"IN THE FIELD" EXPERIENCES
Learning Beyond the Boardroom
Philanthropy is often shaped in conference rooms and around kitchen tables.
But clarity changes when you step into the field. When you sit across from the people closest to the issue. When you hear from leaders navigating complexity in real time. When assumptions soften and understanding deepens.
“In the Field” experiences are designed to bridge strategy and lived reality — thoughtfully curated, intimate, and grounded in learning.
IMPACT EXCURSIONS
Local Immersion. Immediate Insight.
Impact Excursions are curated, small-group experiences that connect you directly with organizations addressing pressing issues in your own community.
These are not tours. They are structured conversations and guided learning experiences.
A typical Impact Excursion may include:
- Visits to 2–3 mission-aligned organizations
- Conversations with executive leaders and frontline practitioners
- Context-setting briefings on the broader ecosystem
- Facilitated reflection to translate insight into action
Participants leave with:
- A more nuanced understanding of the issue
- Stronger relationships with community leaders
- Greater confidence in funding decisions
- Renewed energy and engagement
What It Feels Like
Instead of reading about food insecurity, you’re walking through a distribution hub, speaking with the program director, asking questions about policy barriers and funding gaps. You also have the opportunity to hear directly from the individuals who benefit from the programs.
Instead of discussing workforce development abstractly, you’re listening to apprentices describe how skilled trades changed the trajectory of their lives.
The experience shifts from intellectual interest to informed conviction.
Ideal For....
Families: Engage rising generations in something tangible. Move beyond discussion into discovery.
Advisory Firms & Financial Institutions: Host a client experience that goes beyond a luncheon. An Impact Excursion creates shared perspective — and often deeper, more meaningful conversations about values and purpose.
DAF Providers & Foundations: Offer donors a deeper connection to the communities they support — strengthening both insight and commitment.
“Thank you so much for the [site visits] yesterday. I had such a great experience and went home last night, and came back to work today, with renewed energy….I learned so much about our target organizations….I would love to do it again – anytime.” - family office executive
CUSTOM LEARNING JOURNEYS
Combine Travel with Impact
Our expertly curated Custom Learning Journeys let you explore national and global issues, engage with communities, and learn from local experts. Whether you integrate it into your vacation, a family meeting, or plan a dedicated trip, we create unique itineraries tailored to your interests.
Shared Experiences, Shared Impact: Families Discover the Power of Giving Back Together
Some philanthropic questions require a wider lens.
Custom Learning Journeys are immersive, multi-day experiences — regional, national, or global — designed around a specific issue or philanthropic focus.
These journeys combine:
- Curated site visits
- Meetings with community leaders and social entrepreneurs
- Context-setting briefings
- Facilitated family or group dialogue
- Time for reflection and integration
They can be woven into:
- A family vacation
- A family meeting
- A foundation retreat
- Or a dedicated philanthropic exploration
What It Feels Like
You’re no longer reading reports about girls’ education — you’re sitting in a classroom, hearing directly from students and educators about what’s working and what remains fragile.
You’re not simply funding entrepreneurship — you’re meeting founders, understanding capital gaps, and witnessing resilience firsthand.
These experiences often shift not just strategy — but perspective.
- They strengthen family bonds.
- They deepen shared purpose.
- They expand worldview.
“I just wanted to say another big thank you for all you did to facilitate such an amazing, meaningful trip. From the trip planning to the discussions on the ground, everything was well-executed and professional.” - philanthropist who participated in a Learning Journey