Why FurtherLearning®?

Philanthropy reflects some of humankind's highest aspirations. However, effectively deploying society's scarce charitable capital is also a great challenge. Philanthropists often operate on the edge of what is known and possible. To be effective, they need a learning mindset and the best talent they can muster.

A good third-party consultant can be valuable in many situations. For example:

  • Do you have a proposal that could benefit from fresh eyes?
  • Do you have a project that may merit some additional research before you commit major financial resources?
  • Would you like to outsource some work to better leverage staff or trustee time?

FurtherLearning can help in many of these situations. Whether the work relates to grant making or managing a foundation's own internal operations, FurtherLearning offers:

A versatile background—that combines extensive business and philanthropic experience to bring to bear on your projects. FurtherLearning is able to draw on a background in finance, planning, marketing, and operations reengineering in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.

A flexible approach—that can customize a workplan to focus on your specific needs in the manner you want. FurtherLearning is able to be analytically rigorous as well as creative while taking projects from idea to implementation.

PEOPLE

Who is FurtherLearning?

Tom Ruddy founded FurtherLearning to help foundation staff and trustees accomplish their goals:

  14 years in senior roles with the Fidelity Foundation

  Prior experience in business planning and other functions at Fidelity Investments

  Established core consulting skills at The Boston Consulting Group early in career

  Princeton University, A.B. in economics, summa cum laude

  M.I.T., S.M. in management

Schedule an introductory meeting and explore what we can accomplish together

PROJECTS

What types of projects can FurtherLearning do?

FurtherLearning can assist you with a wide variety of project types. These projects may be related to grant making in a range of sectors (e.g., arts, education, health, etc.). Alternatively, projects may be related to the internal operations of a foundation itself (e.g., grant administration, systems, or overall management).

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Internal Operations









PROCESS

How can FurtherLearning fit with your situation?

FurtherLearning tailors its approach to suit your organization's specific situation and objectives.

  • FurtherLearning’s consulting process begins with attentive listening to a client’s needs. The consultant’s first task is to clearly understand the client’s starting point and ultimate goals.

  • After listening to the client, FurtherLearning creates a unique workplan that fits the client's particular situation.

  • FurtherLearning can draw upon a wide range of consulting skills to best address particular needs.

  • Depending on the nature of the project, FurtherLearning may serve in any one of several different roles.

  • Independent researcher
  • Process facilitator
  • Project manager
  • Many foundations benefit from having a stable of independent consultants ready to assist on projects when needed.

    Can we schedule an introductory meeting now to explore what we could accomplish together?

    Wellesley, MA

    781-801-0182

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