The definition of “risk capital” varies greatly depending on context. In the world of private equity, risk capital refers to the funds used for speculative, high-risk, high-reward investments. Depending on the success of the investment, it can either earn spectacular returns or dwindle to a fraction of the initial amount. In the charitable world, venture…
Category: Businesses
Philanthropy: It’s the best antidote to despair
Many people feel overwhelmed and disheartened by recent events. The media feature a steady stream of mass shootings at schools and houses of worship, terrorism, college admissions scandals, income inequality, global warming, opioid addiction, threats to our democracy, hate crimes, political dysfunction and a general loss of civility. These events, plus others, generate in many…
Corporate giving is on the rise — enhancing investor, employee and customer engagement
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…
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…