Philanthropic Services

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Purpose-Driven Giving for Impact and Legacy

Whittier Trust helps families, individuals, and mission-driven foundations bring their philanthropic vision to life with thoughtful strategy, high-touch support, and disciplined execution. Our Private Philanthropy Services simplify the complexities of giving—reducing administrative burdens while maximizing impact—so you can focus on what matters most: making a difference.

President & CEO David Dahl and Senior VP & Client Advisor Kiley Barnhorst MacDonald

What Are Philanthropic Services?

Our Philanthropic Services encompass everything from establishing and administering family and private foundations to supporting professionally-staffed foundations and managing donor-advised funds, strategic grantmaking, and charitable planning.

Philanthropic vehicles provide a powerful opportunity to strengthen your estate, unify families, instill values in future generations, and drive meaningful community impact. With Whittier Trust, your giving is strategic, purposeful, and aligned with your personal and family goals.

Tailored Support for Both Family and Professional Philanthropic Organizations

Holistic Expertise Across Generations

With more than seven decades of experience, we bring deep knowledge in tax planning, law, nonprofit operations, and family dynamics. We understand that philanthropy isn’t just financial. It’s deeply personal.

Trusted Partner to Mission-Driven Foundations

We work seamlessly with professionally staffed and board-led foundations, offering high-touch administrative, strategic, and compliance support. Whether supplementing internal staff or serving as your central office, we bring rigor, responsiveness, and a shared commitment to your mission.

Integrated Into Your Wealth Strategy

Philanthropy doesn’t sit in a silo. Our process aligns charitable giving with your broader estate and financial planning strategies, optimizing both impact and tax efficiency.

Family-Centered Approach

We help families engage multiple generations through education, junior boards, and family retreats, supporting shared understanding and long-term alignment around philanthropic goals.

Your Legacy, Thoughtfully Designed

Clients trust Whittier Trust to design a giving strategy that reflects their values, simplifies the process, and amplifies impact.

Our Process

Discovery

We begin by understanding your values, legacy goals, and desired impact.

Customization

Your dedicated team designs a bespoke strategy tailored to your family or foundation’s needs.

Implementation

From compliance and grantmaking to family meetings, we handle the details so you can enjoy the joy of giving.

Ongoing Support

We continuously adapt and refine our services to maximize your philanthropic impact and minimize administrative burdens.

Hear from Ashley Fontanetta, Senior Vice President

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How We Help

Comprehensive foundation and donor-advised fund support — from setup through governance and reporting.
Central administrative hub for family and professional foundations — streamlining operations and reducing complexity.
Strategic grantmaking and compliance oversight — advancing mission while managing risk.
Next-generation engagement — including education, retreats, and junior board facilitation.
Tax-efficient giving strategies — integrated with estate and wealth plans.
Leadership transition and restructuring support — to maintain continuity through change.
Endowment stewardship and impact investment options — aligning capital with purpose.
Introductions to aligned philanthropic partners — strengthening networks and impact.
Board preparation and planning support — from governance frameworks to meeting facilitation.

Why Work With Whittier Trust?

With a legacy rooted in philanthropy and more than seven decades of experience, Whittier Trust is your trusted partner for impactful giving. We provide:

Expertise in navigating complex family dynamics and tax-efficient giving
A dedicated, high-touch service model focused on your unique needs
Proven success in uniting families and maximizing community impact
Seamless integration with broader wealth, estate, and tax strategies

Our dedicated team of philanthropic advisors brings seamless administration, strategic expertise, and heartfelt service to every relationship.

Amanda Buntmann, VP and Client Advisor in Philanthropic Services

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