My name is Julia Kittross (aka Philanthropy Sherpas) and I have more than 35 years of experience in the non-profit world and philanthropy, operational as well as managerial. 

Why I do this work? I believe that informed, intentional and measured actions can make the world a better place.

​Those of you who worked hard to earn or steward resources also want to make sure your philanthropy achieves the impacts you wish for. I can help.

​Today, I concentrate on working with families to organize and reorganize foundations, donor advised funds and check-book giving. I promote engagement and learning; foster an approach to happily resolve troublesome dynamics within families giving together; assist in finding agreement on goals and how to achieve them; and aid in accessing progress and impact. I can be the guide, porter, and planner and partner for your philanthropy adventures — helping you to enjoy your philanthropic achievements.

I have worked with hundreds of trustees, donors and staff of private foundations, individual philanthropists, public and community foundations, and corporate grantmakers. 

My experience ranges from start-up bootstrapping to organizational management. Career highlights include working as the first full-time CEO ​of Philanthropy Northwest (a multi-state regional association of grantmakers), founding partner of The Giving Practice and Executive Director of the Laird Norton Family Foundation.  ​I am one of a small group of consultants trained by the National Center for Family Philanthropy to lead family foundations through its Pursuit of Excellence Assessment. And I am also a Senior Advisor with The Philanthropic Initiative in Boston and was recently appointed to the evaluation committee of The Unfunded List. 
​
​Download my resume here.

Julia's in-depth knowledge of family foundations and the dynamics they entail 
were very helpful to us in clarifying our future direction. Her help was invaluable.

— Virginia R. Cornyn 
President
The Cornyn Foundation