Summer Reads to Celebrate the Power of Humanity

Lauren Janus, COO and Philanthropic Advisor at Phīla Giving

A year ago this month, the world felt like an incredibly tense place. 

George Flyod had just been murdered, on camera, at the hands of white police officers in Minnesota. With no vaccine and uneven testing capabilities across the country, COVID rates were raging while medical experts issued daily warnings of the deadly summer ahead. It wasn’t exactly the sort of atmosphere that made you want to stretch out in your lawn chair, pour a cool drink and delve into the latest crime novel. 

Instead, in my “summer reads” blog post last June, I recommended a handful of excellent books that dig deep into the issues of race, poverty and inequality laid bare to us all in the past year. I still strongly recommend all of these books not only because of their subject matter, but also because each of them is highly readable and engaging--not quite beach reads, but close enough to make you think differently and want to pass along a copy to a friend.

While it still feels audacious to even suggest that this summer could be more normal than last, expanding vaccination rates and decreasing COVID deaths do make it feel less scary. I’ve been using this new breathing space to take a step back and focus on the broader beauty in the world, including the power of individuals to move the needle on social justice, family relations and a more just and loving version of humanity. 

If you’re in a similar frame of mind as the weather warms, here are some of my top book recommendations:

 A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival, by Melissa Fleming 

It’s difficult to argue that any refugee’s story is not harrowing. But Doaa Al Zamel’s is truly incredible. Doaa is just a teenager when her fiance convinces her that the two of them should flee Syria for Europe after passing their life savings over to smugglers with a rickety boat. When the boat capsizes, Doaa (who cannot swim) floats for days on an inflatable tube clutching two toddlers, who were thrust into her arms by their drowning parents. Doaa’s story ends well, but its glimpse into the astonishing bravery, love and sheer grit of today’s refugees will stick with you. 

Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa Lahiri 

I first read Interpreter of Maladies nearly 15 years ago, not long after it was published and won the Pulitzer Prize. While this time around I remembered many of the stories in this short compilation written by the now famous Jhumpa Lahiri, every single one of them struck me anew for their achingly rich storytelling. Lahiri excels at telling stories of relationships--between lovers, family members and neighbors both in the U.S and in India. Not all of her characters behave well toward each other, but each of them needs each other in a very human way. Try stopping at just one of her stories in this short read.

Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty, by Patrick Radden Keefe

No, I’m not suggesting that the Sackler family represents a beautiful sort of humanity to be celebrated in these challenging times. Quite the contrary. Patrick Radden Keefe’s 2021 expose on the Sacklers is shocking, engrossing and peppered with moments of pure ickiness. The way members of the elder and younger Sackler clan have used their wealth and personalities to manipulate nonprofits, government officials and the American public to further swell the family’s coffers is increasingly horrifying as the generations replace each other. The bright light of this story is Nan Goldin, the 60-something photographer who spear-headed the first protests against the Sackers inside the museums (the Guggenheim, Smithsonian, the Met) which have accepted the family’s donations for decades. 

Keefe explains how Goldin, who herself suffered from an addiction to  OxyContin, organized fellow artists, students and victims of the opioid epidemic to drop empty prescription bottles on the floor of the Guggenheim lobby and stage a subsequent ‘die-in.’ Her efforts worked, finally drawing a bright light to the unfettered greed and morally abhorrent behavior of the Sackler family.

The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart, by Alicia Garza

Alicia Garza’s recent book is a similarly inspiring, authentic story of the power of the individual. Garza is the woman behind the original #BlackLivesMatter hashtag, and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement. In her 2020 book, Garza describes her childhood as one of only a few Black children in a predominantly white, upper-middle class neighborhood, and her entry into the world of community organizing following college. What makes Garza’s arguments so welcome in these divisive times, is her insistence that movements like Black Lives Matter are successful when they are accessible to everyone who, like her, are striving to move our country--and arguably all of humanity--progressively forward. 

Happy reading!

The Mother’s Day Legacy -Making an Impact with Planned Giving

Janell Johnson, Philanthropic Advisor

The origins of Mother’s Day are deeply rooted in philanthropy and grassroots advocacy. In response to appalling infant mortality rates and poor sanitary conditions, in 1858 Ann Reeves Jarvis organized a Mothers’ Day Work Club to mobilize women to take action by purchasing and distributing medical supplies and providing in home education to families in need. Their work later evolved into antiwar activism that led to unity and reconciliation among Confederate and Union soldiers.  

Members of the Mothers’ Day Work Club took bold action, responding to present needs in the community with their time, talents, and treasures leaving a lasting legacy. These values – health, welfare and unity – are still present in today’s modern nonprofit sector where women continue to demonstrate leadership, passion, and conviction. As of late, this leadership is on display for the world to see as stories of transformative women philanthropists fill the media airwaves. While we continue to honor the contributions of these incredible women, it’s important recognize commitments at all levels.  

As noted in this Forbes article on women philanthropists who offer advice to younger women on having an impact, regardless of one’s age or financial status there is room for everyone at the philanthropic table. You don’t have to be a billionaire philanthropist or social activist like Ann Reeves Jarvis to leave a legacy.  

Even if you are unable to give to charity right now, many women are leaving meaningful legacies that extend far beyond their lifetimes through Planned Giving. Planned Giving simply refers to the financial and legal tools used in the gift planning process. Many of us have life insurance policies or retirement plans that offer comfort and security during life and provide for loved ones, but did you know that these tools also make wonderful legacy gifts to charity? Gifts of this kind do not impact your current finances, they’re tax efficient, and are very easy to arrange.   

