Effective Philanthropy Advisors is a boutique, partner-led consulting firm trusted by mission-driven organizations and funders navigating growth, change, and bold transitions.
We’re woman- and LGBTQ+-owned, with deep roots in fundraising, campaign strategy, and collaborative giving. Our work is grounded in social justice and built on meaningful, long-term partnerships.
EPA’s co-founders—Caitlin Cosgrove and Tyler Hatch—bring 35+ years of experience leading campaigns, advising funders, and strengthening development operations. We lead every engagement from start to finish with insight, care, and clarity.
Co-Founder & Partner
Caitlin Cosgrove is a strategic advisor with over 20 years of experience helping NGOs, intermediaries, and funders navigate moments of growth, complexity, and change. She works at the intersection of philanthropy, organizational strategy, and leadership, advising on how philanthropic capital is deployed and raised, how priorities are set, and how organizations are positioned to deliver meaningful impact over time.
Her background spans climate, biodiversity, economic justice, and progressive policy reform, with experience working across global organizations and campaigns. That grounding informs her approach to advising, particularly her focus on how strategy, funding, and execution come together in practice.
Caitlin partners closely with executive teams and boards to clarify priorities, make decisions in uncertain and complex environments, and align ambition with what organizations are actually positioned to deliver. She is particularly focused on helping leaders close the gap between strategy and execution, bringing discipline and clarity to how plans are sequenced, resourced, and carried out.
She is known for her judgement, candor, and collaborative approach, and for building trusted relationships that allow leaders to move faster and with greater confidence. Caitlin is based in Washington, DC.
Co-Founder & Partner
Tyler Hatch is a strategic advisor with nearly 20 years of experience working with ultra-high-net-worth donors, families, and pooled funds, as well as global social change leaders. His work sits at the intersection of philanthropy, strategy, and movement building, with a focus on how resources are mobilized, decisions are made, and partners are aligned to drive meaningful impact.
His experience spans democracy, human rights, universal basic income, and LGBTQIA+ justice, including leading nine-figure capital campaigns and helping to design and launch large-scale philanthropic collaboratives. That work informs his approach to advising, particularly his focus on how ambitious philanthropic strategies is translated into clear priorities, effective structures, and sustained momentum over time.
Tyler works closely with philanthropists, movement leaders, and advisory boards to shape giving strategies, design collaborative funds, and navigate complex strategic and fundraising decisions. He is particularly focused on helping donors and organizations align vision with execution, building the relationships, governance, and systems needed to support long-term impact.
He is known for his strategic insight, relationship-driven approach, and ability to bring clarity and structure to complex, high-ambition efforts. Tyler is based in Barcelona, Spain.
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Senior Advisor, Operations & Strategy
Michelle is a senior fundraising and operations leader with nearly a decade of experience working with local, regional, and national organizations across land use and conservation, food access, workforce development, and public higher education. She has worked on major fundraising initiatives, including 8-figure campaigns, helping organizations secure public and private investments to support growth and long-term impact.
Michelle brings particular expertise in operational design and strategic execution. She has designed and led multiyear comprehensive and capital campaigns, built and scaled corporate giving programs and grant systems, and is known for her ability to turn complex goals into coordinated, high-performing efforts. Michelle is based in Seattle, Washington.
Advisor, Client Services
Howard Ou is a seasoned advisor and strategist with over 12 years of experience working across government, politics, and social impact, including public policy, partnerships, and national strategy. He has worked on high-stakes initiatives spanning presidential and congressional campaigns, presidential transitions, and federal governance, helping leaders navigate complexity and bring together partners across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to move priorities forward.
He has designed and led engagement strategies, strengthened institutional partnerships, and advised senior leaders through periods of growth and transition, and is known for his sound judgment, diplomatic approach, and ability to turn complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies. Howard is based in Barcelona, Spain.
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