Philosophy:
Giving Tree Advisory is rooted in a mission to solve what we call the “black box” problem of philanthropy: the uncertainty that too often exists between the intention to give and the ability to see, understand, and measure the difference that giving makes. We believe meaningful impact happens at the intersection of transparency, thoughtful strategy, and the capacity to turn generosity into action. Our work is about bringing those elements together so you can give with clarity, confidence, and purpose and workshop new ways of making impact collaboratively.
Transparency,
Where does a donation really go?
“Can my business support causes without looking performative?
Why do we give to this organization over another?
Are these programs effective?
Is this organization transparent and communicative?
Do we/I have a giving plan for our DAF?
How can I make a bigger impact without necessarily giving more?
How can I involve my children in our family's philanthropy?
How do I know if our giving is actually working?
Decades of freelance consulting across the charitable & private, board service, entrepreneurship and community engagement informed by hundreds of conversations with donors, fellow development peers, foundation staff and finance counterparts are the soil where Giving Tree Advisory is planted.
About Our Expertise
“I've spent two decades working with people who want to make a difference and with the organizations working tirelessly to make that difference possible. What I've learned is that generosity isn't usually the missing ingredient. It's clarity, connection, and the capacity to turn good intentions into meaningful action. I founded Giving Tree Advisory to help bridge that gap.”
Jonathan Joseph, MS
Jonathan Joseph is a philanthropic strategist, entrepreneur, and creative problem-solver with 20 years of experience spanning nonprofit leadership, fundraising, community organizing, and private-sector advisory.
Jonathan's relationship with philanthropy began long before his professional career. Adopted through a nonprofit agency as a child with cerebral palsy and raised in a family deeply connected to charitable causes, he developed an early appreciation for the profound impact that effective organizations can have on individual lives. By his teens, he was already engaged in public speaking, education, and advocacy, working with organizations including the Anti-Defamation League and True Colors CT.
His career has since traversed the nonprofit, financial, creative, and entrepreneurial sectors. He co-founded Art of Dharma, a digital mindfulness venture reaching an estimated 12 million people monthly; advised charitable organizations and international business ventures; raised more than $5 million for clients; and co-founded Little Red Fashion, an award-winning educational publishing venture pioneering augmented reality in children's fashion literature. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of Have a Heart, Save a Heart, advancing women's cardiovascular health through philanthropic development, strategic partnerships, and innovative community programming.
An accomplished visual artist and storyteller, Jonathan brings an unconventional blend of creative thinking, strategic rigor, and firsthand operational experience to his work. He holds a BA in English Literature from Hofstra University and an MS in Fundraising Management from Columbia University.
Begin Your Journey to Excellence
Connect with us to explore how our nuanced solutions can be tailored to elevate your ambitions.