Perhaps, all the chaos and uncertainly in the world is the perfect nesting place from which the mythical, sacred fire bird is about to be reborn to reignite the flame of compassion, goodwill and benevolence in the human heart. In Greek mythology, Herodotus tells of the bird’s unique ability to be consumed by fire and reborn from the ashes. Throughout the ages, the colorful and stately phoenix’s appearance has been depicted as a sign of a coming age of prosperity and greatness for people and of nations.

Recently, I’ve been pondering, in what personification the phoenix might rise, if indeed I allow myself the luxury to indulge in a mystical and meditative moment or two, as the frantic milieu of daily life whizzes by at warp speed. From my perspective, I believe it will manifest itself in the philanthropic arena. Perhaps not apparent to the wealth holders and well-to-do philanthropists, but rather the rising will take place in the emergence of a new cohort of philanthropic advisors for the wealth holder to dialogue with about their dreams and aspirations for family and community.

Lori Denison, Tony DeBruyn, Danielle Cameron, Phil Cubeta, and
Margaret May. May, president of the Institute for Women and Wealth
and co-facilitator for the West Palm Beach Chartered Advisor in
Philanthropy (CAP) study group welcomes Phil Cubeta of
The American College, Bryn Mawr, PA, professor in
philanthropy, and the Sallie and Bill Wallace endowed chair in
philanthropy; as well as Tony DeBruyn, Capital Planning, Dallas,
TX, at a reception in their honor at the Commnity Foundation of
Palm Beach and Martin County, FL, on October 24, 2011.

These advisors will have the expertise, according to Phil Cubeta, the author of the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) curriculum at The American College, to “Take a leadership role in convening the [ultimate] planning team needed to accomplish the wealth holder’s highest aspirations for self, family, and society.”

Cubeta is the Sallie B. and William B. Wallace Chair in Philanthropy at the college and recently visited with members of the West Palm Beach CAP multi-disciplinary study group. They are 24 highly regarded thought-leaders, dedicating 18 months of time, talent and money to co-create the symmetry and synergy for a “network of good” in the community. It was evident from Cubeta’s remarks, and those of Dallas CAP participant Tony DeBruyn, that sparks are beginning to ignite among professional advisors. These sparks are kindling a common purpose around a shared body of knowledge to help wealth holders do great things for the charities they love and support.

Could this be the new phoenix rising in philanthropy? CAP study groups seem to be spreading like wildfire around our country.

To learn more about women and philanthropy, follow Margaret May on Facebook, Twitter @MM_Philanthropy,