Here are a few simple gifting approaches and things to consider as you embark upon your gift planning journey:

Retirement Assets

If you are like most people, you probably will not use all of your retirement assets during your lifetime. Around 60%-70% of your retirement assets may be taxed if you leave them to your heirs at your death. Donating unused retirement assets, such as your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), pension or other tax-deferred plan, is an excellent way to support charity. Charities do not pay taxes on these kinds of gifts and benefit from their full value. Neither you, your heirs, nor your estate will pay income taxes on the distribution of the assets. 

Life Insurance

Naming your favorite charity as the beneficiary/partial beneficiary of your life insurance policy is the simplest way to transfer death benefit proceeds from the policy. For policies that have outlasted their original purpose, such as providing for minor children who are now financially independent adults, you might consider gifting the entire policy to charity. If you still owe premiums on the policy, the charity might choose to take over those payments. You may also consider making an annual donations to cover the premium costs in exchange for a lifetime income tax deduction. 

Beneficiary Designation Forms

It is not uncommon for retirement and insurance beneficiary designation forms to change several times throughout life to reflect your current relationships and financial goals. Often these changes can be made online or over the phone at no cost to you. The division of assets and gift values might be considered within the context of a comprehensive estate planning effort, but it’s not necessary. These are changes you can make on your own with the click of a button. Further, these gifts are completely revocable and can be changed at any time. 

Bequests

A bequest is a simple statement in your will that transfers assets to charity. It’s completely revocable and can be changed or modified at any time. Below are some common ways to approach bequest giving:

• Specific Bequest. A specific bequest involves making a gift of a specific asset such as real estate, artwork, or a gift for a specific dollar amount. For example, you may wish to leave your home or $10,000 to charity. Keep in mind that valuations are important in order to ensure that the property being gifted is truly representative of your intention in leaving the property.

• Percentage Bequest. Another kind of specific bequest involves leaving a specific percentage of your overall estate to charity. For example, if you wanted to leave 10% of your estate to charity you might name one charity or divide that percentage among several organizations. This is heartful work and there is no wrong way to do it.

• Residual Bequest. A residual bequest is made from the balance of an estate after the will or trust has given away each of the specific bequests. A common residual bequest involves leaving a percentage of the residue of the estate to charity. 

• Contingent Bequest. A contingent bequest is made to charity only if the purpose of the primary bequest cannot be met. For example, you could leave specific property, such as a vacation home, to a relative, but the bequest language could provide that if the relative is not alive at the time of your death, the vacation home will go to charity. 

Legacy Society Recognition

Many nonprofits have established member associations called Legacy Societies to recognize people who have given notice of a planned gift. It’s their special way of recognizing your philanthropic leadership and allows them to celebrate with you during your lifetime. There is typically very little process involved in joining a legacy society other than a verbal commitment and minimal documentation of your gift. 

If any of these ideas spurred new thoughts about how you might maximize your giving, reach out to me or your tax advisor/financial planner to join the movement by planning for gifts today that will make a big impact tomorrow. And Happy Mother’s Day!

It's Time to Upend the Status Quo of Charitable Giving

This blog is adapted from the original work created for the Initiative to Accelerate Charitable Giving.

Image courtesy of Unsplash

In addition to my work at Phīla Giving, I co-founded, with Christina Lewis, a nonprofit organization called Give Blck in September of 2020. Give Blck gives voice to 500+ Black-founded nonprofits and addresses racial equity by offering a comprehensive database for donors to find and fund Black nonprofits. It began as a response to individuals seeking a way to support Black-owned business and Black organizations in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in May of 2020. 

Given our involvement in philanthropy as non-profit founders and individual philanthropists, we are acutely aware that funding and investing in Black nonprofit organizations are critical – yet often forgotten – pieces to tackling systemic racism and inequality. We have seen first-hand how structural issues in the philanthropic sector slow money getting to working charities and the out-sized impacts they have on communities of color. The lack of transparency of donor advised funds makes it difficult for organizations to cultivate relationships with donors. Not to mention the fact that despite the hefty payouts during the pandemic, commercial DAFs are still sitting on billions of dollars that are already dedicated to the common weal but are sitting fallow instead. While these difficulties hit all organizations, the hit is disproportionally devastating to Black and BIPOC groups. Just this past February–Black History Month–only four percent of the $450 billion dollars donated to charity went to organizations led by underrepresented minorities. 

Through Give Blck, I have signed on to support The Initiative to Accelerate Charitable Giving’s reforms because they address outdated provisions in the current tax structure and reforming these charitable giving laws is a crucial step towards achieving racial and economic equity in our sector. What can be done? IACG has specific recommendations for reform for private foundations and donor advised funds.

For private foundations, while they are subject to a 5% payout rule to ensure a regular flow of dollars to tax-exempt public charities, savvy trustees can easily work around this requirement. At a time when every dollar counts, Congress should ensure that existing rules are reformed to fulfill their purpose by stipulating that:

• Private foundations cannot meet their payout obligations by paying salaries or travel expenses of foundation family members. 

• Private foundations cannot meet their payout obligations by making distributions to donor-advised funds.

• Donors cannot avoid private foundation status (with its attendant rules) by funding their entities through donor-advised funds.

Congress should also enact incentives and reforms to ensure that private foundations continue to play a pivotal role in the charitable ecosystem by distributing more of their assets to operating charities, such as:

• Reduce to zero the private foundation excise tax for any year in which the private foundation’s payout is 7% or more.

• Eliminate the excise tax for any newly created, time-limited private foundation with a life of 25 years or less. 

Donor-advised funds (DAFs), on the other hand, call for a completely different approach. They have over $120 billion set aside for future charitable gifts. The problem is that current rules fail to provide any incentives or requirements for DAFs to ever distribute their money.

DAFs can and should continue to play an important role in charitable giving, but there need to be rules to ensure that funds donated to DAFs are made available to working charities within a reasonable period of time. Congress should enact reforms that ensure that payout occurs by allowing donors to choose one of two regimes for their DAF donations: 

1. A 15-year DAF Rule under which a donor would get upfront tax benefits (as under current law), but only if DAF funds are distributed (or advisory privileges are released) no later than 15 years from the year of the donation to the DAF. 

