How We Work
Four to five months from first conversation to funded portfolio.
Discover our signature service — The Semester
Month 1
Mobilize
Surfacing values & vision
Month 2
Orchestrate
Shaping your giving thesis
Month 3
Voice
Expert Exchange & Validation
Month 4
Engage
Org vetting & portfolio curation
Month 5
Sustain
Funding & ongoing support
Month 1
Month 2
Month 3
Month 4
Month 5
Surfacing values & vision
Shaping your giving thesis
Expert Exchange & Validation
Org vetting & portfolio curation
Funding & ongoing support
Phase 1
Discovery
Purpose
A deep exploration of your values, priorities, and vision for impact — uncovering what matters to you and why. Outcome: Your thesis for giving.
Phase 2
Counsel
Purpose
Using your thesis for giving as a guide, we assemble The Faculty — a curated circle of subject matter experts and thought leaders who serve as both a sounding board and a safeguard for your giving. Outcome: Your personal brain trust.
Have a giving strategy and ready to meet experts and organizations? Consider The Placement.
The Placement ▸
Phase 3
Match
Purpose
With your thesis and Faculty in place, we identify and vet organizations and projects aligned with your vision for impact — connecting you directly to the people doing the impactful work. Outcome: A curated portfolio ready for funding.
Have a giving strategy and ready to meet experts and organizations? Consider The Placement.
The Placement ▸Framework
MOVES™ is the structured framework supporting every Velvet Frame engagement.
Month 1
Surfacing your beliefs, values, and vision for impact — turning instinct into intention.
Outcome
A clear sense of where you want to give and why.
Month 2
Shaping a personal giving thesis that reflects your values and theory of change.
Outcome
Your foundation for every decision that follows.
Month 3
Bringing your thesis into conversation with The Faculty — a curated circle of experts who engage your ideas, pressure-test your thinking, and validate your direction.
Outcome
A sharpened strategy and the confidence to act.
Month 4
Identifying and vetting organizations aligned with your vision — connecting you to the people doing the work.
Outcome
A curated portfolio ready for funding.
Month 5
Supporting your relationships, tracking your impact, and evolving your strategy over time.
Outcome
A giving practice that grows with you.
Month 1
Month 2
Month 3
Month 4
Month 5
Phase
Discovery
Counsel
Match
MOVES™
Mobilize
Orchestrate
Voice
Engage
Sustain
Focus
Surfacing values & vision
Shaping your giving thesis
Expert exchange & validation
Org vetting & portfolio curation
Funding & ongoing support
Mobilize
Surfacing your beliefs, values, and vision for impact — turning instinct into intention.
Outcome
A clear sense of where you want to give and why.
Orchestrate
Shaping a personal giving thesis that reflects your values and theory of change.
Outcome
Your foundation for every decision that follows.
Voice
Bringing your thesis into conversation with The Faculty — a curated circle of experts who engage your ideas, pressure-test your thinking, and validate your direction.
Outcome
A sharpened strategy and the confidence to act.
Engage
Identifying and vetting organizations aligned with your vision — connecting you to the people doing the work.
Outcome
A curated portfolio ready for funding.
Sustain
Supporting your relationships, tracking your impact, and evolving your strategy over time.
Outcome
A giving practice that grows with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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