Philanthropy

We help bring your philanthropic mission and legacy to life by designing a personalized strategy that aims to create meaningful impact.

For centuries, the world’s wealthiest individuals and families have sought to serve humanity and promote the wellbeing of others through their philanthropy.

A reflection of collective identity and deeply held values, a family’s philanthropy is part of its legacy to make the world a better place.

Philanthropy can also bring families closer together, enriching the lives of their individual members and strengthening the bonds between generations.

Our Philanthropic Advisory service helps you craft a bespoke strategic framework that seeks to create meaningful impact and a lasting legacy.

We begin by helping you define your desired legacy, your mission statement, and the guidelines for giving and investing that will provide structure and direction around your philanthropy.

We help you navigate the statutory compliance requirements of various giving vehicles and share best practices, connecting you to industry professionals who can provide additional infrastructure support.

We help you consider the various granting models at your disposal and how you might deploy investment assets in support of your mission.

Throughout the implementation of your philanthropic strategy, we offer tools to track and evaluate its impact.

In addition to families, we advise foundations, endowments, and public charities on a wide range of planning opportunities and challenges.

Whether you are just beginning your philanthropic journey or are well on your way, we partner with you to help perpetuate your legacy as you serve the greater good.

We help guide clients in their philanthropic endeavors to create a strategic framework that brings their legacy and mission to life.

Karen Kardos

Head of Philanthropic Advisory

How we serve you

Your vision at the center

We recognize each family is unique, with its own values, beliefs, philanthropic goals, and family dynamics.

Rather than take a “one size fits all” approach, we customize our offering to your family’s culture and circumstances.

We can also help you prepare for and navigate the often sensitive discussions between family members as you engage the next generation in the family's philanthropy.

Ongoing insights

Our updates on current philanthropic trends help you stay abreast of this ever changing landscape.

To amplify your philanthropic impact, it is important to understand the latest developments and their implications for your mission.

Our extensive network enables us to share best practices and connect you to fellow philanthropists and industry experts.

Integrated approach

A successful philanthropic strategy is built upon multiple pillars.

In addition to philanthropic advisory, we offer a variety of ancillary services to help accomplish your goals.

These include investments, treasury management, global custody, and trust services.

Meet our people

Karen Kardos

Head of Philanthropic Advisory – North America

Karen advises families, foundations, and endowments on philanthropic strategic development and best practices to meet their philanthropic goals.

Previously, Karen served for 10 years as the Director of Finance and Philanthropic Operations for a private foundation in the multifamily office practice of Geller & Co. In addition to advising clients on philanthropic strategies, she is also well versed in private foundation operations, governance, and compliance.

Karen is a 21/64 Multigenerational Advisor. She is a CPA and received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Binghamton University.

Global Head

Harlin Singh Urofsky

Global Head of Sustainable Investing

We enable investors to pursue simultaneous societal change and competitive financial returns.

As Head of Sustainable Investing, Harlin works across Citi’s investment divisions to develop and oversee investment solutions along the full spectrum of sustainability - ESG integration, socially responsible,thematic and impact investments - to ensure the integration of sustainable practices in alignment with Citi’s best thinking on research, asset allocation and diversification. She also works closely with the Chief Investment Officer and Chief Strategist teams to deliver thought leadership and content to clients and external partners and works with the Global Investments Lab to develop and deliver client portfolio analytics.

Karen Kardos

Head of Philanthropic Advisory – North America

Global Head

Harlin Singh Urofsky

Global Head of Sustainable Investing

We enable investors to pursue simultaneous societal change and competitive financial returns.

Your questions

How do I talk to my children about wealth?

Preparing young people for the responsibilities of wealth is a continuing process, beginning at a young age. Effective and candid communication is essential.

Learn more

What is the best way to compensate my family office executives?

Effective reward and retention strategies combine good process and pragmatic compensation structures that make sense for both families and executives.

Learn more