2. An Aligned Benefit Rule, an alternative for donors who want more than 15 years to distribute their DAF funds, allows a DAF donor to continue to receive capital gains and estate tax benefits upon donation but would not receive the income tax deduction until the donated funds are distributed to the charitable recipient. This rule would create an incentive for donors to get donations to charities sooner. View details and other proposed reforms on their website.

It is critical that we implement IACG’s reforms now because we are in a unique moment of awareness and openness to examine how business has been done in the past and how it may aid in nurturing inequality at a time when more people than ever around the world are motivated to make the rules work better for everyone.

If these proposals become law, there will be short and long-term benefits that would do much to invigorate and make our sector more equitable. But we don’t need to wait for Congress to act. You can implement some of these changes now and on your own to move your money faster and more equitably.

We must be more deliberate with our philanthropic giving and intentional with regard to who we want to fund. Casual, colorblind donations to organizations, believing that somehow everything will work itself out in the end, will at best be ineffective as it pertains to dealing with pre existing racial disparities. It is far more likely that the absence of deliberate and meaningful reforms in philanthropy will only widen gaps that should be closing. 

My Time at Phīla: Reflections and Learnings

By Olivia Reiten

Olivia when she was a senior at the University of Washington and a new Phīla employee.

I wasn’t quite sure of the role philanthropic advising played in an individual’s everyday life before I worked at Phīla Engaged Giving. I had assumed it was mostly companies, businesses, or multi-generational families that utilized these advising services. My understanding of philanthropy was essentially that people picked what organizations or causes were important to them, with no real plan as to how much, how long, or why they were giving. I knew giving monetarily could create lasting changes, but I never fully understood the privilege an individual possessed to even be in a position to donate money in a significant way. Working in an environment that deals with individuals and families with significant wealth, and their ability to give it away, I had to reevaluate my own understanding of privilege - especially through the lens of philanthropy. My time at Phīla has shown me how incredibly powerful philanthropy can be when people approach giving with heart and honest intentionality. 

March and May 2020 marked two pivotal turning points within the world, and consequently at Phīla. The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and George Floyd’s murder sparked worldwide reaction and an outpouring of cries for fundamental change in support of social and racial justice. Philanthropic funding was put on center stage as a route to fund this change, and philanthropic advisors were working with donors to move money fast. Being at a small, young company allowed me the opportunity to work outside of the typical job description of an executive assistant and to pivot toward work intended to respond to these events. I was able to focus on areas that were necessary - and personally enjoyable - such as research and the creation of two important resources for the wider philanthropic community. Pull Up for Racial Justice and COVID-19 Response were Phīla’s contributions to the field and donors looking for ways to respond to the two biggest social upheavals in a generation. Taking on the responsibility of creating these two pages was a bit daunting, but it allowed me to further educate myself on the topics while also compiling accessible educational resources for others. Creating those pages involved some of my most memorable work I did while at Phīla, and it taught me how many of the world’s systems intersect with philanthropy at one point or another. 

 Now, being at a point of reflection, I have compiled some of the lasting lessons I have learned while working in the world of philanthropic advising and family philanthropy:

Philanthropy can be done in more ways than one.

At its core, philanthropy aims to help people and communities. While this still holds true, philanthropy has evolved in such a way that anyone can give in some capacity. Monetary contributions are only one avenue. It is also just as important to give via volunteering your “time, treasure, or talents”.

NextGen giving has huge potential.

The great wealth transfer will be instrumental in changing the landscape of philanthropy as we know it. Younger donors of my generation are interested in causes that have received less funding historically: climate change, racial justice, women’s rights, and healthcare access. This new generation of individuals coming into serious money has an attitude of “give it all away”, in the hopes of radically undoing our systematically unequal society. It is inspiring to see young individuals “put their money where their mouth is” and attempt to disrupt the status quo of “traditional” philanthropy. 

Where you choose to give really does make a difference.

While financially supporting big, legacy organizations will remain important, providing funding at the grassroots level will become one of the most important funding avenues we can utilize. Individuals working on the ground and directly in the communities that are in need of funding have the best insight and tools to strategically implement social change.

Lastly, the “big” one: 

Philanthropy doesn’t look the same for everyone, but putting some heart and honest intentionality into the process will make your giving go far. 

 This is the overarching theme I have come to learn while working at a philanthropic advising consultancy and what I love about Phīla’s philosophy. It’s one thing to throw money at a cause or organization, but it's another to take the time to do your due diligence on researching the organization(s), planning a giving strategy, and really diving into the why behind your giving. In my opinion, this is what the world of philanthropy can use more of: honesty. Since philanthropy will look different for everyone, what truly matters is putting your heart into it and being honest with yourself around what you’re really doing and what you hope to gain.

The experience, knowledge, and relationships I have gained while working at Phīla are invaluable, and I will carry them with me. I am lucky to have worked with some of the most inspiring, empathetic, and determined women I have ever met. Phīla has shown me not only the power of philanthropy, but the power of working with individuals who want to help others understand the power of their own giving. As a young individual with white privilege, it is my responsibility to recognize it, continue to acknowledge it, and use it to create space for the betterment of our society. Philanthropy can truly be a powerful tool for change, especially if there is heart and intentionality behind it. With this knowledge, I am inspired to take action and be a force for change.

