Bold Ideas

Purposeful Philanthropy

Real Impact

We partner with companies, foundations, and organizations to create smart strategy, purposeful programs, and powerful spaces for collaboration and action.

Contact Us
Contact Us
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Who We Are

The team at Ideas in Philanthropy is a group of builders, big thinkers, facilitators, grants gurus, problem solvers, stellar project managers and storytellers — with deep expertise across corporate and private philanthropy, community engagement, public health, communications, and beyond. We also happen to be fun to work with — we bring energy, humor, and genuine enthusiasm to every project we're on.

At the heart of our work is a commitment to meeting clients where they are — designing tailored solutions that reflect their unique context, assets, and aspirations. Our role is to be a steady partner, offering focus, flexibility, and follow-through — especially when navigating complexity. With the right blend of structure and adaptability, we help funders, companies, and organizations move from wherever they are to where they want to be.

We're with you every step of the way.

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What We Are Valued For

  • Abstract digital art of a woman's profile with geometric and organic shapes, including leaves, circles, and lines, in muted tones of beige, maroon, and black.

    Big-Picture Thinking

    We see the system, the signals, and the solutions—connecting dots others miss to move big ideas from vision to impact.

  • An abstract illustration featuring a pyramid with seven human silhouettes walking along its base and a large tree in front of the pyramid. The background incorporates geometric lines, circles, and dots, creating a futuristic and minimalist design.

    Creative Pragmatism

    We blend bold ideas with practical know-how to go from strategy to action.

  • Digital illustration of two hands, one dark and one light, reaching out to touch a glowing red orb surrounded by geometric shapes and lines.

    Steady Hands

    We bring calm, clarity, and follow-through—especially when the path forward is complex or uncertain.

  • Abstract architectural design featuring geometric shapes, lines, and silhouettes of people, centered around a large circular structure.

    Architecture for Shared Momentum

    We bring people into the room—and into alignment—to unlock what's possible together.

What Our Clients Say

  • “I had the opportunity to serve as a speaker for a health equity convening that Erica and her team organized. Their preparation was exceptional—Erica ensured we were grounded in the goals, clear on our roles, and fully supported every step of the way. She brought a calm, confident presence that put me at ease and made the entire experience both smooth and meaningful.”

    Vanessa Johnson, JD
    Co-Executive Director, Ribbon-A Center of Excellence
    www.ribbon3.org

  • “Having had the privilege of working alongside Erica while I was at CareQuest, I can attest to her extraordinary capabilities, sharp intellect, and truly exceptional interpersonal skills in the philanthropic world. She is, quite simply, a joy to collaborate with. Her approach is characterized by an effortless blend of professionalism, intelligence, and a delightful sense of humor. She consistently demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge of sector trends and practices and a remarkable ability to deliver results promptly and efficiently. Beyond her analytical prowess, Erica possesses an unparalleled ability to build and nurture relationships. She took a considerable workload off my team by proactively fostering strong connections with our partner grantees. She understood their needs and challenges more intimately than we ever could, celebrating their successes and adeptly troubleshooting their difficulties. Erica consistently served as a wonderful and insightful bridge between the funder and grantee organizations, ensuring seamless communication and mutual understanding. Erica is a rare talent who combines profound intelligence with genuine warmth and an exceptional ability to drive meaningful outcomes.”

    Melodie Griffin
    Director of Grants
    Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida
    https://wildlifeflorida.org

  • “Ideas in Philanthropy proved to be the clear standout among a highly qualified field of strategic planning consultants. The SDAA Strategic Planning Committee was impressed by how deeply Ideas in Philanthropy listened, understood, and connected with the needs of our organization. Erica Weinberg’s thoughtful approach, paired with her team’s collaborative style, made it clear that they were the right partners to guide the SDAA through a transformative planning process.”

    Damon Blackman
    Strategic Planning Committee Chair
    San Diego Astronomy Association