Across the United States, companies of all sizes increasingly recognize the importance of philanthropic community engagement. In 2017, those companies donated more than $20 billion to charitable causes. These businesses are using philanthropy to not only “do the right thing” but also to enhance the engagement of investors, employees and customers – all of which…
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Bruce DeBoskey is an award winning, nationally-syndicated author of columns and articles in newspapers and magazines such as The Denver Post, The Miami Herald, the Chicago Tribune, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Albuquerque Journal, the Sacramento Bee, the Kansas City Star, the Lexington Herald-Leader, the Charlotte Observer, the Fort-Worth Star-Telegram, the Costco Connection, Boston College's Corporate Citizen Magazine, The Denver Foundation's Give Magazine, the Boulder Jewish News, Investments & Wealth Monitor, Company Week and many more. Bruce's columns are distributed by the Chicago Tribune News Service to over 600 newspapers and other news outlets across the U.S. and abroad.
Understanding the “why” of impact investing
Impact investing is the rapidly expanding approach to financial markets that seeks to do well and to do good. It attempts to generate positive financial and social returns. Sustainable, responsible and impact-investing assets now account for $12 trillion of the $46.6 trillion in total assets under professional management in the United States. This is one of…
Philanthropy predictions for 2019: Economic and political volatility will impact the giving world.
The philanthropic landscape has been evolving – and will continue to change in 2019. Based on my experience, you can expect developments in the following eight areas. Giving to combat global warming on the rise People in the United States are finally recognizing climate change. New reports showing the alarming rise in the earth’s temperature…
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals falling short; How to apply an SDG lens to your giving
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It established 17 Sustainable Development Goals that address critical areas of economic, social and environmental development that impact billions of people. These SDGs were ratified by 193 governments and apply to every country — including the United States. The categories are: no poverty;…
On Philanthropy: Best excerpts from the first 100 columns
Since 2010, I have now written 100 columns addressing many aspects of philanthropy – for families, businesses and foundations. To acknowledge this milestone, here are some of my favorite excerpts – quotes that best encapsulate the many lessons I’ve learned and the thoughts I’ve tried to convey. On family giving “Many families fail to talk…
As the holidays approach, “the fierce urgency of now”
Exactly one year before he was killed, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke these words at Riverside Church in New York: We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as…
Donor-advised funds – Powerful giving tool needs sharpening
The fastest-growing tool in the philanthropic arena is the donor-advised fund. DAFs are 501(c)(3) philanthropic accounts established at a public charity. They allow donations of cash, property, appreciated assets and more – and donors receive immediate tax deductions. The DAF legally controls the money from the point of donation. Subsequently, donors can advise the DAF…
Coherent philanthropy: Seven tips for effective business giving
U.S. corporations are a strong force for good – above and beyond their recognized role as drivers of employment and the economy. In 2017, U.S. corporations donated almost $20.8 billion to nonprofit organizations — an increase of eight percent over the prior year. This amount represents 0.9 percent of corporate pre-tax profits in a year…
Coherent Philanthropy: Six lessons for families
Philanthropy is “coherent” when it is logical, well-organized, well-planned and sensible – as well as easy to understand and articulate. Over the years, I have helped dozens of families, foundations, businesses and family offices achieve coherence in their philanthropy. In the realm of family philanthropy, here are six key lessons. (In a future column, I will…
Upfront Philanthropy: The leading questions for the wealth strategy team
At The DeBoskey Group, we often talk about the philanthropic strategist’s role in family planning as a partner in a group of advisors that address the various components of wealth planning and strategy. The wealth management and investment advisors will be the experts helping to determine what proportion of a client’s assets can be positioned for…