I am proud to announce the launch of CivicAIM, a philanthropy consulting practice.

With emphasis squarely on supporting grantmakers – private and family foundations, funder collaboratives, and social entrepreneurs – in every detail, CivicAIM works with philanthropists committed to producing bold and effective change in the giving priorities they seek to support.

The refined focus to grantmaking effectiveness is highlighted in the name change from Advocacy In Motion Consulting to “CivicAIM”. With this rebrand in mind, CivicAIM is structured to focus on producing positive community impact by advising grantmakers of practices and strategies geared to achieve their intended outcome of giving. A vast majority of my time this last decade has been spent examining a variety of philanthropic models, designing, implementing, and evaluating giving for purposes of effectiveness and efficiency, and helping create and elevate the stories funders share to build the professional field of philanthropy, and most importantly, realize positive impacts in the communities they support.

Civic: of or relating to citizens or community affairs
Aim: a purpose or intention; a desired outcome
CivicAIM: Advising grantmakers of effective practices and strategies geared to achieve their intended outcome of philanthropic giving.

I invite you to explore the launch of civicaim.com showcasing core services to funders, client testimonials, and case studies of support, with more case studies to come in 2016! Additionally, as a way to interact with people serious about philanthropic strategy, I created this blog to learn and exchange resources and experiences in strategic giving. I truly look forward to hearing from you and will equally share the insights and resources I learn.

Purposeful philanthropy enables the opportunity to be the change you seek in the world. So if you look to ramp up your philanthropic giving, CivicAIM stands ready to provide thoughtful, personalized, and field tested guidance to translate your philanthropic aims into reality.— Erica V. Ekwurzel, Founder, CivicAIM