Philanthropy Practice Informed by Robust Experience
Allison Erdle founded Erdle Consulting Group to support discerning donors, foundations, and their advisors to reimagine their giving and ensure their philanthropic legacy. ECG does this by providing personalized assessments and actionable roadmaps to achieve transformative, purpose-driven impact.
Allison brings deep roots in the nonprofit sector, with experience across a wide variety of issue areas and industries. She’s partnered with the public sector, businesses, funders, nonprofits and communities to drive a different perspective of how to solve some of our most complex community challenges . She has over 30 years of expertise in community engagement, building nonprofit capacity and leadership, developing strong foundation operations, governance and next generation strategies, and strengthening fiduciary, strategic and generative goals for funder leadership.
WHY OUR WORK MATTERS
With over 30 years of experience supporting the philanthropic ecosystem—including nonprofits, communities, businesses, individuals, and foundations—Erdle Consulting Group has witnessed firsthand the systemic inefficiencies that hold back transformative change.
Philanthropy in the U.S. is a $550+ billion capital market—yet it remains fragmented, slow-moving, and often hamstrung by donor restrictions that limit nonprofits’ ability to fulfill their missions. Decision-making is notoriously sluggish, while the challenges facing our communities grow ever more complex and urgent. Nonprofits spend an outsized portion of their time and resources fundraising and chasing annual grants, rather than focusing on long-term impact. Meanwhile, donors and foundations, inundated by information and choices, often experience “giving paralysis”—uncertain how to make their contributions truly matter.
While private philanthropy cannot—and should not—replace government funding, it does possess a unique privilege: the ability to act swiftly, flexibly, and with bold accountability. The question is, will we or can we rise to meet this moment and unlock the sector’s true potential?
Our Expertise
We partner with individual donors, families, foundations and their advisors to provide philanthropy products and services that help build your unique plan, advance your philanthropic knowledge and craft tailored philanthropic strategies, drawing on best practices from leading foundations and philanthropists.
With over 30 years of experience in institutional, private, corporate, equity and international fundraising, non-profit and foundation management, 4th generation family foundation board member, community partnership and convening, and asset management partnership with advisors, Erdle Consulting brings a holistic approach to philanthropy.
Strategic Philanthropy, Planning + Governance:
Crafting philanthropic plans and governance frameworks rooted in your unique values, systems thinking, and decisive leadership.
Operational Excellence + Impact:
Establishing structures for operational effectiveness, implementing evidence-based grantmaking, and rigorously measuring impact based on organizational and individual goals.
Developing Relationships, Partnerships + Community Engagement:
Fostering trust and alignment among donors, boards, foundations, nonprofits, and communities—centering community voices and convening key stakeholders for collective action in a way that feels comfortable and supported.
Learning, Advocacy, + Knowledge Building:
Curating ongoing learning, deepening issue expertise, and navigating advocacy efforts in partnership with stakeholders for sustainable, systemic change.
Why WORK WITH US?
At Erdle Consulting Group, philanthropy isn’t a sideline — it’s our sole focus. While many firms may add philanthropic consulting to their financial or investment offerings, we are dedicated exclusively to serving philanthropists and building, implementing, and evolving your unique plan.
The ECG Advantage
The Philanthropy Practice by Erdle Consulting Group provides an expert, unbiased guide to help you move quickly from uncertain focus to measurable impact. Our products and services offer a unique value-add for your wealth, estate, investment managers and advisors—ensuring your philanthropic vision is seamlessly integrated with your overall wealth strategy.
With ECG, philanthropy becomes a dynamic, evolving practice. We are your trusted partner on this journey, equipping you to lead, learn, and create lasting change.