Engage
Philanthropic Infrastructure
Proximate Futures provides the infrastructure needed to move from understanding to implementation. We support donors across the full lifecycle of philanthropy—from ecosystem analysis and strategy development to sourcing, due diligence, grantmaking, reporting, and long-term ecosystem strengthening.
Because the intelligence generated through each engagement is shared, donors can build upon one another's work rather than starting from scratch. Whether acting independently or collaboratively, they benefit from a common foundation of local knowledge and a growing body of shared intelligence.
The result is a new kind of philanthropic infrastructure—one that lowers the costs of discovery and diligence, increases confidence, and enables more resources to flow to the people and organizations best positioned to solve complex challenges.
Who We Work With
Proximate Futures is built for a range of donors—from individuals to large foundations—all seeking a smarter, more effective approach to giving.
No two engagements are the same. We begin by understanding our partners' goals, priorities, and decision-making needs. These priorities shape everything that follows—from the issues and regions we explore to the insights we gather, the organizations we surface, and the criteria we use to assess opportunities.
Services
Ecosystem Analysis
A comprehensive analysis that illuminates the actors and conditions surrounding the problem of focus, as well as the landscape of critical gaps, high-leverage opportunities, and more.
Strategy Recommendations
In-depth strategy options and recommendations on the most effective use of a donor's or investor's resources in light of their goals.
Curated Pipelines
A robust set of high-potential, locally-led organizations—sourced through nominations from the Advisors Network—that is aligned with donors' specific priorities and criteria.
Due Diligence
Advisor-led vetting of organizations—based on document review, interviews, and/or virtual site visits—that probes on their impact track record and potential, organizational health, ecosystem traction, and other dimensions.
Selection Guidance
Guidance on which organizations to select for funding, based on Advisors' consensus (via deliberation or voting).
Sub-Granting Infrastructure
End-to-end funds disbursement on behalf of donors, including grant agreements, reporting, compliance tracking, and performance monitoring.
Ecosystem Strengthening
Longer-term engagements through which entire ecosystems can be strengthened over multiple years, to increase the likelihood of sustained impact.
Co-investment
Opportunities to join forces with peers through pooled or collaborative funds.