Philanthro/be is a consultancy that supports individuals and collectives to visualize and innovate the future. Using systems design and the principles of feminist philanthropy, we shift patterns and map new stories.
I am an author, public speaker and philanthropic strategist with over 20 years of civic leadership experience and a masters degree in Whole Systems Design. I work between silos and establish new pathways by creating a shared vision and finding small levers of change.
My framework, outlined in A Generous Heart, Changing the World Through Feminist Philanthropy, inspires philanthropists and catalyzes communities to work together on things that matter.
Street art in Oaxaca, Mexico, 2025
WHAT I OFFER
Cohort Design Sessions: small gatherings for individual leaders, visionaries, creatives and activists to test ideas and build communities of change within your circle of influence.
What you get: a full day session (5 hours) with a cohort of other paradigm disruptors to visualize and innovate the future Cost: sliding scale $500-$1250
What If? Design Packages: work on your organizations goals through a systems change and feminist philanthropy lens. From reimagining community events to leading team workshops, I support your leadership in designing the future possibilities that will shift mindsets and create momentum for your future mission, vision and/or goals.
What you get: a creative collaborator to brainstorm the possibilities of change, whether its reexamining the way you engage volunteers and donors or reimagining your long term vision Cost: project dependent; reach out for a discovery call to discuss scope of work.
One-on-one: individual sessions to align your privilege with your purpose, creating an actionable plan to activate the change you want to see in the world (90 minutes via zoom)
What you get: the tools to clarify and name your purpose and privilege and a framework to map a course of action to create change in your community. Cost: $250
Annual retreat: take time out to explore the ideas of philanthro/be further and deeper with a dedicated collective of other women. Together we rest and recalibrate in order to imagine what’s next and what’s possible.
What you get: a two-night stay on Whidbey Island, a cohort of supportive women, freshly prepared food and forest walks, and a deep dive into envisioning the future you want (for your community, your business, yourself) and the levers of change available to you. Cost: $750-1250 sliding scale, not including travel and lodging
Together we have the power to transform our shared reality.
“I am so impressed with the thoughtfulness [Kristen] brings to the work and I have been inspired to be informed, be intentional, and be joyful with my own giving. I so appreciate the lens ‘feminist philanthropy’ and systems-thinking brings to charitable giving in the modern world. ”
- Erik Hanberg, The Little Book of Gold: Fundraising for Small (and Very Small) Nonprofits
A Generous Heart, Changing the World Through Feminist Philanthropy is an exploration of what it means to be a philanthropist: equal parts strategy, story, and encouragement for anyone inspired to align their privilege with purpose.
Feminist philanthropy operates on the principles of solidarity, agency, and reciprocity. It is a movement of people who recognize nature as a guide and treat each other as one. Using feminism to develop our philanthropy engages a systems perspective, one that shifts our narrative from extraction to co-creation, and centers our giving on achieving wholeness and equity.
You are a philanthropist – and you have everything you need to make a difference.