Something to Think About - Winter 2004
Ann Cohen & Debra Fried Levin
Our goalTo create strategic frameworks that bring business principles to philanthropy and nonprofit management. Something to Think About is a periodic highlight of current trends and ideas in philanthropy.
What's new
Ann has been working with several national nonprofits bringing business solutions to strategic and management issues. This past year she has been working with the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the American Cancer Society, United Jewish Communities, the Credit Union National Association and others. Her practice focuses on connecting people, institutions and businesses with effective strategies and then channeling the strategies into deliberate action. As for Debra, she appeared on several panels presenting strategic philanthropy concepts and practice. The engagements included a national conference sponsored by the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers' New Ventures in Philanthropy Initiative and the National Capital Gift Planning Council conference.
The thought question
With 2003 now behind us and your charitable contributions accounted for, have you consciously decided that you are giving the "right" amount to charity? The right amount is a very personal calculation reflecting personal values, financial circumstances, and many other factors. Tithing at least 10% annually of your annual income is advised by certain faith traditions. Independent Sector, the umbrella organization for the non-profit community, advises giving 5% annually. (www.independentsector.org). On the average Americans give 2% annually. NewTithing (www.newtithing.org), a charitable advising service, believes that many wealthy Americans could give significantly more if they took into account both their annual income and investment assets. The organization, in a recent report, recommends that donors give from 0.6 percent to 3 percent of their total investment assets along with a percent of their income. (See article). Regardless of the formula you use, these approaches provide guidance on the amount donated as well as the importance of taking a thoughtful, systematic and strategic approach to charitable giving.
What's new at PhilanthropicSolutions
Ann has been working with several national nonprofits implementing business solutions for strategic and management issues and re-defining governance in light of today's increased focus. This past year she has been working with the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the American Cancer Society, United Jewish Communities, the Credit Union National Association, the United Way of the National Capital Area and others. Her practice focuses on defining the organization's value and then realizing that value by connecting people, institutions and businesses with effective strategies and deliberate action. Debra continues to work with our clients and their families on strategic philanthropic giving.
Articles
1) Today's philanthropists mirror the past and thankfully so. The most enduring legacy of philanthropy resides simply in the act of giving. It binds society together - bridging inequalities, remedying accidents of good or bad fortune, across generations. What's truly striking is the similarity between the philanthropists of a century ago and the philanthropists of today.
A Legacy Beyond Their Gifts, The Washington Post, Outlook, by James Allen Smith, January 4, 2004 (See Article)
2) Many of today's top givers are handing over the bulk of their fortunes during their lifetimes. By doing so they can bring vast stores of money and talent to bear on the worst problems plaguing society, see the effects of their giving, and work actively to produce a result. They're using "carpe diem" logic to attack problems of human suffering now rather than later believing that tomorrow will have its own crises -- and its own philanthropists.
Today's Philanthropists Aren't Leaving the Good Works to Future Generations -- They're Making Their Mark Now, Business Week, by Michelle Conlin and Jessi Hempel, December 1, 2003 (See Article)
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