Philanthropy Sherpas
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Advocating Efficacy and Joy in Your Family Philanthropy

About Julia Kittross

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.

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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. 
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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. 
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​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
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Julia Kittross | Philanthropy Sherpas
​Julia@PhilanthropySherpas.com | www.PhilanthropySherpas.com | 206.334.7995 
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  • Home
  • Services
    • Grantmaking Management
    • Retreats & Planning
    • Engaging the Next Generation
    • Learning and Evaluation
    • Board Training & Coaching
    • Interim Staffing & Executive Search
  • Clients
  • About
  • Book!
    • Book Reviews
  • Blog
  • CONTACT