Eli Broad applies three key questions to the “philanthropic investments” he makes: “Would it happen anyway? If it’s going to happen anyway, we don’t make the investment,” he says in a video clip. “Two, will it make a difference 20 or 30 years from now? And lastly, is talent leadership there that can really make it happen? … If the answer to any one of those is no, we don’t do it.”
The holidays are here, and ‘tis the season of giving. Although you may feel motivated to give a donation, it can sometimes be difficult finding a foundation you feel comfortable supporting. You need to trust that your donations are making a difference and going to the right cause.
When in doubt, turn to professionals for advice, right? In this case, who better to consult than the great philanthropists of our day.
Fortunately, you don’t have to try to guess, assume, or attempt psychoanalysis from afar to get sage advice from big philanthropists and donors. No, as trumpeted by the Chronicle of Philanthropy (see “The Giveaway”) and other sources, there is an interesting new resource available to all in a new website called GiveSmart. In essence, this website lets the philanthropists speak on whatever topics they wish and give their own advice on giving.
If you’re interested in charitable giving and are trying to decide how to go about doing it, consider consulting some of these important philanthropic voices to motivate you.
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Reference: The Chronicle of Philanthropy (November 27, 2012) “The Giveaway”
GiveSmart – GiveSmart.com