Addressing the Emotional Aspects of Wealth: Five Tips for Families

Talking about wealth is almost always emotional exercise. It can bring on a whole range of feelings, many in conflict with one another: guilt and pride, anger and happiness, connectedness and isolation. Yet one of the most common emotions that wealth (or the lack of it) elicits is fear—fear of being taken advantage of, fear of not being liked, fear of not having enough. The list goes on. And further, the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has blown the cover off of the United States’ stark inequalities. Over 3 million people are out of work, and many more are without reliable access to healthcare. The 2020 COVID metaphor is apt: we are all navigating the same stormy sea, but we’re in different boats. When your boat is large, sturdy and comfortable, it can feel doubly isolating to have so much security when others are struggling for basic needs.

For people with children, these conversations are especially challenging. Just as you are trying to sort out your own feelings, you also must tend to young people who are acutely aware of social inequities and often have excellent questions wondering why they exist. And it’s not just about those who have less. Even for those who have objectively "made it”, all it takes is one look up the social ladder to see that you are still far from the top. In fact, in our climb up the wealth ladder, our gaze is nearly always upward, toward those who have still more, and it fuels desire to join their ranks. But in reality, it’s a losing battle. I once read a Wall Street Journal article that said the difference in assets held by the top .01% versus the top 1% is greater than that between the 1% and the rest. It’s an incredible perspective, yet we rarely turn around and look at those behind us. We tend to focus on what we lack. Children notice these differences too. While we can’t dispatch with these emotions entirely, we can mitigate their influence in our lives by shifting our focus. Here are five ways that might help you navigate these feelings:

1. Struggle is OK. All parents want to see their children succeed and not experience hardships in life. That is normal. However, when a family is the steward of significant wealth, that natural desire takes on much more weight. How do we allow for the natural instincts of parenting while also not becoming “snow plow parents”, i.e., parents who plow every obstacle out of the child’s way to create a clear, unobstructed path to success? Allow your children to try, fail, and learn from failure. 

2. Share family stories that do not involve money. Create a family narrative around who your family is that does not involve what you own. Perhaps it’s your family genesis story, or how it came to be rooted in the city you’re in. We inherit more than money. We inherit a set of mores and values that define our family and ourselves as its members for generations. Share the sayings and anecdotes that make your family unique and bind you to higher ideals.

3. Re-evaluate the purpose of work. If you had the chance to do what you love and not have to worry about being paid for it, would you do it? Most would automatically say ‘yes”, but looking deeper, it may not be so easy to do. We live in a society that says “you are what you do”, and being paid lots of money for your work says what you do is valuable. With wealth, you have the opportunity to rethink the nature of work. While for most, work is a means to an end, but it can also be about purpose, pride, and satisfaction. There’s a prestige to certain professions, but the real challenge is to move beyond social status and focus on what’s right for your child. Be open to their exploration of pursuits that aren’t highly paid. Allow your children to explore work (paid or unpaid) that brings them satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and joy.

4. Acknowledge your privilege. Regardless of how it came to you, there is an undeniable privilege that comes with having money. While money can’t buy happiness, it does buy convenience. Maybe your kids don't need to work during high school. Or they won’t have student loans while their friend is on work-study or is graduating with debt. Recognizing the ease that having wealth affords won’t make your situation similar to your peers, but being more aware of your advantages also recognizes others who have a different experience. No, not everyone will appreciate it, but there is integrity in honesty.

5. Philanthropy benefits the giver as well as the receiver. Philanthropy can be a great tool to help raise children with values and position them to have a healthy relationship to wealth. Giving to others reminds them (and us) of how a strategic yet moral deployment of philanthropic dollars can benefit a family for generations. As Charles Collier stated, “wealth itself is morally neutral, but how it is used is what matters.”

While these tips were written with raising children in mind, they apply to anyone struggling with how to make sense of wealth. And there are certainly more. One of my roles as a philanthropic advisor is to help my clients come to terms with what they have so that they can make good decisions in giving it away. If you find yourself wanting to become more engaged in the public sector in general and philanthropy in particular, but are struggling with how and where to plug in, let’s talk.

Additional recommended reading on this topic:

We Need to Talk, by Jennifer Risher

Uneasy Street: Anxieties of Affluence, by Rachel Sherman

Classified: How to Stop Hiding Your Privilege and Use it for Social Change, Karen Pittelman

The Gift of Radical Empathy

By Aparna Rae

As a DEI consultant in 2020, I had a front row seat watching leaders experience transformation and drive race equity in their organization. Most for the first time. Maybe that was you? Moved by the seismic shifts brought on by the pandemic, the murders of George Floyd and other African Americans, and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Perhaps the divisive nature of the 2020 election forced you to take a pause and reflect: What should I say? Do I share my own perspectives? What are other organizations and individuals doing? What do I do? How can I support my staff, colleagues and community? No matter who you are or your life’s circumstances, 2020 forced us all to face the gross systemic inequities in our society.  

As we begin a new year, we have the opportunity to put our awareness into action. Awareness that we continue to be in a global pandemic that’s far from over, that divisive discourse in US politics prevailed through the holidays, that more households plunge deeper into poverty as tens of millions remain under/unemployed. Alongside this, an awareness of our privilege - the ability to work from home, safely travel (if needed), income and wealth that create stability, and most importantly, being able to drive change in our homes, at work, and in our communities. 

Radical empathy, as a practice, offers each one of us an opportunity to take action - at no fiscal cost. “Radical” in this instance doesn’t mean extreme, it’s intended to be the opposite of “conventional” or “status-quo”. Why? Because conventional wisdom is just not enough. Our siloed, oven segregated lives all but limit exposure to people whose lives and identities are different than ours and therefore our ability to step into someone else’s shoes is also limited. Don’t believe me? US cities continue to be deeply segregated, 3 out of 4 white people don’t have any non-white friends (Washington Post), and despite evidence of diverse team making better decisions (HBR), within philanthropy, 92 percent of foundation presidents and 83 percent of full-time staff members are white (Bridgespan). 

