More than ever, investors are pondering, “Am I destroying with my left hand what my right hand is trying to save?” Trillions of dollars are invested by millions of Americans in stocks and mutual funds, banks, and retirement funds like IRAs and 401(k)s, seeking to generate significant financial returns. Most of these investors are philanthropic,…
Category: General
General content on philanthropic strategy and methodology
What’s love got to do with effective philanthropy?
The term “philanthropy” is a combination of two ancient Greek words: “philos” meaning “love” in the sense of caring for, nourishing, developing and enhancing; and “anthropos” meaning “human being” in the sense of our common humanity. A philanthropist is a person who expresses love of humanity through charitable efforts. Every year, hundreds of articles are…
Social enterprises use market forces for good
Many nonprofit organizations have made innovative social enterprises part of their daily operations to help them achieve their mission while creating sustainable sources of income to fund programs. Social enterprises don’t eliminate the need for charitable donations but, rather, supplement donations and grants by creating predictable revenue streams while serving the broader mission of the…
Women Changing the Face of Philanthropy
Women have changed the face of philanthropy. With more money and increased control and influence over how it is spent, more women than ever are making philanthropic investments to help address and solve the problems of our time. Consider these facts: Women represent 51 percent of the nation’s Ph.Ds, 67 percent of college graduates and…
Champ Bailey, Chauncey Billups, Todd Helton score big with charity work
Professional athletes are often criticized for being poor role models. Colorado has many athletes, however, who set an example of leadership with philanthropy. In order to understand why some of them dedicate their time outside the games to worthy causes, I asked three of Colorado’s best-known professional sportsmen. Denver Broncos All-Pro cornerback Champ Bailey grew…
10 Steps to Becoming a More Effective Philanthropist
Many donors look at their charitable efforts and wonder: Does the nonprofit I’m supporting really have an impact? What can I do to make my philanthropy more effective? Being an effective philanthropist doesn’t depend on the amount of time or money you give but rather upon how you approach your giving. Here are 10 steps…
Corporate Philanthropy Helps Turn Companies Into Good Citizens
The business case supporting corporate philanthropy is well documented. Enhanced employee recruitment, lower turnover, higher job satisfaction, customer preference and loyalty for companies that invest in communities, and higher profits have been demonstrated by studies. Although these might be interesting and important points that enhance stakeholders’ comfort with an expanded view of corporate citizenship, for…
Kids can be philanthropists of great stature
With philanthropy as their cause, kids are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they’re demonstrating passion, insight and ability to be leaders today. Young people, viewing the world through a different lens than their parents and grandparents, are raising money, giving it away, and creating inspired outcomes. Children can become engaged in philanthropy at young…
Market-based Solutions Flex Business Muscle
Historically, businesses have donated billions of dollars to nonprofits to help address social problems by approaching the social contract of “giving back” to society in two primary ways. First, with traditional corporate philanthropy, businesses have benefited customers, employees and communities by making donations to, and volunteering for, worthy causes. Second, “corporate social responsibility” emerged to…
How to be a Strategic Philanthropist
This is the season when many people make charitable donations. This generosity is acutely needed and greatly appreciated. Next year, however, consider approaching your charitable giving as a strategic philanthropist, rather than as a donor. The difference between a donor and a philanthropist does not depend on how much time or money one gives to…