Elevate your philanthropic advising practice
High impact philanthropy is about more than giving — it’s about making meaningful change. Advising for Impact is an executive education program for professionals who work with donors and philanthropic families, equipping you with the tools, frameworks, and confidence to help your clients maximize the impact of their giving.
Designed and delivered by the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for High Impact Philanthropy (CHIP), this selective program combines expertise from our respected High Impact Philanthropy Academy, 20 years of applied research, and peer-to-peer learning to enhance your advising practice and accelerate your clients’ ability to do good.
Applications are open now for the 2026 cohort—secure your place today.
Who should attend?
Advising for Impact is designed for professionals who counsel philanthropists and philanthropic families, including:
- Family office executives
- Dedicated philanthropic advisors
- Wealth managers and financial planners
- Estate and tax planning professionals
Whether you already incorporate social impact into your practice or want to respond to clients seeking more meaningful giving, this program provides the frameworks and skills you need to lead with confidence.
What Our Network Says
“This has expanded how I think about giving personally as well as greater discussions to have with clients.”
What will you gain?
Upon successful completion of the course and exam, you will earn the Certificate in Advising for Impact from the University of Pennsylvania and join a lasting network of peers committed to driving greater impact through giving.
You will gain the skills and capabilities to advise clients in high impact philanthropy, based on our own applied research on what high net worth clients need from their advising teams. You will leave with:
- A proven framework on how to achieve the greatest social good
- Real-world strategies for navigating values, motivations, and complex philanthropic goals
- Practical tools to adapt high impact philanthropy principles to unique client situations
- Confidence and clarity to guide clients toward meaningful outcomes
Certified Financial Planners earn 24 continuing education credits, and other professionals may be eligible for credit under their credentialing programs.
What Our Network Says
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of the inaugural class. I loved the coursework, the people, and the mission.”
What will you learn?
High impact philanthropy focuses first on social impact—meaningful improvements for people’s lives and their communities —rather than other considerations, such as tax advantage or personal networks.
During in-person and interactive online sessions, you will:
- Explore the principles of high impact philanthropy and their practical application
- Learn four major philanthropic plays and how to guide clients through their trade-offs
- Examine philanthropic culture, motivations, and values
- Strengthen skills in negotiation and stakeholder management
- Understand common legal considerations and how to overcome barriers to impact
- Work through real-world client cases and problems of practice
Faculty include experts from our University of Pennsylvania home, including the Graduate School of Education, Wharton, and the School of Social Policy & Practice, alongside leading practitioners from the philanthropic advising field.
The learning experience
This program blends the best of in-person and online learning, based on best practices in executive learning.
- Immersive in-person sessions on Penn’s Ivy League campus
- Interactive online classes to reinforce learning and fit your schedule
- A highly experienced, carefully selected cohort of peers
- A community of practice that extends well beyond the program
What Our Network Says
“The in-person sessions were very well put together, especially those on decision-making, negotiation, and assessment. They introduced new ways for me to analyze and think about my work. I’m most excited to bring back the structure of the guided facilitation to my team.”
2026 program dates & curriculum
Introductory Session (Zoom)
Wednesday, May 20, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET
In-Person Sessions (Penn Campus)
Wednesday, May 27, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET
Thursday, May 28, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET
Online Case Sessions (Zoom)
Thursday, June 4, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET
Thursday, June 25, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET
Tuition and admissions
Tuition: $4,000 (includes breakfast and lunch during on-campus sessions)
Early Bird Rate: $3,500 for registrations received by January 31
The admissions process is interview-based, ensuring a strong fit between your goals and the program and creating a high-caliber learning cohort. No transcripts or test scores are required.
Start your application: Application for Advising for Impact
Cancellation Policy:
- Cancel more than 90 days before the program: full transfer or refund minus $1,000 administrative cost
- Cancel within 90 days: transfer minus $1,000 administrative cost
- Cancel within 30 days: 50% fee transfer
Group Rates: Contact Nick Matlin at nmatlin@upenn.edu for details.