When asked “what are you trying to accomplish?” do you respond with broad, hopeful statements (like “curing cancer,” or “ending poverty,” or “stopping global warming”)? If so, you’ll need to get more specific because at that level, your goals are still too undefined (and therefore unattainable).
Don’t assume that a $10 million gift over five years, for example, will single-handedly transform an inner-city school district with an $800 million annual budget. This is one of the many “traps” that even the most capable and experienced philanthropists can fall into.
For an overview of common traps, check out our FAQ What Are the Five Most Common Traps I Should Avoid in My Philanthropy?