How do we push past personal biases and systemic barriers to take action? I’m proposing three ways to practice radical empathy today. Your empathy-muscle grows stronger the more you use it, the more you use it at work, the greater the impact of your giving.

1. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. It’s time to take off your armor. Dr. Brene Brown’s decades long research tells us that vulnerability is the ability to show people you’re not perfect, you make mistakes, and you don’t have all the answers. In other words, it’s showing people that you’re human. Leaders who are vulnerable open the door to innovation, inclusion and growth. 

2. Know the difference between impact and intention. Our privilege can often shield us from understanding the impact of our actions. When it comes to greater equity, belonging and justice, our intention is always to do better but the impact may not always be positive.  A focus on impact brings greater accountability to our actions. 

3. Open yourself to the experiences of others. Our race, gender, socio-economics, geography, all impact our experience in the world - one that may not be shared by others. In one of her many talks, Carla Harris, Vice Chairman of Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley, recounts an experience of being mistaken as a steward while unboarding her private jet. As a black woman at the very peak of her industry, she still faces microaggressions. Even when it diverges from your experiences, believe those whose identity differs from your own - black, indigenous and people of color, women, individuals with visible or invisible disabilities, the LGBTQIA community and other groups experiencing oppression.

The moment that we gain empathy, of a universal kind, then something a little magical happens...Ah, you see — with empathy, we no longer see life as a battle. And therefore, our fellows, peers, colleagues are no longer merely our adversaries, enemies, opponents. What are they? They are just us, wearing a different face.

— Umair Haque 

The practice of radical empathy is a daily habit, an essential life skill — and an invitation to live life in alignment with your greatest values.  

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Aparna is the Founder and Principal at Moving Beyond - a boutique data -driven and impact focused DEI practice. 

2020: The Year in Review

“Not many of them, it’s true”
by Gregory Orr

Not many of them, it’s true,
But certain poems
In an uncertain world—
The ones we cling to:

They bring us back
Always to the beloved
Whom we thought we’d lost.

As surely as if the words
Led her by the hand,
Brought him before us.

Certain poems
In an uncertain world.

---

We made to the end of 2020! What a year it has been. I hope you and your family made it through this most tumultuous year safe, healthy, and reasonably happy given the circumstances. We have covered a lot of territory in this blog and newsletter this year. My goal has always been to help you be more knowledgeable about the philanthropic sector in general and more confident in your own giving in particular. We've certainly had much to be inspired by in 2020. In looking back at past issues, I noticed a few themes.  

We shared a lot of examples of foundations that are reevaluating their purpose and longevity. While the trend was on the rise among younger, less traditional trustees, the desperate and sudden needs sparked by COVID-19's emergence in March brought many families and boards back to the table to reevaluate purpose versus payout. With so many people out of work, sick, and with little safety net, COVID-19 was a great revealer of the vast economic inequalities in our country. We all may have been adrift in a stormy sea, but some of us had much sturdier boats. Money flowed quickly but unevenly throughout the country. My thoughts on this were published in an article I wrote for Giving Compass.

The other major incident of the year that sparked tremendous action as well as reflection was the murder of George Floyd in May. Again, while racial justice has been a focus of many progressive funders for some time, the flagrant miscarriage of justice at the hands of the police brought the issue to the fore for nearly everyone. Philanthropy and the social sector answered with all their might: they doubled down on funding Black communities, organized protests, created new funds for racial equity and the like. We at Phīla put together the immensely popular resource Pull Up for Racial Justice, which now lives permanently on our website, as well as a summer reading list of books that shed light on the moment we were experiencing as a nation.

And among the myriad of other issues we brought to you, we talked quite a lot about wealth and well-being. It's impossible to have any meaningful or honest discussion about philanthropy without excavating one's feelings about money. Whether one takes the power-sharing, reparations stance of Resource Generation, or holds the belief in passing wealth down responsibly to heirs, thinking about what money means to you and your family is the foundation of good philanthropy. Being a values-based firm means we take our time with these issues to get at the root of why a person wants to engage in philanthropy in the first place. These can be difficult questions to tackle, but we took them on squarely when we talked about impact investing, reparations, and inheritance.

2020 shined a bright, focused light on so much that is wrong with our society, but it also lit a way forward. We were reminded of what we hold dear but often took for granted, our health and safety, our democracy, and the importance of our real-life social networks—personal and professional. We also learned a great deal about ourselves and what kind of world we want to live in. 

 I know all of this is true for me. Like you, I have experienced a year that I will never forget. 2021 is sure to be challenging in many ways as well, but I am forever grateful that I have work and a community that continue to be a bright light on even the darkest of days. Thank you for your engagement and interest this year. Here’s to a new start! 

Beyond 2020: The Future of Civic Funding

Tomorrow is Election Day and I do hope that if you have not already voted, you have a plan. Here is a link to voting information in every state in case you need it. In more ways than one, this presidential election will be one for the record books. More money has been thrown at this election ($14 billion!) than any that came before. Billions of dollars have been given not only to candidates, but also to issues that affect our democracy, like redistricting,  voter enfranchisement, and registration. The spending zeal was even more urgent given the twin crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial protest. This is clearly the most consequential election season of our lifetimes. But now that  Election Day has finally arrived, what’s next for the political donors who are newly committed to funding the causes that promote a fair and just society?

 To achieve lasting impact in one’s philanthropy, we stress the importance of “working upstream” or funding systems change (the root cause of disagreeable/unhealthy outcomes) rather than direct relief—the band aid that staunches the bleeding of an acute problem. And yet, while there is no doubt that attacking society’s biggest problems at their source is an excellent and necessary strategy, this year, the funding of democracy-related issues has been very similar to the approach taken for natural disasters. Having been blind-sided by an unanticipated cataclysmic problem, an “all hands on deck” mentality is initially required to get it under control. Funds flow quickly and often haphazardly, but it is to be expected due to the gravity of the situation. And then finally, when the worst is over, we begin to assess the damage and see what will need  to be rebuilt. 

