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Smart Philanthropy

labelWe want our children and grandchildren to prosper in just and sustainable societies and to inherit a verdant, resilient world. It is a hope we all share. If you have the blessing of abundant resources, you may want to help others live healthy, productive lives and ensure a bountiful planet for future generations. And there is much reason for hope. Today, more philanthropic resources are devoted to solving the world’s most challenging problems than ever before.

But good intentions are not enough. The world is an increasingly complex place, composed of highly interdependent social, ecological, economic, technological, cultural and political systems. Philanthropic efforts that do not account for this complexity, relying on false hopes rather than strong evidence and sound planning, typically have very disappointing results.

For charitable initiatives and programs to have a lasting positive impact and avoid unintended consequences, ethics must be coupled with creative thinking and the best science. Today, more than ever, we need Smart Philanthropy.

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Our Smart Philanthropy program translates good intentions into effective, sustainable solutions that best leverage your generosity and positively impact the world.
We work with individuals, alumni, and international, national, community and corporate foundations.

Our goal is to stimulate data-driven performance and scale solutions to heighten impact.  We help individual donors and foundations “invest in evidence” by putting philanthropic dollars to work:

  • streamlining and improving the most promising programs  by enhancing performance management capacities through real-time feedback processes and systems
  • expanding successful programs to new constituencies and geographic areas
  • creating collective impact by building powerful coalitions among organizations working on common problems through evidence-based visioning, leveraging resources, and strategic development
  • identifying opportunities for new initiatives and developing rigorous metrics for program assessment

We achieve these goals by securing the best vehicles for impact investing, including the use of donor-advised funds, supporting organizations that decrease administrative costs and burdens, and private foundations focused on specific philanthropic goals.

Whether you are an individual relatively new to the complex world of philanthropy, or a seasoned manager of a foundation serving the diverse philanthropic aspirations of clients, we can develop strategic plans and programs that make every dollar count.
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Working with UF CAIRES presents donors the opportunity to achieve four key benefits:

  • You will receive personalized attention to your philanthropic aspirations and goals with the development of a customized plan.
  • Your funding will be put to use in a way that best leverages your investment while maximizing on-the-ground success and the long-term sustainability of results. We translate your passions into lasting impact.
  • You will fortify the University of Florida’s strong tradition of cutting-edge scholarship targeted to public service and global welfare.
  • You will contribute to the intellectual growth, practical skill building, and career development of UF’s best undergraduate students.

Join us in developing creative solutions that benefit people and planet!

 To learn more about how CAIRES can help realize your philanthropic vision click here

To set up an initial consultation with UF CAIRES, simply call our office (352-273-2380), or email us (uf-caires@ufl.edu).