Strategic Philanthropy
Founder’s Playbook
Shifting philanthropy toward underinvested issues is essential—but challenging—especially for areas long overlooked or misunderstood. In these cases, no single foundation can create the scale needed for systemic change. Progress depends on a shared evidence base and constructive engagement that enable funders to act collectively and with confidence.
Strategy by Robert Espinoza; design by Leanne Locher and Associates and RD Design for Funders for LGBTQ Issues, with images courtesy of Funders for LGBTQ Issues.
Designing What Comes Next
-
When impact depends on how resources are allocated. Private foundations increasingly understood that their individual grantmaking portfolios could only achieve so much without coordination across the field. Yet funding patterns showed that many organizations closest to the challenges faced by marginalized communities remained under-resourced. Structural disparities were rarely examined directly, even as the need for more effective, targeted investment became clearer.
The challenge was engaging funders in rethinking allocation practices—without prescribing outcomes or undermining philanthropic autonomy.
-
Using research to foster dialogue and learning. To establish a credible baseline for change, Robert Espinoza led a multi-year research and communications effort grounded in evidence and constructive dialogue. The work required a nuanced understanding of how foundations classify grants, how concepts of inclusion and equity were applied in practice, and how community-based organizations articulated their missions and value.
The goal was not to confront, but to inform—helping funders see new opportunities to strengthen their impact.
-
A field-wide shift grounded in data, trust, and transparency. Under Robert’s leadership, the initiative created a shared evidence base for LGBTQ philanthropy—pairing rigorous analysis with accessible, funder-focused communications. Benchmark studies and comparative assessments reframed conversations about inclusion and effectiveness, offering a constructive framework that encouraged engagement rather than defensiveness.
Within a short period, foundations increased investment in organizations serving communities most affected by inequality, both in total dollars and as a share of LGBTQ giving. The work elevated under-resourced organizations, strengthened grantee fundraising and partnerships, and influenced philanthropic thinking ahead of broader sector trends—demonstrating how trusted data and thoughtful framing can align resources more closely with real-world needs.
“Robert Espinoza has a sophisticated understanding of how philanthropy, impact investing, and social change organizations intersect. His work on the caregiving economy shows how these sectors can align to strengthen both the care workforce and the systems that depend on it.”
— Sampriti Ganguli, Founder of Ganguli Associates LLC and former CEO of Arabella Advisors, one of the nation’s leading philanthropic advisory firms.
“Robert Espinoza has a powerful ability to combine rigorous research with strategic communications. He understands how philanthropy operates—from how foundations make decisions to how ideas gain traction—and uses that insight to help move important issues forward in this critical sector.”
— Rani Snyder, President, The John A. Hartford Foundation, a nationally recognized foundation advancing age-friendly health systems and better care for older adults.”
“Robert Espinoza has a powerful ability to combine rigorous research with strategic communications. He understands how philanthropy operates—from how foundations make decisions to how ideas gain traction—and uses that insight to help move important issues forward in this critical sector.”
— Karen Zelermyer, former Executive Director, Funders for LGBTQ Issues and former Board Chair, Astrae Lesbian Foundation for Justice
Meet the Founder
Robert Espinoza is a nationally recognized workforce and care economy strategist and CEO of The CareWorks Project, partnering with leaders to redesign long-term care systems so people live with dignity, workers thrive, and communities prosper.