Being in the Room: Our Greatest Asset as Philanthropic Advisors

By: Darcy Addison, Partner and Advisor

In the world of philanthropic advising, our value is often measured by the intricacy of our spreadsheets or the rigor of our due diligence. But at Grant Philanthropic Advisors, we know that the real “secret sauce” of our work isn’t found in a database – it’s found while being in the room.

As advisors, we are the bridges between a donor’s intent and impact. To build those bridges, we have to be “in the wild,” maintaining the networks that allow us to have “water cooler conversations” with peers – to be able to move resources efficiently and insightfully. Recently, a damp, gray Chicago evening reminded me exactly why in-person networking remains the “gold standard” for our field.

The Temptation of the Couch

A few months ago, a friend on the Board of Window to the World Communications / Chicago Public Media invited me as her guest to their annual gala. The setting was the Chicago Cultural Center – a cultural gem, where I was lucky enough to work – followed by a performance at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.

I said yes immediately; I wanted to support my friend’s “time, talent, and treasure.” But when the night arrived, it was a classic, bone-chilling Chicago evening. One of those nights where it makes perfect sense to stay under a blanket watching a movie. In a post-COVID world, we’ve all become experts at the “polite decline.” 

But as philanthropic advisors, our social capital is a primary asset we provide to our clients. When we are offered a literal “seat at the table” – especially one honoring legends like Helen Zell and Richard Colburn – showing up isn’t just a social grace; it’s a professional necessity. As I represent my firm everywhere I go, and I see my role as more of a lifestyle – one that aligns with my values and allows me to enter rooms with really interesting, smart people, who like to talk about the field of philanthropy as much as I do. 

Get Yourself Out There

So, I had to remind myself: You aren’t going to reconnect with a mentor or develop a new partnership from your living room. To be effective in our careers, we have to shake the isolation we’ve adapted to – and connect in-person. While I may only know a few people there, I knew being “in the room” is where the most unexpected and impactful connections happen.

Embrace the Awkward

Networking isn’t always glamorous. When I walked in, it was crowded, noisy, and difficult to hear. I felt that familiar pang of social awkwardness and the hesitation of being out on a “school night.”

But as motivational figure Maria Irving says:

“Your world will expand for every step you dare take outside your comfort zone.”

I pushed through the noise, made eye contact with a former classmate of mine from Loyola’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, and suddenly, the room felt smaller and much more welcoming.

Acknowledge the “Connectors” Who Paved the Way

The highlight of my night happened right near the massive doors of my old office. I ran into Janet Carl Smith, my former boss and the past Deputy Commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs. Janet, like her boss –  the legendary Commissioner, Lois Weisberg – was a true connector. 

In his book The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell describes Lois Weisberg as a “Classic Connector.” He goes on to say that these connectors “are these individuals as people who have a foot in many different worlds and the unique ability to bring them together.” 

Janet had actually met my parents at a small hotel in Italy years ago. My mom – in true Chicago fashion – prodded me to reach out to Janet when I moved back from New York. I thought my mom was out of her mind, but Janet remembered, she helped, and she launched my career.

The Science of “Weak Ties”: Gladwell cites a 1974 study by Mark Granovetter finding that 56% of people found their jobs through a personal connection. Crucially, most were “weak ties” – acquaintances rather than inner-circle friends.

Why this matters for Philanthropic Advisors:

• The Inside Track: We don’t just know the organizations; we know the people behind them, leading them.
• Context is Everything: A quick catch up with a colleague over Zoom reveals more about a nonprofit’s leadership transition than a dozen annual reports.
• Leveraging Trust: When we recommend a grantee or build a learning journey, we leverage our years of building trust in the field.

Paving New Paths for Our Clients

While talking to Janet, I realized she was standing with Amina Dickerson. If you know Chicago philanthropy, you know Amina – a powerhouse who has led Corporate Social Responsibility at Kraft Foods, as well as executive posts at the Smithsonian and the DuSable Museum.

I assumed she wouldn’t remember me from my days at Gallery 37 (now After School Matters). I was wrong. I gave her my card, and we agreed to connect after that evening on a project GPA is currently navigating. This is how we show up for our clients: by being “networked” in the most literal sense, creating a web of influence that they can tap into. We aren’t just looking at the philanthropic landscape; we are part of it.

Take Your Seat at the Table

The takeaway? If you’re invited to the dinner, the party, or the gala: Say yes. And actually show up. 

Our effectiveness at GPA is directly tied to our visibility. We show up to listen to the nuances of the sector that aren’t written in press releases and to connect disparate leaders who should be collaborating. I left that gala excited that I had reconnected with a mentor, created many new connections, and was treated to a private concert by violinist Joshua Bell that brought me to tears.

My advice? Put on the coat. Brave the rain. Our value as Advisors lies in being the Connectors of the philanthropic ecosystem. We are only as strong as the ties – weak and strong – that we nurture in-person.

Hope to run into you “in the wild.”

About Grant Philanthropic Advisors:
We’re an independent firm helping clients to focus and maximize their philanthropy—in turn, strengthening the fabric of our communities. Founded in 2019, we help donors move from responsive patterns of giving by assisting clients to identify values and become more strategic in their philanthropy. Our goal is to help donors to become more effective as change-makers. We work with foundations (large and small staff teams), donor advised fund holders, multi generational families, individuals, philanthropy supporting organizations and corporations to design philanthropic strategies.