Philanthropy for those who are ready to live their legacy.

WELCOME TO BREAKTHROUGH

Bespoke advising, consulting, and coaching for families and foundations seeking strategic clarity, values-driven, philanthropic impact.

Giving back should be a bright spot, not a sore spot.

Pragmatic solutions designed to help your family or foundation build and refine all aspects of your giving in a way that builds cohesion and strengthens relationships.

  • Advising & Consulting

    Independent, trusted thought partnership and world class deliverables, tailored to you.

    (I’m focused on you, not trying to get your assets under management.)

    Includes: Philanthropic Identity (Mission, Vision, Values), Strategic Planning, Governance, Grantmaking, Impact Frameworks, Policies & Practices, Board Relations and Engagement

  • Fractional Executive Leadership

    Solve your big mission, small foundation quandary with right-sized executive leadership.

    (Not every foundation needs a full staff to make an impact.)

    Includes: Foundation Leadership & Management, Grantmaking Oversight & Execution, Board Relations & Management, Processes & Systems, External Relations

  • Group Facilitation

    Conversations designed to accelerate real, tangible progress, even in situations with entrenched dynamics. 

    (Yes, like the one you’re thinking of.)

    Includes: Retreats & Off-Sites, Family Meetings, Board & Committee Meetings, Special Topics, Multigenerational learning, Giving circles

  • Executive Coaching

    Coaching and development for philanthropy leaders.

    (Your emerging future leader + my coaching and experience = best of both worlds.)

    Includes: Executive Director Coaching, Customized Individual Coaching, Cohort / Group Coaching, New Board Member Coaching / Onboarding, Succession Coaching

I am on a mission to unleash generosity.

The complex and compounding challenges we face — as humans, as a society, and across the planet — demand breakthroughs and resources that can meet the moment with clarity and conviction.

I founded Breakthrough Philanthropy to bring all of my skills, experience, and education – plus my formidable yet pragmatic brand of optimism – to the work of philanthropic advising and consulting.

With nearly 15 years of philanthropy experience, I’ve held community foundation strategy and impact roles; led a complex adaptive systems change funder coalition; advised city-based funders and strategic intermediaries; and built and led a global philanthropic function at an investment firm.

My life’s work is about creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond what any of us can do on our own.

  • College of Saint Benedict (B.A.) | Princeton University School of Public & International Affairs (M.P.A.) | Stanford Law School (J.D.) | University of Pennsylvania (Certificate of High Impact Philanthropy) | 21/64 Certified Advisor | Building Impact Partners Certified Meaningful Giving Guide | Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (exp. 2025)

Breakthrough clients get more strategic clarity, create more impact, and have a champion in their corner.

  • “Our organization and its impact would not be anywhere near where it is today without her support.”

    “Amy brings to her work a rare combination of expertise, judgment, and vision that, along with her infectious positivity, truly makes her an ideal partner. As a first-time philanthropic executive leading an organization through a startup phase into one of accelerated growth, I have relied on and benefited immeasurably from Amy's guidance and collaboration.

    Amy is detail-oriented and yet sees the big picture. She has a mastery of the core fundamentals and yet is not satisfied with the status quo. She is knowledgeable and forthright and yet approaches her work with curiosity and humility. She's just one of those people who makes you smile and think to yourself, ‘I don't know how she does it, but I sure am glad that she's on my side.’”

    Andrew Dayton, Constellation Fund

  • “World-class work. I am astonished at how far we have come in just 18 months.”

    “Amy’s signature strengths are moving seamlessly between the strategic/conceptual and the actionable/concrete, her unique ability to infuse our family’s deeply-held values into all aspects of our philanthropy, and the excellence of her work. 

    After two days of facilitating our family philanthropy retreat, Amy surprised us with a philanthropic identity video that still takes our breath away – it truly captured who we are as a family. The process of working together on our philanthropy during and after the retreat has led to a meaningful, positive shift in family engagement and deepened expectations for philanthropic impact.”


    Marcia Page, SKL Family Foundation

  • “Amy’s experience, expertise, and coaching are saving me from learning so many things the hard way!”

    “Amy’s work was completely customized to us - a totally boutique experience. Working together has been an investment in a high quality future for our foundation. She sees how all the pieces fit together. As a new Executive Director, Amy’s experience, expertise, and coaching are saving me from learning so many things the hard way!”

    Kristen Eason, SKL Family Foundation

  • “Working with Amy was a game-changer for our team.”

    “Working with Amy was a game-changer for our team.” Her guidance helped us develop a transparent, effective plan and establish a new way of working. Amy's expertise and approach made a real difference, and we’re grateful for the lasting impact.

    Saanii Hernandez, Constellation Fund

Let’s connect over coffee (or Zoom) and start living your legacy today.