 That is how money moved this year. On top of the fervor for the opportunity to elect new leaders, people from all socioeconomic backgrounds leaped into action to relieve as much acute pain as possible from COVID-19, the civil unrest after police shootings, and the weakening of democratic norms. While the problems are far from solved, we have arrived at the point where we can assess how we move forward and deal with the fallout from these disasters in the long term. 

Here are a few ideas for donors who are still in the fight and plan on keeping the lessons of 2020 front and center in their philanthropy:

• You heard it before, but it bears repeating again: plan to give unrestricted and multi-year gifts. If you’re an individual donor, this means you make a plan to fund an organization at the same amount for at least 3 years. You should also communicate your plan to the organization so that they can budget and make wise financial decisions based on anticipated income. Practically, if you fund from a donor advised fund, you can book gifts as “recurring.” Set it and forget it.

• If you went all-in on candidates, referendums, and voter registration efforts, you can keep that momentum going the next four years regardless of who wins. If we learned nothing else these past couple of years, it’s that we get the government we deserve and it requires our sustained engagement to keep it healthy. You can shift from funding campaigns and the like towards supporting causes, such as an independent media that provides fair, fact-based, and impartial news to keep the electorate informed; or movement-building organizations that keep communities connected, educated, and aware of their civil rights. And don’t forget that there will be Congressional and local elections in 2022, which will be here before you know it. Now is the time to support new leaders and get educated on the local issues that will directly affect your day-to-day life. Maybe you’d consider running for office yourself.

• And in just eight months, COVID-19 has killed more people than the flu did during the last five flu seasons combined. The fallout from COVID-19 will have generational ramifications. The biggest issues that were again put in stark relief were the lack of accessible healthcare and affordable housing and systemic racism. Donors can sustain their COVID relief efforts by advocating for fair housing policies, humane labor practices, and health equity. Many givers contributed to these areas for the first time by funding local relief efforts for schools, restaurant workers, mutual aid groups, and more. While we desperately needed a Band-Aid approach in March, these are systemic issues that will be with us at a heightened level of intensity for the foreseeable future and require our dedication and vigilance to eradicate.

• And finally, COVID was just one national comeuppance we faced this year. The number of high-profile police killings marked a profound turning point for many. Money poured to Black organizations, businesses, and even individuals. It was almost as if a spontaneous mini-reparations movement sprung up from the ashes of our burned cities. The Black community has been under-resourced for generations, and it was heartening to see so many people finally seeing what had been ignored for so long. But how can this attention be sustained? There are a few ways. Donors can commit to dedicating a percentage of their annual giving budget to Black community organizations, they can support Black leaders by sharing their networks and offering mentorship, and lastly, donors can be conscious of where they spend their dollars by supporting Black-owned businesses.

While I never am comfortable predicting the future, I can say with full confidence that philanthropy after 2020 will never be the same. Our collective experiences this year have sparked a cultural shift that will see so many more of us tune in to and become aware of the importance of civic engagement for a healthy democracy. I hope you can find your place in a new and healthier ecosystem and make a difference for the long haul.

A Philanthropic Response to Threats Against Democracy

By Lauren Janus

With a more divided electorate than any time in recent memory, an incumbent president who’s refused to commit to the most basic of democratic norms—a peaceful transition of power—and the proof and pain of racial injustice from coast to coast, you’d be forgiven for thinking these are dark days for democracy in America.  We at Phīla have certainly thought so. But we also know that as Americans, we have a fundamental responsibility to stand up for our democratic institutions and way of life—now and after November.

 The good news is that there are some fantastic people and organizations already working tirelessly on these issues. Giving Compass, a valuable resource for news of the giving world, has compiled a substantial directory of organizations working on defending the media, registering people to vote and strengthening democracy.

 Below is our own brief round-up of selected organizations committed to these crucial issues. Some of the below are partisan, some are non-partisan, some are 501c3 organizations, and some are organizations to which donations are not tax deductible. All stand with us in this struggle to ensure democracy and our rights as citizens are protected, regardless of who is in office. 

 Please consider giving or volunteering today.

Region or BIPOC-Specific Organizing Groups

 We know that the best people to help specific communities exercise their right to vote are organizations within those communities. Fortunately, grassroots organizations across the country are mobilizing voters and making noise in 2020. Here are a few stand-out groups.

1.     Texas Organizing Project. TOP, as the Texas Organizing Project calls itself, was formed in 2009. The group organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties in Texas, with the goal of transforming the state into one where people of color have the power and representation they deserve. The 100,000- member group leads direct-action organizing, grassroots lobbying and electoral organizing, while providing leadership development to interested Black and Latino residents. 

2.     Voces de la Frontera Action. Called “The Most Valuable Grassroots Organization in the US” by The Nation magazine in 2012, Voces de la Frontera and its Action Fund use their relational voter program to build a network of low wage and immigrant workers.

3.     EquisLabs. Founded by two veterans of Latino political research and organizing, Equis Labs calls itself a research and experimentation hub working to build Latinx power. The small 501c4 organization supports leaders and organizations that are working to increase Latinx civic participation by focusing on data, digital and leadership development.

4.     Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC). BLOC is a Milwaukee-based organization focused on using community-based organizing and face-to-face conversations to lift up Black citizens and build stronger communities throughout Wisconsin. BLOC has been working to register Black Wisconsin residents, and provides information on safe voting for everyone. 

