The concept and importance of understanding the systems underlying specific social problems are clear to both sides of the philanthropic equation: the grant maker and the receiver. However, due to the complexities of these systems, which require a deeper understanding of the issues on the ground, Funds often rely on the grantee to manage this crucial component. The latter, however, often lacks the necessary expertise and the ability to communicate the value of such budget allocations, and therefore rarely spends the time and resources required to clearly identify root causes and leverage points.

As a result, despite the project’s success on paper, which is measured based on expected outcomes rather than actual impact, projects rarely make significant progress in addressing complex systems. More often than not, if the system is influenced in the wrong way, it can rebound and create additional problems, leading to dangerous patterns of dependency on funds or encouraging the exploitation of metrics by both funders and grantees.

We are confident that developing an understanding of the system at hand is a critical component of true success—solving the social problem that every Fund is genuinely aiming to address. It is crucial for funders to understand the problem from all perspectives, uncover hidden connections, and recognise reinforcing systems to better evaluate grants, projects, and measure outcomes. Systems are at the core of philanthropy, and this is where we help you to excel.

At iPhilanthropist, we place systems at the heart of our approach to help Funds navigate complexities and improve efficiencies across all activities.

Your systems solution includes:

• Consultancy on Systems: Providing insights across all causes and grants, improving understanding of existing systems, and advising on potential interventions and actors to involve.
• Facilitating Dialogue: Bringing all system actors into one room to enhance collaboration and mutual understanding.
• Designing Interventions: Creating effective strategies tailored to the specific system in question.
• Ongoing System Improvements and Support: Continuously refining and supporting system interventions for sustained impact.
• Strengthening Grant Applications: Enhancing the case for grant applications through robust system analysis.
• Analysing and Designing Systems: Comprehensive analysis and design of systems to ensure optimal functionality and impact.

You are supported by a team of the world’s leading systems thinkers—experts deeply committed to improving the state of the world. By incorporating systemic efforts into your organisational design, you significantly increase your chances of achieving positive long-term change, improving ROI, and maximising your time and resources.

We celebrate your pioneering innovative approach using systems. Let’s navigate complexities and create a lasting impact together!