Scaling Global Philanthropy Through Strategic Framework Design
How Sephora transformed their worldwide giving approach through comprehensive partnership strategy and donor-advised fund optimization
Photo Credit: Sephora
The Assignment
Sephora approached Platypus Advisors with two critical challenges as they scaled their global social impact initiatives:
Challenge 1: Donor-Advised Fund Administrator Selection Evaluate 4-6 DAF administrators to identify the optimal financial partner for Sephora's growing Social Impact Fund, ensuring integration with employee giving platforms while minimizing costs and maximizing impact potential.
Challenge 2: Global NGO Partnership Strategy Redesign Sephora's worldwide giving framework to create a coherent, purpose-driven approach that could be implemented consistently across all regional markets while maintaining local relevance.
Photo Credit: Sephora
The Context
As a global beauty retailer with ambitious plans to expand their giving programs and yearly philanthropic budgets, Sephora faced the complex challenge of scaling their Social Impact mission, supporting equity, justice, diversity, and inclusion within communities, across multiple regions with different markets, cultures, and regulatory environments. The company needed robust financial infrastructure that could integrate with existing employee giving platforms while providing flexibility for both domestic and international charitable activities, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness and compliance. Simultaneously, they required a unified philanthropic approach that could translate meaningfully across their global footprint while staying true to their core purpose, creating authentic community impact that aligned with their brand values and strategic objectives.
Photo Credit: Sephora
Our Role & Process
Phase 1: Strategic Assessment & Research
Conducted comprehensive review of Sephora's global purpose strategy and existing partnership landscape
Performed peer benchmarking analysis against comparison set companies
Developed detailed evaluation scorecard with 7 key criteria for DAF administrator assessment
Audited existing partners and programs to understand current state
Phase 2: Stakeholder Engagement & Framework Development
Facilitated workshops with key stakeholders to define priorities and focus areas
Conducted interviews with Regional Red Heart Captains across global markets
Assessed DAF and impact investing options for selected financial institutions
Developed comprehensive NGO partnership framework including eligibility guidelines and selection rubrics
Phase 3: Strategic Recommendations & Implementation Support
Conducted verification interviews with shortlisted DAF administrators
Created three comprehensive resources for regional implementation:
Global NGO Partnership Framework
Curated NGO Database
NGO Partnership Playbook with tools and guides
Provided sunset planning for partnerships not aligned with new criteria
Delivered final recommendations through executive presentation and regional rollout
Photo Credit: Sephora
The Outcome
Optimized Financial Infrastructure Delivered comprehensive evaluation and recommendation of DAF administrator based on cost efficiency, investment options, international capabilities, grant-making processes, strategic support offerings, and overall reputation - enabling Sephora to make an informed decision that would support their growing philanthropic ambitions.
Unified Global Framework Created a cohesive yet flexible NGO partnership approach that allows each region to authentically bring Sephora's purpose to life while maintaining consistency with global brand values and strategic objectives.
Operational Excellence Established clear eligibility guidelines, selection criteria, and partnership management processes that enable efficient decision-making and risk management across all markets.
Photo Credit: Sephora
The Impact
Sephora now operates with unprecedented strategic clarity, concentrating philanthropic efforts on social and economic inclusion for women and girls and people with disabilities—areas where their expertise and brand positioning create authentic, measurable impact. Through the searchable global database of pre-approved partners, regional teams can quickly identify and engage qualified NGOs, dramatically reducing partnership development timelines while ensuring alignment with strategic focus areas. This optimized infrastructure, combined with streamlined DAF administration, has positioned Sephora to scale their philanthropic impact efficiently across all markets while maintaining operational excellence and strategic consistency in their mission to advance inclusion for priority populations.