5.     Nuestro PAC. A partisan Super PAC, Nuestro PAC was formed to continue a model of Latino outreach they say was instrumental in delivering early victories to Senator Bernie Sanders. The super PAC is focused on mobilizing and turning out Latinos in key states in the 2020 election. So far, Nuestro PAC has invested in targeted outreach to Latinos in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

6.     Movement Voter Project (MVP). MVP is a bit like a mutual fund for donors. The nonprofit uncovers small grassroots groups that are making waves and combines them into giving opportunities like the Black-led Organizing Fund or the Defend the Election Fund.

Get Out the Vote Groups

Few acts are as fundamentally patriotic as casting your vote for our country’s leaders. This fall, a large number of organizations are focused on Get Out the Vote, or GOTV, efforts. Here are a few that do this from a 100% non-partisan position. 

7.     Vote Save America. Vote Save America is singularly focused on getting Americans to vote. Their slick website has easy-to-access resources on registering to vote, signing up to be a poll worker and donating to organizations that support free and fair elections.

8.     When We All Vote. When We All Vote is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization working to increase voter participation in every election. They have a star-studded list of co-chairs, including Michelle Obama and Tom Hanks. But they also have a downloadable app, called OutVote, which allows volunteers to text eligible voters, reminding them when and where to vote, and urging them to make a plan for getting their ballot cast. 

Voting and Civil Liberty Defense Groups

Of course elections aren’t the only times our civil liberties matter. There are well-established, proven organizations working on these issues from a number of angles all of the time. 

9.     The Brennan Center for Justice. Staffed by lawyers, researchers and advocacy experts, the Brennan Center for Justice is an independent, nonpartisan law and policy organization based in Washington DC, and at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School. Their work is focused on fair elections, ending mass incarceration and preserving American liberties.  

10.  Democracy Docket. Democracy Docket was founded by political lawyer Marc Elias, who served as general counsel for the Hillary Clinton 2016 presidential campaign and John Kerry 2004 presidential campaign. Marc and his team at Democracy Docket work to fight voter suppression laws in court. Marc’s written a lot lately on how Americans can protect their right to vote and democracy in general. 

11.  ACLU. The ACLU works to protect a wide range of civil liberties, including prisoners’ rights, immigration and voting rights. Their team of values-driven lawyers have brought hundreds of cases, including some before the Supreme Court.

12.  The Southern Poverty Law Center. Founded in 1971, the Southern Poverty Law Center works with communities in the American South to counter white supremacy and advance the human rights of all people. Their list of national hate groups is a highly respected tool of those working to expose and counter these dangerous groups.   

 Postcard writing/phone and text banking opportunities

If you’re itching to roll up your sleeves and urge fellow voters to the polls, there are several groups that allow you to do just that. 

13. Vote Forward. With Vote Forward, you can sign up to “adopt” likely voters from the Vote Forward database, download a letter template and add your own message to nudge them to the polls. So far volunteers have already written letters to over 10 million likely voters.  

14.  Blue Wave Postcard Movement. This organization allows you to sign up to send personalized postcards to likely voters in key battle ground states. The postcards come complete with websites, phone numbers and QR codes to help people get answers on where and how to vote in their state. 

 15. Postcards to Swing States. Volunteers with Postcards to Swing States have already signed up to send 15 million postcards to voters in 15 key states. But you can still donate to help pay the cost of postage, which Postcards to Swing States asks their postcard writers to cover themselves.

 16. Clean Energy for Biden. Clean Energy for Biden is a network of clean economy business leaders and advocates working to elect Joe Biden as President, as well as advance policies, technologies and investments to address climate change in general. They are hosting a range of virtual volunteer opportunities, including regular phone banking, which can be done from wherever you happen to be at the moment.

However you stand up for democracy this November, be sure to tell your friends, your network and your community and invite them to join you. VOTE. It’s the only way we can look forward to a more peaceful, just and generous 2021.

An Impact Investing Learning Circle for Women

Photo by SolStock/iStock / Getty Images

Are you a woman who wants to align your investments with your values? Do you want to learn more about impact investing and take action? Do you enjoy spending time with like-minded peers? If so, join us in an investing learning group for women who want to align their investments with their values, deepen their understanding of impact investing, and have fun with other smart and curious women just like you.

Women’s leadership drives commerce, politics, activism, and culture. But when it comes to our finances—taking full ownership of our investment choices, bringing our values to the fore of financial decision-making—we still have a way to go. Men continue to make the majority of household investment decisions, and although women are largely interested in impact investing, only a small percentage are actually doing it. But here’s the good news: impact investing is fast becoming a mainstream investment strategy, and women control increasing amounts of wealth. I believe that these two forces have the power to change capital markets for the better, but that can only happen if we all take action—if we harness our investable assets in service of a better world. If you like how this sounds, read on!

For some time now I have been following a national movement called Invest for Better. Given this particular moment in society, it seems like the right time to become more intentional about how we’re using (or not) our investments as another driver of social change. I decided to partner with Janell Johnson, another philanthropy professional, to convene an Invest for Better Circle for women who have investable assets and are ready to activate them for social/environmental change. 

Clients and others have consistently been asking me about how they can align and invest ALL of their assets around their values—not just funds earmarked for philanthropy. While I am not an investment person by any means (and this group will not do any investing or give financial advice), I am a convener and I know how to bring the right folks together to create an enriching learning environment. I’m hoping this one would hit the right spot at the right time for many.

The aim is to learn from experts and peers about what it means to effectively integrate our portfolio with our personal goals and societal needs. This all came about because both Janell and I are curious about how to coordinate investments with our philanthropy and philosophy. And we realize we aren’t the only ones.

Here is how we envision the group will work. Janell will be the group leader, and with the support of Invest for Better, there will be a structured curriculum, story-telling and information sharing about finances and investing. The meetings will be virtual, and we will also have an online space for us to share resources, ideas, and experiences. Experts in the impact world will be invited as guest presenters, but there will be no commercial pitches or investment advice.  

