Lessons from 15 Years of Strategic Philanthropy with Dr Andreas Rickert

Our latest Podcast on 15 Years of Strategic Philanthropy

By Mark Young and Andreas Rickert

February 2026

In our latest Powerhouse Series interview, we sit down with Dr Andreas Rickert, co-founder of PHINEO, a German pioneering social enterprise that has spent 15 years transforming how philanthropy works. If you've ever wondered how to make your charitable giving truly count or how to build a nonprofit that achieves real impact, this conversation is essential listening.

The future of effective philanthropy lies not in choosing between heart and head, but in bringing rigorous thinking to our deepest values. PHINEO's journey shows what becomes possible when we commit to both.

Whether you're a donor seeking impact, a nonprofit leader building capacity, or a social entrepreneur launching something new, Dr Rickert's insights provide a roadmap grounded in 15 years of real-world experience.

Listen to Our Thoughtful Conversation Here

Capacity Building at Scale

PHINEO doesn't just evaluate nonprofits; they actively strengthen them. Their Impact Guidebook (Kursbuch Wirkung) has been downloaded 125,000 times. The Impact Staircase framework helps organizations think strategically about achieving their goals. Through webinars, seminars, and the SKALA Campus online academy, they've democratized access to sophisticated philanthropic thinking.

Impact Investing: Beyond Philanthropy Alone

Dr Rickert doesn't mince words about the scale of global challenges. The SDG funding gap sits at approximately $4.5 trillion annually. German private philanthropy totals only about €20 billion. Governments and multilateral organizations are losing power. The math is clear: traditional philanthropy cannot close the gap alone.

The capital market must be mobilized, which means playing by capital market rules—seeking financial returns alongside social impact. PHINEO advocates for both traditional philanthropy and impact investing, recognizing that we need every tool in the toolkit.

Navigating Turbulent Times

The conversation touches on concerning political developments, including the rollback of US philanthropy values and narratives labeling nonprofits as "enemies." While some parties in Germany echo these themes, Dr Rickert maintains cautious optimism.

The silver lining? A wake-up call for civic engagement and defense of democracy. Some US organizations are considering Europe as a safer operating base. The challenge? USAID shutdowns create funding gaps in the global south, intensifying competition for resources.

Hard-Won Advice for New Foundations

When asked for advice for the Rational Games Foundation, Dr Rickert offers critical but constructive feedback: structure was created before defining function. The essential first step should have been comprehensive market analysis understanding who else operates in the space, what they're doing, and identifying a unique niche.

For fundraising, forget mass emails. Make tailor-made approaches to potential strategic partners who genuinely care about your mission. Use warm introductions whenever possible.

For measuring training impact, build long-term relationships with participants and follow up after a year to assess real behavioral change and application.

Why This Matters

This conversation offers more than tactical advice; it presents a fundamentally different way of thinking about social change. Let us know your thoughts!