Building and renewing the institutions that sustain a free and flourishing society.
We build bold social ventures, and partner with the founders and funders who make them possible.
Athos works alongside visionary leaders to turn ambitious ideas into new institutions, and promising institutions into breakthrough organizations. We bring the strategy, talent, relationships, and philanthropic capital needed to move from vision to velocity—fast.
We build new institutions that matter. We scale institutions that matter. And we connect funders with the institutions that matter.
Our team is made up of builders, operators, and entrepreneurs who have launched and led some of the country’s most distinctive social ventures. We don’t stand on the sidelines and advise. We build alongside you.
Global Accreditation Project
VELA Education Fund
Reach University
Heterodox Academy
Ralston College
Institute of World Politics
National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree
Institute for Humane Studies
Emergent Order Foundation
The Great Questions Foundation
The Independent Center
BEB Global
The Future of Free Speech
Hall of Giants
Open Discourse Coalition
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation
Daniels FundOne of the best in the business…Chad is probably the best development [professional] in our network, hands down.”
[M]y first pitch for the campaign came in today at the top ask level: $1M per year for three years, with the first payment immediate. He’s also allowing us to use his name as we approach other lead donors. Chad, your advice and guidance as we built our proposal was instrumental to this. Pro level.”
…You have built an entire fundraising operation from scratch and raised a huge sum of money that only a handful of hundred-year-old universities can muster. We would not be here without you.”
Athos brings a rare combination of strategic insight and fundraising expertise that has truly elevated our major gifts and development efforts. They’ve helped us clarify our value proposition, refine our messaging, and identify a broader network of funders and partners. Most importantly, they’ve met us where we are—offering tailored guidance that makes us stand out in a competitive philanthropic landscape.”
Sharpen the idea, test the opportunity, understand the landscape, and build a clear roadmap from concept to launch.
Build the governance, organizational model, programs, budgets, regulatory pathways, and operating structures your institution needs to succeed.
Develop the case for support, identify and cultivate founding funders, and build the community of allies, partners, and champions around your venture.
Embed experienced builders to drive critical workstreams, recruit founding leadership, and create the early wins that create momentum, energy, and excitement.
Create the positioning, messaging, brand, communications, events, and launch strategy that introduce your institution to the world.
Founding Partner and Managing Director
Strategic education and nonprofit leader with 30+ years advancing mission-driven organizations. Previously SVP for Advancement at University of Austin (UATX) and Executive Director at Institute for Humane Studies. Expertise in strategy, philanthropy, and public engagement.
Founding Partner
Nationally recognized academic leader advising on institutional growth and transformation. Founded and led University of Austin; served as President of St. John’s College. Recipient of the Courage in Education Award and Hero of Intellectual Freedom Award.
We work with a select group of organizations committed to ideas and institutions that matter. If that sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.
Contact us