Frequently Asked
Questions

Voltaire Philanthropy is a specialised advisory firm established to guide individuals, families, governing boards, nonprofit organisations, and companies on effectively implementing ethically driven strategies, and with tangible results. Our methodology draws from the Enlightenment principles embodied by the philosopher Voltaire; emphasising logic, respect, data-driven decisions, and advancement, adapted for today's donors, corporates and causes via our unique RDEP methodology and evaluation system.

Voltaire was an Enlightenment thinker who championed reason, free expression, dignity, and social progress. His belief that truth and justice require both courage and precision mirrors our approach to philanthropy: not charity as performance, but capital with conscience.

Our clients include private patrons and philanthropists (including UHNW and HNW families), family offices and trustees, arts and cultural institutions, charitable foundations and grant-making bodies, and corporates seeking to develop or refine ESG and giving strategies.

We provide strategic philanthropic advice and implementation, including donor strategy and cause alignment, structuring and governance for giving vehicles (foundations, donor-advised funds, dual-qualified structures), due diligence on causes and partners, programme design and outcome measurement, legacy and succession planning for philanthropic capital, corporate giving programme development, and specialist arts and cultural philanthropy advisory.

No. We are not a fundraising agency. We represent the donor's independence, ensuring that giving is strategically aligned, well-structured, and delivering the intended outcomes.

While philanthropy consultancy is not an FCA-regulated activity, we voluntarily follow the UK's Code of Fundraising Practice and uphold the Fundraising Promise. We are members of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and our client care protocols meet or exceed sector best practice. Note: An updated version of the Code of Fundraising Practice is scheduled to take effect in October 2025, and we will continue to adhere to the revised standards.

We work on a transparent fee basis. Fees are agreed in advance, reflecting the expertise, time, and complexity involved. We never take a percentage of charitable donations.

We apply a Voltairean three-part framework: Clarity, Defining your goals, values, and intended outcomes with the precision of reasoned thought. Conscience, Ensuring ethical alignment and avoiding reputational or mission drift. Compounding Impact, Designing structures, partnerships, and measurement systems that sustain and amplify results over time, reflecting the Enlightenment belief in progress.

Yes. We advise on structuring, governance, compliance, and long-term sustainability. We coordinate with your legal, tax, and investment advisers to ensure your foundation is efficient, impactful, and aligned with your values.

Yes. Many of our clients have global philanthropic interests. We advise on cross-border giving, international partner due diligence, and dual-qualified structures, particularly between the UK and US.

Absolutely. Discretion is central to our work. All engagements are subject to strict confidentiality and data protection protocols.

We are inspired by Enlightenment values, reason, dignity, and evidence at the core of our practice. We are female-founded and values-led in a sector still dominated by traditional finance. Our interdisciplinary expertise spans law, ESG, fundraising, and the arts. We are independent and donor-centric, we receive no commission from charities. Our evidence-based approach ensures outcomes are measurable, transparent, and enduring.

Please email us at hello@voltairephilanthropy.co.uk or use our contact form. We begin with a conversation to understand your aims, values, and priorities, and then create a tailored engagement proposal.