Melissa Berman, president and CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, wrote, in 2004, about giving in tough economic times. Since the giving season of 2008 is upon us, and 2008 will be much tougher than 2004, I wanted to share the questions she gives that can help us prioritize our giving:
What internal forces drive you to give? – It’s important to recognize your motivations for giving. Giving motives clarify what’s most important to you: causes you grew up with, issues that represent what you stand for, or problems around which your whole family can rally.
What external issues tug at your heart? –
- Big problems: poverty, disease, global warming
- Specific challenges: literacy, Parkinson’s
- Places: Montana, Appalachia, Afghanistan
- People: artists, children, refugees, innovators
- Institutions: schools, museums, ballet companies
Once you have sense of the kind of issue you’re attuned to, you can explain clearly to yourself what you’re giving to.
How do you want the change to happen? – Consider how an organization tries to solve a problem, not just which problem it tries to solve.
How do you want to get involved? – Decide how to invest your money as well as your time:
- Number of gifts: One gift? 10? 100?
- Type of gifts: General support? Specific projects? challenge grants?
- Level of involvement; Anonymous giving? Work on a project? Lend professional expertise? Fundraising? Board service?
