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…
Category: Foundations
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…
Community foundations are key partners in achieving U.N. goals
The world’s first community foundation was established in Cleveland in 1914. Today, there are almost 1,900 community foundations — 75 percent of them created in the last 25 years. Among these are 1,033 in North America, 670 in Europe, 62 in Asia, 56 in Oceania, 31 in Africa and 11 in South America. Community foundations…
U.N.’s development goals are a roadmap for powerful donor impact
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and established a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Let’s put these new goals into a good news/bad news context. Between 2000 and 2015, the world made enormous progress on some of its most pressing problems. For example: The global mortality rate for…
Involve kids early in family philanthropy and give them input into giving
Many of us adults give considerable thought to how we will pass along our money to the rising generations in our families when we die. Far fewer of us also consider how we will pass along our “value assets” – our family’s unique approach to community, giving back and helping others, while we’re living. The…
New study outlines unprecedented financial risk to many nonprofits
Across the United States, more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations engage in remarkable work to transform lives, communities and the planet. Unfortunately, these organizations currently face a wide range of growing pressures. Consider these facts: In 2013, nonprofit organizations employed more than 10.6 percent of the workforce (14.4 million). More individuals are employed by nonprofits…
Six trends to affect philanthropic landscape in 2018
When it comes to the world of philanthropy, 2018 promises to be transformational. Pessimists are concerned about the impact of new federal tax laws, the increase in income inequality, and the growing need for critical social services. Optimists see more reason for hope, believing that we have entered the “golden age of giving.” Watch for…
Next-generation donors will revolutionize philanthropy
We are currently engaged in the largest wealth transfer in history. Over 50 years, between 2007 and 2061, an estimated $59 trillion will pass from older to younger generations. In addition, many wealthy millennials, like Mark Zuckerberg and his peers, are generating their own substantial wealth. It is expected that up to half of this…
This Thanksgiving, carve more than the turkey
Soon, many of us will gather around the Thanksgiving table with family and friends — to indulge in an abundance of delicious traditional foods and give thanks for abundant blessings and freedoms. The upcoming winter holidays are a wonderful and highly anticipated time to connect with loved ones and indulge in a certain amount of…
Thinking of giving to an international charity? New IRS regs clarify requirements
Around the globe, many remarkable organizations work to help people at the very bottom of the economic, justice and environmental pyramids. Each year, U.S. donors contribute billions of dollars to advance causes in other parts of the world – especially when these people and causes appear in the headlines. Philanthropist Warren Buffett sums it up…