Philanthropy

After a number of years researching Women as Philanthropists, I often wondered, "how does a woman connect her values with the causes and critical issues she deems important enough to support with her time, talent and treasure?" Well, I discovered three key elements--power, purpose and passion--that converge, bringing focus and clarity to her decision-making. Power to Solutions The first, power, comes from choosing how to direct her energy to find the creative solutions for those critical issues. A woman finds power by allowing herself to establish goals, monitor progress, and evaluate the impact of her philanthropic agenda on both individual progress and community betterment. Empowerment is the force that drives passion and purpose. It also offers the courage to transcend [...]

For many years, the sign hanging on the wall in Albert Einstein’s Princeton office read, “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” This is quite true in philanthropy, especially when it comes to the fundraising and administrative costs which are often analyzed in terms of a percent or ratio of operating expenses. Who is to say the current formulas used by rating agencies to hallmark the qualities of an efficient and well-run organization are the “cat’s meow?” It’s the best we have, but can they be improved, can the formulas be more representative, transparent and holistic? How could donor insight and response from the community served add to a convergence of both [...]

“One potato, two potatoes, three potatoes, four...” If you’re part of my generation, you may remember singing this English rhyme. In our early school days it served as a way to choose teammates, but now we are all grown up and finding ways to teach the next generation about the discipline and joy of charitable giving choices. One percent, two percent, three percent… ten, fifty percent or more! How do we educate young adults to become generous and committed to a life-long philanthropic strategy with their peers? Who will lead the Millennial 50 percent giving pledge challenge? Who will pick up the torch from the likes of Warren Buffett, Mark Zukerberg, and Bill and Melinda Gates? In 2011, Americans gave [...]

The everyday chatter of economic discontent, political debacle, and media dooms-day predictions makes even the most Pollyanna heart heavy. Negative energy begets worrisome thoughts, meaningless words, and selfish deeds. Our dark times hide the joy of philanthropic TLC -- the synergy of Trust, Leverage and Capital that philanthropy embraces. TLC provides the foundation for community and the "Ace up the philanthropic sector's sleeve" to effect change for a more harmonious and balanced world. The definition of an energetic and thriving community is one that openly demonstrates an abundance of trust, the collective leverage of financial, human and intellectual capital, and an innovative network of social capital working to focus on ways to promulgate the love of humankind in thought, word, [...]

The greatest gift is the gift of listening. Not only do the ears need to be engaged and the mind alert -- the gift of listening demands much more. It requires an open and abundant heart. In this frenzied, multitasking, sound-byte society, being an active listener is perhaps one of the hardest skills to acquire and to do well. How do we know that we really hear what someone is saying? Can we take the time to shut out our self-centered thoughts and calm the urge to fill the silence with an instant response? Are we respectful of the hopes, fears and desires expressed by others? Can we find ways to convey the spirit and skill of being an active [...]