All philanthropy is personal. Philanthropists can, and do, support almost everything, which can be a great strength. But if you are committed to making a real change in the world, you need to start by clarifying your aspirations. Getting started can be daunting with so many choices.
What are my motives for giving?
Understanding why you want to give will help define how you want to give, including how personally engaged you want to be in your philanthropy.
What values and beliefs will anchor my philanthropy?
Consider the people, places, problems, pathways or philosophies that you care about most.
Who else is involved in my philanthropy?
Everyone—family members, advisors, staff—brings their own aspirations to the table. Being clear about your aspirations makes it easier to work together.
Case Studies
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The Bridgespan Group
Pam Omidyar's philanthropic work—including founding or co-founding with her husband, Pierre, the Omidyar Network, Hope Lab, and Humanity United—demonstrates how she has translated her passions into social change.
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The Bridgespan Group
According to Steven Rothstein, president of the Perkins School for the Blind, if it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a “big village” to raise a child with disabilities. It also takes a donor with a special kind of focus, patience, and willingness to learn.
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The Bridgespan Group
What would you do with one billion dollars? Jennifer and Peter Buffett were faced with this extraordinary challenge and opportunity.
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The Bridgespan Group
Is it possible to help preserve a language and culture that is not your own? Dwayne Steele worked together with local Hawaiians to reverse the decline in native Hawaiian speakers and catalyze a broad cultural preservation movement.
Philanthropy Roundtable
Leona Helmsley left her fortune for the care of dogs—or did she? Controversy ensued when a donor left billions to charity, without clear direction as to how it should be spent.
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Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors
When Lisa and Charly Kleissner need to make a big decision, whether it impacts family, investments, or philanthropy, they first look to their values.
Articles
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The Bridgespan Group
Family philanthropy offers an exciting opportunity to bring your loved ones together to support a common cause. Sometimes, though, creating high-impact philanthropy while simultaneously preserving social bonds can require trade-offs. The solution? Embrace the personal nature of family philanthropy without letting things get too personal and emotional.
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The Bridgespan Group
Philanthropy is a public expression of personal values and family commitments, with its own set of rewards and rules. Whether or not you “go public” is a matter of strategy and personal style.
Deeper Dives