi, CAP, philanthropy advisor to multigenerational families
It draws from both academic research and practical donor-advising experience.
Who developed the curriculum?
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Participants should expect:
~1 hour of online content per week
30–90 minutes of reflective exercises on your own time
Optional in-person kickoff (if hosted by the partnering organization)
What is the time commitment?
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Who will be in my cohort?
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Cohorts are intimate and designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue. They include both experienced philanthropists and newer givers. Participants can join individually or as couples.
What will I learn?
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Across four modules, participants will:
Explore the philanthropic landscape
Identify and articulate personal values
Examine causes and theories of change
Draft a practical, personalized giving plan
The program is part of a national study examining how donor education influences:
Giving priorities
Giving levels
Types of organizations supported
Donor experience and confidence
Participants will be invited to complete brief pre- and post-program surveys to support this research.
Participation in the surveys is always optional and confidential.
Yes. All participant information, conversations, reflections, and survey responses are strictly confidential.
Any research findings shared publicly from the national research project are aggregated and anonymized.
The program is free to those invited to participate at this time.
Is the program confidential?
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Why is there a research component?
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What is the cost?
No. The program is designed for donors at any experience level—whether you are clarifying a new giving strategy or refining an existing one.is free to those invited to participate at this time.
Do I need prior philanthropic experience?
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Yes. Couples may enroll together and complete reflection activities jointly or individually.
Can couples participate together?
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Yes. The cohort model is designed to spark shared learning, diverse perspectives, and optional connection through an in-person kickoff (if offered) and online discussion.
Will there be opportunities to engage with peers?
Please contact us here.