Working with innovators to accelerate change growth equity

Welcome

I founded Phillips Philanthropy Advisors to leverage philanthropy at the intersection of climate, health, equity, faith, democracy and technology.

Since the firm’s creation in 2008, I have worked with clients ranging from family foundations to national nonprofits to bring a people-centered approach to complex problems.

Let’s have a conversation.

Eliza Vellines Phillips
Founder

My Partners

For 25 years, I have worked with visionary leaders to leverage the power of philanthropy for social change. Scroll to learn more about my partners and journey.

Southern Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN)

Strategic Advisor | 2023-24
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Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)

Interim Chief Development Officer
2023 | Read More

Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH)

Campaign Consultant | 2022-23
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Children's Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP)

Campaign Consultant | 2015, 2022
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Episocopal Church in Delaware (ECD)

Campaign Consultant | 2021-22
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Thomas Jefferson Foundation/ Monticello

Interim Director of Development & Campaign Consultant | 2014, 2020
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Southern Environmental
Law Center (SELC)

Campaign Consultant | 2008-15
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UVA Darden School of Business

Campaign Consultant | 2015
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Canine Partners for Life

Campaign Consultant | 2010-13
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University of Virginia

Director of Leadership Gifts
1998-2007 | Read More

Campaigns

My approach always begins with listening. Learn more about my clients’ stories — and how I fit in — below.

Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia
Breaking Barriers Campaign

$100m | 2022-Present
Feasibility Study & Committee Member

Episcopal Church in Delaware
Camp Arrowhead
Ring the Bell Campaign

$6.5m | 2019-2022
Consultant & Lead Fundraiser

UVA Darden School of Business
Powered by Purpose Campaign


$400m | 2019
Campaign Feasibility Study

Testimonials

Marie Hawthorne
Former Director of Development,
Southern Environmental Law Center

“We are incredibly fortunate to be able to draw on [Eliza’s] wealth of experience in leadership gift fund-raising and management.  But in many instances, it has been [her] excellent listening, creative problem-solving, and interpersonal skills that have also led us to a good outcome.”

Christina Kind
Trustee, Patricia Kind Family Foundation

“I am so thankful to have had the privilege of working with Eliza Phillips on a Family Foundation trustee retreat. Eliza handled a complicated agenda with poise, diplomacy, creativity, tact, and professionalism at every level.  Eliza did a fantastic job of crystallizing some of the issues we have been dealing with in our family foundation. Her follow-up report was wonderfully written and left us with clear guidelines for moving ahead in strategic ways ... and will benefit the organizations that we hope to fund for years to come. I am very grateful for Eliza's help and would enthusiastically recommend her for any Family Foundation needs.”

Darlene Sullivan
Founder, Canine Partners for Life

“It has been such a pleasure to work with Eliza.  Her experience is extensive but she was quickly able to relate to our small organization and direct our efforts based on where we were.  Everyone within the organization that had the opportunity to work with her commented on her professionalism but also her warmth.  Our organization’s development efforts have grown by leaps and bounds in a short period of time.  Our confidence in our ability to secure the organization’s future is blossoming and the future looks bright.  We can’t wait to work on more projects with Eliza in the future.  We’ve come to rely on her guidance and support.”