Michael Macfarlane Associates enables philanthropic Foundations to advocate for and to deliver sustainable global change through the vector of reputation. We also build and manage turnkey social impact projects.
Our global capability is orientated around the turnkey build of philanthropic projects and Foundations to elevate outcomes and build a virtuous circle of sustainable impact.
Impact outcomes
Trust, intelligence and discretion mean that we do not share client stories and we do not seek awards, recognition or industry ranking for the outcomes that we enable. Our case studies are based on real examples, but they have been materially changed to protect identities.
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Cultural Outcomes
Uniting China And The West Through Art
The ongoing elevation and promotion of the global mission of a private Foundation focused on the role of art and culture and the cross pollination of creativity and ideas in fostering better cultural understanding between China and the West at a time of geopolitical change. Including significantly expanding global reach through the conception and delivery of a category-leading online video podcast series featuring guests of International distinction who engender and represent the cross-cultural intersection of creativity and ideas.
Driving Change Through The Performing Arts
The turnkey reinvention and re-elevation of a long-established impact-focused private organisation with a legacy of funding the performing arts on a social impact basis, including critically-acclaimed film and theatre productions. Emphasising the legacy of the organisation for its social impact backing of productions with potential to enrich lives and to break barriers. Including the building out year-round mission-adjacent online programming to increase its global engagement with its contemporary purpose and in-development film and theatre projects.
Inspiring Compassion, Awareness and Reflection
Delivery through partnership of a global film festival that explores Buddhist ideas and human experience, using storytelling to inspire compassion, awareness, and ethical reflection. Creating accessible platforms for global audiences by pairing screenings with conversations that encourage dialogue and deeper understanding. By highlighting diverse traditions without sectarian bias, the festival fosterers cultural exchange and spiritual inquiry; as well as seeking to amplify underrepresented voices, preserve cinematic heritage, and connect people worldwide through art rooted in wisdom and mindful living.
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Global Health Outcomes
Curing Untreated Blindness At Scale
The turnkey creation and management of a global humanitarian initiative that works to eliminate curable blindness in underserved communities by delivering free cataract surgeries through mobile medical camps and skilled surgical teams. Since inception, it has restored sight to more than 70,000 people as part of its mission is to break cycles of poverty, empower women and strengthen communities; whilst simultaneously advocating for wider systemic change to reduce extreme poverty by spotlighting its achievements and sustaining a meaningful share of voice in the global health conversation.
Advocating For Better Mental Health
The turnkey relaunch and management of a private Foundation committed to supporting mental health by fostering resilience, compassion, and inner balance. Its mission is to make wellbeing accessible by bridging creative expression with mindful traditions, offering resources that inspire reflection, healing, and community connection. Through collaborations, public programming, and digital content, it seeks to empower individuals to embrace authentic self-expression, cultivate inner peace, and build healthier, more compassionate societies rooted in understanding and shared humanity.
Preventing Youth Suicide In Hong Kong
The creation of a joint project to strengthen youth mental health and suicide prevention in Hong Kong by combining education, outreach, and digital engagement. The project creates impactful content with key opinion leaders (KOLs) to reach young audiences online. By integrating trusted voices with practical training for students, teachers, and families, the initiative expands awareness, reduces stigma, and encourages early intervention. Together, these efforts build safer, more supportive environments that empower youth and communities and signposting how to obtain practical direct support.
Expanding Access To Bionic Limbs
The turnkey creation of an initiative to provide life-changing support to disabled children by developing and distributing affordable 3D-printed robotic arms. Its mission is to restore independence, confidence, and opportunity to young people who might otherwise face lifelong physical and social barriers. By combining cutting-edge bionics technology with compassion-driven outreach, the project transforms lives in practical, visible ways. An accompanying campaign advocates for how technological innovation can deliver dignity, empowerment, and hope for a brighter, more inclusive future.
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Educational Outcomes
Driving Social Mobility Through Education Access
The turnkey refresh and elevation of a longstanding Foundation that has supported students from Hong Kong and across Asia with scholarships to study in the UK at Oxford and Cambridge in a mission to expand educational opportunities, nurture talent, and inspire social responsibility. Scholars are encouraged to “pay it forward,” applying their learning and success to benefit others and strengthen communities. Achievements include enabling higher education, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and creating a legacy of impact sustained by generations of empowered young leaders.
Translating Zen Practice Into Practical Guidance
The creation of a partnership with an influencer Monk and the turnkey production of a series of teachings and dialogues that translate Zen practice into practical guidance for contemporary life. Activities included an online video series covering themes such as meditation basics, happiness, grief, and resilience, alongside filmed visits to a dojo capturing personal conversations on healing and emotional well-being. By combining traditional insights with modern challenges, the project expands access to spiritual tools and encourages mindfulness, reflection, compassion, and authentic personal growth.
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Social Outcomes
Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Resilience
The creation and management of an influencer collaboration for a private Foundation to address differing attitudes toward LGBT identities within Asian and Buddhist communities by promoting acceptance and authentic self-expression. Featuring a prominent Japanese monk and LGBT advocate on a global platform, the collaboration shares powerful teachings on compassion, inclusivity, and the universality of love. Through digital content, performances, and dialogue, the project challenges stigma while offering spiritual support. Its mission is to affirm diversity, empower LGBT voices, and create spaces where equality, resilience, and belonging can flourish.
Fostering Aspiration Through Stories
The creation of a YouTube series is dedicated to inspiring people to realise their potential, featuring guests who have risen from modest beginnings to achieve remarkable success. By highlighting resilience, creativity, and determination, the series transforms lived experience into practical advice that others can apply to their own lives. Its social purpose is to foster aspiration, empowerment, and belief in possibility, showing that background need not limit achievement. Beyond inspiration, the series offers concrete strategies and mindsets for education, career, and personal growth, contributing to a more equitable access to opportunity.
Enabling Healthier, More Fulfilling Lives
The turkey creation of a popular YouTube series focused on longevity, wellness, and living with vitality at every stage of life. Its mission is to encourage healthier, more fulfilling lifestyles by exploring practical approaches to physical health, mental wellbeing, and active ageing. Through engaging conversations and expert insights, the series highlights how daily habits, mindset, and creativity contribute to sustained energy and resilience; to inspire viewers to embrace wellness practices, foster intergenerational understanding, and cultivate positive attitudes that support purposeful living.