How to Build a Sustainable and Scalable Philanthropic Program

Building a philanthropic program that is both sustainable and scalable requires intentional planning, long-term vision, and a deep understanding of the causes you aim to support. For business leaders and philanthropists, creating a program that makes a lasting impact involves several key steps, ranging from identifying the right partnerships to ensuring transparency and accountability.

Michael Shvartsman, an active philanthropist, offers insights based on his experience supporting numerous causes. He believes that the success of any philanthropic endeavor depends on both the values behind the initiative and the strategy used to execute it.

Define Your Purpose and Focus.

To create a sustainable program, the first step is clearly defining your purpose and the areas where your efforts will have the most impact. Rather than spreading resources thinly across many causes, it’s essential to focus on specific issues where your contributions can truly make a difference. Whether it’s education, healthcare, or environmental conservation, narrowing the scope allows for deeper, more meaningful engagement with the cause. Michael Shvartsman emphasizes the importance of aligning your philanthropic goals with your values. "A strong philanthropic program should reflect the values you hold," he explains. "When your efforts align with your personal or organizational mission, the work becomes more authentic and more likely to make a significant difference."

Build Strategic Partnerships.

Philanthropy is rarely a solo endeavor. To maximize impact, it’s essential to build partnerships with organizations that have expertise in the areas you wish to support. Collaborating with established nonprofits, community organizations, or local governments helps amplify your efforts and ensures that resources are being directed toward projects that are effective and aligned with the community’s needs. Michael Shvartsman highlights the value of such collaborations: "Working with experienced organizations provides the structure and knowledge necessary for long-term success. It’s about creating relationships with partners who can help you navigate the challenges and make sure your contributions are making the intended impact."

Ensure Long-Term Sustainability.

One of the challenges in philanthropy is making sure programs are impactful in the short term and sustainable over time. To ensure longevity, philanthropists should focus on creating a funding model that guarantees ongoing support. This might involve endowments, setting aside a percentage of profits, or establishing a foundation dedicated to the cause.

Sustainability also hinges on empowering the communities you aim to support. Rather than simply providing one-off donations, sustainable philanthropy involves building capacity within those communities, enabling them to continue the work long after the initial funding is gone. Michael Shvartsman underscores the importance of thinking long-term: "Sustainability is about creating a program that continues to operate effectively even when external funding decreases. You want the people you’re supporting to be self-sufficient eventually."

Embrace Transparency and Accountability.

A sustainable philanthropic program must also be accountable and transparent. Clear metrics and regular reporting ensure that funds are being used effectively and that the program remains aligned with its goals. Accountability builds trust among donors, partners, and the beneficiaries themselves. "Transparency is critical," says Michael Shvartsman. "It’s about showing where the money goes and measuring outcomes and making sure that the resources you provide lead to measurable and lasting results."

Scale Your Efforts Thoughtfully.

Once a philanthropic program is established and running smoothly, the next step is scaling the initiative. Scaling, however, should be done carefully and thoughtfully to ensure the original mission is not lost. Expanding a program too quickly can dilute its impact, while growing at the right pace allows for more control and more meaningful engagement. "Scaling a philanthropic initiative requires patience," Michael Shvartsman advises. "You have to make sure you’ve laid the groundwork before expanding. That means ensuring you have the right infrastructure, the right partners, and the right level of community involvement."

Involve Others in Your Vision.

Sustainability and scalability are strengthened when others share your vision and get involved in the effort. Engaging employees, stakeholders, and other donors in your philanthropic efforts can provide fresh perspectives, additional resources, and greater reach. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, or advocacy, encouraging widespread participation can help scale and sustain your program. Michael Shvartsman believes that creating opportunities for others to contribute is essential: "Philanthropy is something everyone can be part of, and when more people get involved, the collective impact grows. It’s about donating funds and creating a network of people who are passionate about making a difference."

Building a sustainable and scalable philanthropic program takes careful planning, collaboration, and a long-term approach. By aligning your efforts with your values, partnering with knowledgeable organizations, ensuring accountability, and thinking long-term, you can create a program that grows over time and continues to make an impact. Michael Shvartsman’s approach to philanthropy emphasizes the importance of thoughtful strategy and genuine engagement with the causes being supported. With these principles in mind, philanthropists can develop programs that are sustainable and that leave a lasting legacy of positive change.