With the number of philanthropists growing and a sometimes bewildering list of worthy causes and organisations to choose from, it is not surprising that donors and would-be donors are increasingly turning to professional advisers for help. At the same time, a growing number of different types of organisation are offering advice, including banks, lawyers and other advisers to the wealthy. But where does this young profession stand at the moment, and what might the future hold? A recurring theme throughout the special feature is the lack of, and need for, professional standards in the field.

Guest editors for this Alliance special feature are Melissa Berman of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Felicitas von Peter of Active Philanthropy, and Olga Alexeeva, formerly with CAF, now heading up the new Philanthropy Bridge Foundation. In addition to articles by each of the guest editors, the special feature includes interviews with donors about how they see philanthropy advice and an article in which nine philanthropy advisers from around the world discuss what happens when either good practice or their own views conflict with the wishes of the client. It also includes a feature on philanthropy advice within banks, with interviews with the heads of philanthropy at four private banks, an overview of the situation in emerging markets, and an article looking at the dangers of bad practice.

Also in this issue are interviews with Maria Chertok of CAF Russia on her recent recognition from the Russian president, and with Joe Cerrell, head of the new Gates Foundation office in London. Ise Bosch talks about her experience of implementing a ‘unified investment strategy’ with a non-mainstream LGBTI mission, while Chris West of the Shell Foundation emphasises the importance of selecting partners who share similar ambitions to scale – plus letters, book reviews, conference reports and news from around the world.

Published alongside Alliance is a special report on the EFC’s Foundation Week, held in Brussels in early June, featuring reviews of the event and interviews with participants.

For all this and more please visit http://www.alliancemagazine.org/en/content/september-2010