About us

The Kavelman Group Philanthropic Advisors builds strength and lasting impact in the nonprofit world. Founded by Buff Kavelman in 1997, our consultants have extensive senior-level experience spanning both the funding and the nonprofit management sides of philanthropy at some of the country’s leading institutions such as the American Academy in Rome, Asia Society, National Endowment for the Arts, Rockefeller Foundation, Smithsonian Institution and Columbia University, as well as in the private philanthropic divisions of U.S. Trust and J.P. Morgan.

For each client we develop a customized scope of work based on their mission and values, current objectives, resources and timetables. Over more than two decades, we have demonstrated that this developmental approach leads to strong philanthropic results and long-term impact. We take great care to provide excellent service in everything we do. As a result, most of TKG’s work comes to us through client referrals.

 
Artist Ivonne Dipman at work at the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture

Artist Ivonne Dipman at work at the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture

TKG’s clients include:

  • Individual donors and families

  • Foundations and trusts

  • Private banks and wealth management firms

  • Family offices

  • Nonprofit institutions

As a boutique consulting firm, all of our clients receive from personalized, direct senior staff services. By design, we do not manage assets as this allows us to focus solely on our clients’ philanthropic needs. TKG’s services have been a catalyst for significant growth and positive change for a broad range of philanthropic clients across the country and around the world. We have helped them launch new programs, develop lasting partnerships, build operational capacity and strengthen governance. We work with an active and comprehensive approach to ensure the strongest possible impact.

Students at a Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation Head Start Program in the Bronx

Students at a Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation Head Start Program in the Bronx

A sixth century mosaic located at the archaeological site in Butrint, Albania

A sixth century mosaic located at the archaeological site in Butrint, Albania

TKG’s services inform strategic philanthropy and achieve meaningful, impactful results. Our clients have benefitted from:

  • Needs assessments and research to inform new funding strategies that have become national and global models

  • Strategic planning that focuses on the client’s vision, including different options for how it can be developed to the next level

  • Setup and management of efficient, strategic grantmaking programs

  • Evaluation of established programs and recommendations on how they can best serve evolving needs

  • Preparation and facilitation of board meetings and retreats that engage leadership and result in mission-driven action