Philanthropic advising is an evolving field with a wide range of skills, services, and competencies among professionals who offer services. Such services may include helping clients define philanthropic purpose, plan charitable and legacy gifts, choose and establish philanthropic vehicles, design strategies for charitable giving or social impact, identify opportunities and carry out plans, evaluate impact, and identify other aligned funders or learning partners. In addition, some philanthropic advisors have skills in other domains in the Cultivation of Family Capital cluster and can serve integrative roles within the Family-Advisory Relationships domain. 

Currently, there is one recognized credential in this area – the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation – which has somewhat limited scope. Other credentials or designations are being developed, but the field may be considered still in its infancy as an organized profession.  Many philanthropic advisors possess education, training, and credentialing in other disciplines related to law, wealth management, accounting, governance, or family dynamics.  They may or may not obtain a CAP designation.  Family office and other UHNW advisors and clients may wish to clarify the expertise and experience of specialist service providers identifying themselves as philanthropic advisors.