Making Philanthropy Make a Difference
To give away money is an easy matter and in any man’s power. But to decide to whom to give it and how large and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man’s power nor an easy matter.
As one of the nation’s first national charitable consulting and management firms, Sterling brings decades of experience to help our clients achieve their philanthropic goals and build a lasting legacy. Thousands of professionals and families have sought our advice, and we have created and managed hundreds of charitable organizations.
Sterling’s expertise in these areas is unmatched. We are not only skillful advisors, we are also knowledgeable personal charity leaders ourselves. Our principals have started and run public charities, served as trustees of many non-profit organizations, managed large private foundations, evaluated numerous charities, as well as developed successful charitable-giving strategies for many of our clients.
We offer a wide range of services designed to fit the unique needs of each of our clients:
- Comprehensive Management Services – Sterling will help you create and manage your charitable organization, taking care of the many details important to its success. Filing articles of incorporation, accounting, tax preparation, grant management and due diligence are just some of the important and valuable services we cover.*
- Advisory Services – We draw from our deep experience to ensure your charitable efforts are doing the most good, through strategic planning and facilitation, innovative programming development, impact evaluation, succession planning and other services.
- Donor-Advised Fund – Sterling’s DAF is designed to give you flexibility in your philanthropy, allowing you to contribute to the charities of your choosing in the amounts and timeframes that work best for you.
Sterling works directly with you, your family and your financial, investment and legal advisors to develop and implement strategies designed to best meet your philanthropic and financial needs. We do not manage investments or custody assets or provide direct tax, legal or investment advice*, rather we serve as experts in the business of philanthropy who bring both not-for profit and for-profit industry experience to our work on your behalf.
While we know the business of philanthropy, we also understand that charitable activity is very personal. That’s why we take the time to understand your values and objectives – and we work closely with you to translate your vision into effective action.
Whether the best vehicle for you is a private foundation, a public charity, a supporting organization or Sterling’s Donor-Advised Fund, we’ll help you maximize its effectiveness to achieve your philanthropic goals. Through Sterling’s Individualized Approach, we provide Innovative Solutions to deliver Unrivaled Impact.
That’s the key to Making Philanthropy Make a Difference. We are gratified by the impact our clients are making on the world and are honored to be a part of their philanthropic journey.
* Sterling does not custody assets or provide direct tax, legal or investment advice. Any tax or estate planning work is done in close coordination with each client’s team of professional advisors. For clients without their own tax, accounting or legal advisors, Sterling works with independent exempt organization accounting and legal specialists to prepare and file tax returns or provide legal guidance.