There’s a lot of complaining going on in the field of philanthropy lately. It feels like philanthropy whack-a-mole. One new idea pops up and everyone loves it. Then it gets whacked down and a new one pops up. The new idea is admired for a while, then the mallet comes to whack it down. And on it goes. One complaint I’ve noticed lately is against strategic philanthropy. The claims are that strategic philanthropy is too rigid and prescriptive; that the power rests exclusively with the funder determining the strategy and nonprofits, who are closest to the issues at hand, are left out of strateg ..read more

There’s a lot of complaining going on in the field of philanthropy lately. It feels like philanthropy whack-a-mole. One new idea pops up and everyone loves it. Then it gets whacked down and a new one pops up. The new idea is admired for a while, then the mallet comes to whack it down. And on it goes. One complaint I’ve noticed lately is against strategic philanthropy. The claims are that strategic philanthropy is too rigid and prescriptive; that the power rests exclusively with the funder determining the strategy and nonprofits, who are closest to the issues at hand, are left out of strateg ..read more

There’s a lot of complaining going on in the field of philanthropy lately. It feels like philanthropy whack-a-mole. One new idea pops up and everyone loves it. Then it gets whacked down and a new one pops up. The new idea is admired for a while, then the mallet comes to whack it down. And on it goes. One complaint I’ve noticed lately is against strategic philanthropy. The claims are that strategic philanthropy is too rigid and prescriptive; that the power rests exclusively with the funder determining the strategy and nonprofits, who are closest to the issues at hand, are left out of strateg ..read more

Three examples of the damage narcissism can cause to philanthropic efforts. Narcissists are extremely self-centered people who have an exaggerated sense of their own importance, and are more concerned with their own desires and interests over the needs of others. Sound like any people you know? Perhaps the last person you dated or an elected official? How about a donor or foundation leader? Unfortunately, there are ample examples of narcissism disguised as philanthropy, and the damage these narcissists cause. One of my mentors, Alan Weiss, recently wrote about narcissism and philanthrop ..read more

As we embark on a new year, I wanted to share with you my top 10 articles that most engaged readers like you over the past year. I’m often told that my articles are provocative AND practical, and help them with the exact issues they are focusing on in their philanthropic efforts.  And if you are looking for more ways to increase your speed to philanthropic impact, be sure to read my forthcoming book, Delusional Altruism: Why Philanthropists Fail to Achieve Change and What They Can Do to Transform Giving! It publishes the week of March 23rd and I’m so excited to share it with you! You c ..read more

Here’s a failproof way to get stuff done! We have about two weeks left in 2019. Take away weekends and a few holidays, and that’s about seven working days. Right about now many people are feeling: Overwhelmed Panicked Guilty Are you one of them? Are you feeling overwhelmed at the sheer volume of year-end goals still to be met, panicked when you realize how few days are left in the year, and guilty that you didn’t get it all done? You aren’t alone! But you don’t need to feel this way. Ever! Instead of setting annual goals, I advise my clients to get clear on their top 3 priorities ..read more

Think about all the assets you can bring to the table to advance your cause. Then deploy them! If philanthropists have anything, they have money. In fact, they have so much money that after taking care of themselves, their family, and their businesses, they’ve determined they have plenty left over to give away to help others. As a philanthropist, whether you earned the money, inherited the money, or you give other people’s money away as part of your job, you have access to wealth. But guess what? You have access to much more than just money. You have a staggering amount of assets you can deplo ..read more

Nothing creates heart pounding ghoulish fear in the minds of a grantee like hearing from their funder: “We’re about to start strategic planning.” A funder undergoing strategic planning can put the nail in the coffin for grantees…at least temporarily. Philanthropic strategy development seems to last forever. During this time, and often behind closed doors, the funder might “suspend grantmaking” to “evaluate priorities and approaches.” This leaves nonprofits to wonder if this dark period will lift. And when it does, will the funder still support their organization? Strategy development is import ..read more

It’s almost the end of 2019. Have you achieved your year-end goals? If not, don’t despair! You have plenty of time if you act now. Just follow my 3-step process. There are 46 weekdays left between now and December 31. Take away 10 days for holidays and vacation, and you have 36 days left. 36! 36 days to do all that stuff you declared you would do in January. 36 days to meet your end-of-year goals. Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t. You can do this! Just follow these three simple steps: 1. Prioritize. What are the top 1-3 things you want to accomplish by the end of the year? These could be pr ..read more

How to get the most out of your philanthropy. If you are like many wealthy individuals and families, you look to your wealth advisor or family office for help with charitable giving. But you also seek advice and guidance beyond checkbook donations. You need help selecting the best giving vehicle, such as starting a foundation or donor-advised fund. You want clarity on your philanthropic goals. You want to know if you’re having an impact. You need advice on how to involve your entire family in giving, while instilling a philanthropic legacy for generations to come. As a donor, your wealth advis ..read more