Mark Neithercut brings more than 25 years of experience working with private foundations, family philanthropies, community foundations, and individual donors to strengthen the impact and effectiveness of their giving.

Mark is the founder of Neithercut Philanthropy Advisors (NPA), the philanthropic advisory firm from which Clear Foundation Management evolved. Over the course of his career, he has advised foundations and donors on philanthropic strategy, governance, grantmaking, and foundation administration, with particular expertise in helping funders build thoughtful and effective approaches to their charitable work.

As Senior Advisor to Clear Foundation Management, Mark brings decades of institutional knowledge and perspective to the firm, serving as a resource to its leadership and clients. His experience provides an important foundation for CFM's approach: combining sophisticated philanthropic counsel with practical, hands-on support that allows families and boards to focus on the purpose and impact of their giving.

Prior to founding NPA, Mark served as Vice President for Program at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and as a Program Officer at The Kresge Foundation. Earlier in his career, he held academic positions at Wayne State University and the University of Alabama.

Throughout his career, Mark has played a leadership role in significant philanthropic initiatives, including the planning and launch of the $150 million New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan, the $30 million GROW Healthy Kansas program, and the $1 million Community Foundation Challenge – Emergency Food & Shelter.

Mark has also contributed extensively to the broader philanthropic and nonprofit sector. His past service includes the National Center for Family Philanthropy's Issues Advisory Committee; committees and leadership groups of the Council on Foundations and Council of Michigan Foundations; and the boards of the Detroit Institute of Arts, Cranbrook Schools, and National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers. He has also served as Chairman of Detroit Area Grantmakers and the Aspen Institute's Michigan Nonprofit Research Program.

Mark earned his Ph.D. in Environmental History/Historical Geography from the University of British Columbia, where he was a Doctoral Fellow. He holds an M.A. from Michigan State University and a B.A. with High Honors in History from the University of Michigan, where he was elected Phi Beta Kappa and recognized as a James Angell Scholar.

Mark lives in Traverse City, Michigan, with his wife, Helen. Outside of philanthropy, he is an avid fly fisherman, art collector, and cyclist.