SPUR PHILANTHROPY

Ignite your impact through
collective foundation management

SPUR \sper\ (verb):

to urge

to incite to action

to accelerate growth or development

At Spur Philanthropy, we transform communities, inspire creative thinking, and improve lives through collective foundation management and philanthropic advising.

The strength of our approach lies in uniting people for a shared purpose, leveraging a network of funders to address complex challenges through strategic planning, governance, next-gen onboarding, and impact investing. Based in Seattle and serving the entire Western U.S., our Social Investment Sourcing unlocks the potential of investable assets, making us the philanthropist’s boots-on-the-ground partner for driving meaningful change.

Our clients go beyond traditional giving, shaping innovative solutions that redefine community impact. We are known for our contributions to the field, the partnerships we build, and the communities we empower across the West.

Our Approach

Led by Tony Rosendo, Spur Philanthropy delivers smart, results-driven strategies that amplify impact and build lasting community partnerships.

Tony Rosendo

CEO, Partner and Founder

Antonio (Tony) Rosendo grew up in Puerto Rico and Colorado, attending Colorado College, where he competed in track and football, before earning a master’s degree from the University of Denver. His career began in education, where his dedication to expanding educational equity led him to co-found Atlas Preparatory School, now serving over 1,300 Pre K-12 students.

Leif Ullman

Strategy and Operations Counsel

Leif has held roles in entrepreneurship, technology, and business for most of his career. He has recently worked as…

Services

Philanthropic Advisor

Spur Philanthropy serves as a full-service philanthropic advisory, partnering with donor-advised funds, wealth advisors, and philanthropists. We provide strategic consulting across all stages of philanthropic development, from establishing incorporation documents and developing philanthropic profiles to governance, strategic planning, and next-gen onboarding. Our work extends to specialized areas such as fellowship creation and structuring, helping clients build sustainable programs through fundraising strategies, revenue model planning, and infrastructure development. We also support investment advisors with RFP guidance and impact investing strategies, enabling clients to engage in meaningful, sustainable change.

Foundation Management

Whether you are starting a foundation or seeking management support for an existing one, Spur Philanthropy takes on the day-to-day responsibilities so you can focus on impactful giving. Our team manages operations, streamlines grant review and approval processes, and builds robust relationships with philanthropic partners and community organizations. Additionally, we consult on board development, governance, and community engagement, offering guidance on the nuances of starting new initiatives like fellowships and supporting leadership in areas like fundraising, pitching, and organizational strategy.

Legacy Strategist

Sudden wealth events can present unforeseen challenges related to finances, taxes, and family dynamics. Spur Philanthropy guides clients through these transitions, providing expertise in legacy planning, governance, and next-gen strategy. Our approach includes developing tailored strategies for family involvement, including next-gen onboarding and succession planning. We also assist clients in creating fellowship programs or other legacy initiatives, focusing on sustainable models that align with long-term goals. By addressing both the relational and structural aspects, we help clients leave a lasting, impactful legacy.

Corporate Giving Partner

We offer a full suite of consulting and administrative services designed to enhance your corporate giving program, enabling you to focus on your business while making a significant impact. Spur Philanthropy aids in establishing frameworks for corporate philanthropy, increasing employee engagement, and reducing duplication across departments. We consult on developing impactful community partnerships and provide expert advice on program infrastructure, from governance to strategic planning. For organizations interested in starting fellowship or training programs, we offer guidance on program design, fundraising strategy, and leadership training, ensuring alignment with corporate values and community needs.

4 E's to Excellent Philanthropy

What We Do

Spur Philanthropy’s personal approach provides our clients with a partner and roadmap to distinctive philanthropy and social impact.

Explore

Uncovering your unique giving interests and values, informs distinctive generosity with clear vision, mission and priorities.

engage

Create your specific roadmap to impact, using your Explore distinctives and our deep experience.

Enact

Centered around sourcing your philanthropic road map, we will collaborate with you to create and manage specific opportunities that align with your mission and values.

Enjoy

Celebrate the impact of your thoughtful work through personalized and curated experiences, visits, trips, and presentations.

To learn more about engaging with Spur, contact Laura Blackburn.

Clients

The foundations we serve believe that together, our collective impact can change the landscape of philanthropy. Our role: to define and spur their legacies forward.

The Legacy Fellowship is a paid two year training program for education leaders and entrepreneurs interested in starting a new charter school in Colorado. Fellows work full time to open a new school that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, and offers an educational model serving the whole student.

A family of stewards resourcing communities to build a healthy and equitable Cascadia region.

Past Clients

Community Engagement

The Spur Philanthropy team has engaged with the following organizations to transform our community.

“Our foundation invests in breakthrough programs and initiatives. Our hope is to inspire others who believe in the long-term vitality of our community to step up and support key projects that have a significant impact on our city."

"Growing up in families who were always involved in their communities, it just seemed logical and easy to start volunteering and then leading projects that would better our community. I love Colorado Springs and am excited to see what the future holds as we grow into a new chapter."

"My dad taught me by example that it's important to support and give back to the institutions that helped shape you and make you who you are. I make an effort to give a lot back to my community."

Projects

The spirit of philanthropy has shifted to a collective approach that better accelerates change and drives authentic impact. Our portfolio reflects the collective impact our foundations have on making big change in our communities.

Project spotlight

The 315 Collective

The 315 Collective is a group of philanthropic funders, led by the Lane Foundation, who came together to fund a Mission Related Investment (MRI), which is a place-based investment that is intended to create positive social change in the community, while also generating a financial return. The financial return allows the investor philanthropic organizations to increase their capacity to give back to the community.

The 315 Collective is located at 315 E. Pikes Peak Ave. in east downtown Colorado Springs. One side of the building houses the investor group of philanthropic funders, and The Philanthropy Collective, a group of philanthropic organizations that have come together to create more effective philanthropy through collaboration. The other side of the building houses The Well, food and beverage hall, and community gathering space that funds the overall investment.