Modern philanthropic advising lacked a clear definition of the advisor’s role and a shared standard for what constitutes high-quality practice. Daylight created the Philanthropic Advising Competency Model (Model) to fill that gap. The Model comprises thirteen competences, each with a corresponding list of objectives to bring clarity, consistency, and credibility to a rapidly evolving field.  

At the DAF Giving Summit, Alisia Robin, Elaine Chu, and I facilitated the Impact Lab session titled "Shaping the Philanthropic Advising Competency Model." We asked the packed room of advisors and nonprofit professionals to complete a self-assessment that helps them reflect on where they are today and identify the skills they may want to build as they grow in their practice. The goal was to identify perceived strengths, areas for growth, and emerging patterns to inform training priorities and organizational development strategies across the field. We gathered the results of the two activities and have distilled our observations below. We thank all the participants for their time.

How Advisors Self-Rate on Competencies

In our first activity, we asked participants to rate themselves on the 13 competencies on a scale of 1 to 5 (aligned with Patricia Benner’s “From Novice to Expert” model, with 1 = Novice, 2 = Advanced Beginner, 3 = Competent, 4 = Proficient, and 5 = Expert).  

Across the dataset, participants demonstrated confidence in core behavioral and technical competencies while indicating development needs in specialized areas such as investment acumen, gift planning, and risk management.

Most Often Rated 4–5s (Strengths)

60% of participants rated themselves as 4s or 5s in Behavioral Intelligence, making it the highest-rated competency. 

47% of respondents appear proficient in Family Systems and Governance, yet the same percentage rated themselves as 1s and 2s.  

Other top-rated competencies include:

• Relationship & Network Development

• Purpose & Legacy Identification 

• Sector Knowledge

Mostly Rated 3s (Neutral/Average)

50% of respondents scored themselves as 3s in the Cultural Dexterity competency. Other areas of moderate comfort include:

• Research & Data Analysis

• Risk & Opportunity Management 

Mostly Rated 1–2s (Growth Areas)

More than half of the respondents rated themselves low in Education and Facilitation. Other competencies trending lower include:

• Philanthropic & Social Impact Vehicles

• Risk & Opportunity Management

Gift Planning and Investment Acumen were the lowest-rated competencies overall. 47% of respondents rated as 1s - 2s in both of these areas. 87% rated themselves 3 or lower in Investment Acumen.

From Great to Growth

In our second activity, we asked participants to review the 9 Components of Modern Philanthropic Planning, which are mapped to the 13 competencies in the Model. These are common deliverables expected from advisors. While an advisor or firm may not offer every component or follow a fixed planning sequence, modern philanthropic advisors are expected to be conversant across all areas. Participants were asked to identify the top three services they are currently delivering well (“great”) and three they would like to develop (“growth”).

• 91% of participants rated Purpose Clarification as great.

• Legacy Planning (43% identified as great; 52% identified as growth) received split perceptions — some feel capable, others see room to grow.

• Assessment & Learning (29% identified as great; 59% identified as growth) is a major developmental area.

The data suggests the group is strong in defining direction but less confident in executing and measuring success.

An Evolving Philanthropic Advising Field

The findings from this group of advisors and nonprofit professionals suggest that those practicing philanthropic advising bring diverse training, experiences, and perspectives to their work. Participants demonstrate notable strength in relationship building, behavioral intelligence, and purpose facilitation—core competencies that underpin effective advising. At the same time, they are steadily growing into the core technical dimensions of the field. Across the two datasets, patterns point to development opportunities in specialized technical areas, such as investment acumen, gift planning, and risk management. For some, partnering with other advisors who are proficient in gift planning and investments offers a balance.   

By deepening the connection between relational insight and technical skill, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, and embedding continuous learning into professional growth, these practitioners can advance both their individual practice and the field as a whole. Ultimately, our observations affirm that philanthropic advising is maturing into a modern profession—one grounded in empathy, strengthened by expertise, and united by a shared commitment to excellence.

Daylight’s Philanthropic Advising Competency Model

Daylight’s Philanthropic Advising Competency Model is the first of its kind — a field-informed framework that defines the knowledge, skills, and behaviors advisors need to serve clients and communities effectively today.

The thirteen core competencies capture the essence of a dynamic and evolving profession — one that demands both technical fluency and relational acumen. The Model offers a flexible structure for advisors, employers, and professional networks to assess, strengthen, and align their practice.

Whether you’re a practitioner charting your growth, a leader committed to strengthening the field, or an employer shaping talent strategy, the Model can help you:

• Recruit and evaluate talent with greater clarity

• Guide professional development and coaching

• Align teams around shared expectations

• Build trust and transparency in advisory services

Download the Philanthropic Advising Competency Model and begin mapping your learning journey today.