Who We Are
Philanthropy has the power to drive lasting social change.
Achieving meaningful impact often requires more than good intentions—it requires working with partner organisations and beneficiaries in an open and trusted partnership. Work in Progress supports individuals and organizations as they navigate complex strategic and operational challenges in philanthropy and social change.
With decades of experience in strategic philanthropy, impact investing, and communications—and advisors based in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America—we bring global insight and local understanding to every engagement.
Our Story
Experienced. Professional. Dedicated.
Work in Progress was founded to help philanthropists, families, and social change leaders make the most of their opportunity to create impact.
With experience across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, our team offers deep cultural understanding, real-world operational expertise, and the ability to craft practical solutions that align with your values and goals.
In addition to working with philanthropists and family offices, we advise international NGOs on complex organisational development, helping them implement mission-aligned change with confidence.
Meet the Founder
Stephen King – Founder & Principal Advisor
Stephen is an independent advisor on philanthropy and social change, with over 25 years of executive leadership experience.
From 2018 to early 2025, Stephen was the founding CEO of Luminate, a global philanthropic organisation established by Pierre Omidyar, the founder of ebay. Under Stephen's leadership, Luminate became a leading voice in advancing technology that serves society, with a strong focus on Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Stephen's Experience
Institution Building
Co-founded and led a global philanthropic organisation funded by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, with operations across 16 countries.
Strategic Leadership
Developed institution-wide strategy, governance, staffing, and operational structures in close partnership with a UHNW tech leader.
Global Programme Development
Built international funding teams and programmes in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe—recruiting staff, boards, and local partners.
Impact Investing & Philanthropy
Hands-on experience in grantmaking, coalition-building, and high-risk, high-reward philanthropic initiatives.
Major Fund Launches
Helped launch the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), raising over $60M to support media in the global south.
Combatting Disinformation
Guided the spinout of Reset, an independent initiative tackling mis- and disinformation—now backed by global philanthropic leaders.
Global Network Access
Deep connections across government, intergovernmental bodies, civil society, and philanthropy—especially across the global south.
DEI Transformation
Led a major DEI initiative resulting in an all-women leadership team and global south representation across senior governance.
Our Team of Experts
Collective Impact.
We believe the best solutions emerge through collaboration. That’s why we work with a trusted network of independent experts—strategists, policy specialists, regional advisors, and sector leaders—who bring deep experience and lived insight from around the world. From navigating local political dynamics to shaping global campaigns, we assemble the right team for each engagement to ensure every solution is contextually grounded, culturally informed, and built to last.