Build trusted relationships across the nonprofit and philanthropy sector.
IPAR is a curated community of independent philanthropy advisors, nonprofit consultants, and charitable giving specialists who refer, collaborate, and grow together — in service of stronger missions.
Why IPAR exists
Strengthening nonprofits and philanthropy through trusted collaboration.
The professionals who serve nonprofits and donors do their best work when they aren't working alone. IPAR exists to make those connections deliberate, generous, and durable.
We bring together independent advisors across disciplines — fundraising strategy, operations, planned giving, legal, accounting, risk, and donor advising — to share counsel, exchange referrals, and elevate the standard of care in our sector.
Members join not for volume, but for the quality of the people they meet and the depth of trust they build.
Who belongs here
A multidisciplinary community of independent advisors.
Members are experienced practitioners who serve nonprofits, donors, and the philanthropic sector with care and craft.
Fundraising consultants
Campaign, major gifts, and development strategy.
Nonprofit operations experts
Finance, HR, technology, and governance leaders.
Philanthropic advisors
Strategy partners to donors and foundations.
Accountants & bookkeepers
Specialists in nonprofit accounting and audit.
Insurance & risk advisors
Coverage and risk strategy for mission-driven organizations.
Nonprofit attorneys
Tax-exempt, governance, and planned giving counsel.
Donor advisors
Family office, DAF, and charitable planning specialists.
Member benefits
Designed around relationships, not transactions.
Trusted referral relationships
Refer and receive with confidence inside a community vetted for quality and integrity.
Professional visibility
Be known by the advisors who serve the donors and organizations you want to support.
Strategic partnerships
Form cross-disciplinary teams that solve complex client challenges together.
Peer learning
Sharpen your practice through content meetings led by seasoned members.
Collaborative problem solving
A first call for the nuanced questions only fellow practitioners understand.
Mission-aligned growth
Build a sustainable practice while strengthening the sector you care about.
How membership works
A thoughtful path into the community.
Apply
Share your practice, focus, and the community you'd like to join. We review every application personally.
Meet the group
Join an introduction conversation and attend your first referral and content meetings as a guest.
Participate & build relationships
Engage in regular meetings, offer referrals generously, and grow alongside peers who share your mission.
The meeting experience
Two formats. One consistent rhythm of trust.
Connect, refer, follow through.
Members share active client needs, make warm introductions, and follow up on referrals shared in previous sessions.
Learn from one another's craft.
Member-led sessions on the practical and strategic questions shaping nonprofit and philanthropy work today.
Membership pathways
Two ways to join — both grounded in relationship.
Whether you come to us directly or through a trusted colleague, the path is thoughtful and unhurried.
Standard membership application
For professionals discovering IPAR independently. A considered path that ensures fit on both sides.
- 1Application
- 2Introduction conversation
- 3Member review & approval
- 4Enrollment & welcome
Referred member enrollment
For professionals introduced by a current member. A streamlined path that honors the trust of the referral.
- 1Referral confirmation
- 2Brief welcome conversation
- 3Enrollment
- 4Onboarding
In members' words
Relationships members trust enough to refer their best clients.
“IPAR has become the first call I make when a client needs counsel outside my lane. The trust runs both ways, and it shows in the quality of every introduction.”
Margaret Ellison
Principal, Ellison Philanthropy Strategy
“What I appreciate most is the tone. It's collegial and substantive — peers genuinely interested in each other's work and in the missions we collectively support.”
Andre Whitfield
Senior Advisor, Whitfield Donor Services
“The referrals are meaningful because the relationships are. IPAR is a steady, professional home for independent advisors who care about the sector.”
Elena Vargas
Partner, Vargas Nonprofit Law
Membership expectations
Quality standards that keep the community valuable.
These aren't rules — they're the practices that make IPAR feel like a real professional home.
Attendance
Consistent participation in referral and content meetings sustains the trust members build.
Collaboration
Members show up with curiosity, generosity, and a willingness to learn from peers.
Referral mindset
We give before we receive. Referrals are made on fit, not on quota.
Annual presentation
Each member contributes once a year by presenting their work or facilitating a content session.
Membership investment
A straightforward annual commitment.
Annual dues
$1,800
per member, per year
Dues underwrite member meetings, hospitality, the directory, and the quiet administrative work that keeps the community running with care.
Proceed to enrollmentApproved applicants and referred members only.
Membership includes
- Twice-monthly referral meetings
- Monthly content meetings
- Member directory access
- Strategic introductions across disciplines
- Annual presentation opportunity
- Periodic in-person gatherings
Participation expectations
- Consistent participation
- Generous, fit-based referrals
- Annual member contribution
- Professional integrity and discretion
Enrollment
A simple, professional payment experience.
Secure annual enrollment
Approved applicants and warmly referred members complete enrollment through our secure payment partner. The process is administrative and respectful of your time — no upsells, no pressure.
Frequently asked
Considering membership?
Join IPAR
Join a community built on trust, collaboration, and shared mission.
Applications are reviewed personally. We look forward to learning about your work.