Meet Dan Lilienthal: A Journey from the Outdoors to Social Impact
Introduction
Hi, I’m Dan Lilienthal, the founder of Lilienthal Advisors. My journey into social impact consulting began long before I started this company—it’s rooted in my passion for community, education, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.
My Early Days: A Love for Outward Bound and Experiential Learning
My first introduction to Outward Bound was transformative: a 45-day course at North Carolina Outward Bound School, followed by an 8-day dog sledding course at Voyageur Outward Bound School.
Outward Bound taught me resilience, leadership, and the importance of community—lessons I’ve carried with me throughout my career.
From Education to Grant Development
I began my career as an educator at an EL Education school in NYC, part of the Outward Bound network. Teaching showed me the power of meaningful learning experiences.
I later transitioned into grant development and management, helping visionary leaders at Harvard and Columbia secure millions of dollars in funding to scale impactful projects worldwide.
Why I Started Lilienthal Advisors
After years of working in education, grants, and nonprofit spaces, I realized there was a gap: many mission-driven organizations have untapped potential to achieve more—for their participants, alumni, and broader communities.
My goal with Lilienthal Advisors is simple: to help organizations unlock that potential through grant development, alumni engagement strategy, and other consulting services.
Conclusion:
I believe in the power of connection, learning, and well-crafted strategies to create lasting social impact. Whether it’s securing a multi-year grant or designing alumni programs that foster lifelong engagement, I’m here to help.
Call to Action: Follow along as I share insights, strategies, and stories about the work I hope to do in the world. Together, we can achieve meaningful change.