Our group of no more than 10 women will meet monthly either from September-March, or October-April, depending on availability. Each month will feature a presentation by an expert in the field related to the topic of the month and a group discussion. Here’s a preliminary calendar for the curriculum:

September Topic: What exactly is impact investing? Discussion: clarifying your goals and values.

October Topic: Investing in public markets (ESG and shareholder activism). Discussion: understanding and assessing your current holdings. 

November Topic: Community development institutions and cash. Discussion: identifying obstacles to action.

January Topic: Private equity and angel investing. Discussion: understanding your appetite for risk.

February Topic: Real assets. Discussion: determining how can you measure impact.

March Topic: Developing an investment philosophy or Investment Policy Statement. Discussion: defining your additional planning needs.

Membership is by invitation only. The price will be $300-$500 for all 6 sessions to cover facilitation and speaker fees (exact amount will be determined based on number of participants). Once again, there will be no group investing of funds or investment advice given other than general information about the field. These sessions are solely for women to learn, connect, and become more financially empowered in a supportive environment—TOGETHER.

The goal is to make it easier for you to get started on your impact investing journey.  What good can your dollars do while still providing the security you need? What concrete steps can you take to overcome gender barriers around money and truly control your finances? How can you align your investments and your values in service of a better world? Let’s find out the answers to these questions and more this fall! Please contact Janell if you would like to join, invite others, or have further questions. I hope you’ll join us!

Pull Up for Racial Justice: Resources

Updated as of 6/23/20

*Listed in order: Direct Relief, System Change, Petitions, Educational Tools, and Other Resources (alphabetized within section) 

*Organizations that have been over funded, or are no longer accepting donations have been removed.

Direct Relief Funds

Cultural Wellness Center unleashes the power of citizens to heal themselves and to build community in Minneapolis. 

Emergent Fund: Provides rapid response funding to grassroots organizations in communities of color who are facing injustice based on racial, ethnic, religious and other forms of discrimination.

Headwaters Foundation for Justice: The Transformation Fund: The fund will make grants to grassroots organizations that are providing protesters and community members with immediate needs and to groups that are demanding change and holding law enforcement and elected officials accountable.

National Bail Fund Network: Network of 60+ community bail and bond funds across the country. Immediate goal is to quickly release protestors. We recommend you first call your local chapter and ask them about their needs before donating.

Northside Business Support: Fund to support businesses on Minneapolis’ Northside who have been affected by protests. 

North Star Health Collective: A collective that provides healthcare services, resources, and training for protestors and organizers. 

Pimento Relief Fund: Relief Fund for Black businesses in Minnesota without insurance that suffered from damages during protests. 

Systemic Change

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Committed to fighting for and restoring fundamental freedoms and rights.

Black Immigrant Collective: “Amplifies and makes visible the voices of Black immigrants in Minnesota”

Black Lives Matter: Global Organization combating racism, white supremacy, and violence towards Black communities.

Black Table Arts: “Gathering Black communities through the arts, towards better black futures”

Black Visions Collective: Organization dedicated to Black liberation and healing justice. Originated in Minnesota.

Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100): Organization of Black youth activists “creating justice and freedom for all Black people”

Campaign Zero: Police Reform group working on policy change

Communities United Against Police Brutality: Committed to fighting police brutality and abuse of authority by police.

Fair Fight: Advocates for election reform, voter engagement/turnout, and voter education, founded by Stacey Abrams. Donations are not tax deductible.

Know Your Rights Camp: Educational camps/campaign started by Colin Kaepernick to “advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities”.

Minnesota Voice: Nonprofit working towards permanent changes in racial, social and economic justice.

The Movement for Black Lives Matter (M4BL): Umbrella organization that mobilizes and organizes individuals to “influence national and local agendas in the direction of our shared Vision for Black Lives”.

NAACP Legal Defense Fund: Provides legal aid, advocacy, and education for racial justice issues.

Racial Justice Network: “A multi-racial, grassroots organization committed to fighting for racial justice and building bridges across racial, social and economic lines”.

Reclaim the Block: Organizing the Minneapolis community and city council members to defund the police and redistribute that money to other community resources. 

Petitions

·      Justice for Ahmaud Arbery Petition via Colorofchange.org

·      Justice for Breonna Taylor Petition via Change.org

·      Justice for George Floyd Petition via Change.org

·      Justice for George Floyd Petition via Colorofchange.org

·      Petition to Charge the Minneapolis Police involved in the murder of George Floyd via Change.org

·      Petition to Charge the Minneapolis Police involved in the murder of George Floyd via Colorofchange.org

 Educational Tools

“A Call to Funders to Fund the Struggle Against Anti-Black Racism” Article by Funders for LGBTQ Issues staff.

Anti-Racism Educational Resources for White People List of Articles, Books, Children’s Books, Podcasts, Film/TV, etc.

Anti-Racist Reading List Reading list compiled by author, Ibram X. Kendi

Black History Month Library PDFs via Google Drive

Black-Owned Bookstores in the United States Organized by name, state, and on a map

Campaign Zero “Policy Solutions” Page Includes facts, figures, studies, external resource links, etc.

“The Case for Reparations” Article by Ta-Nehisi Coates

“Dear Philanthropy: These Are the Fires of Anti-Black Racism” Article by Will Cordery for the Nonprofit Quarterly 

“11 Things to do Besides Say ‘This Has to Stop’ in the Wake of Police Brutality” Article by Brittany Wong

“15+ Tools and Resources to Challenge Racism” Article by CompassPoint staff members Amy Benson, Michelle Gislason, Maro Guevara, Sujin Lee, and Asha Mehta. Includes Ted Talks, Blogs, Articles, Books, Toolkits, Frameworks etc.

“5 Ways to Start Being a Better Ally for Your Black Coworkers” Article by Courtney Connley

How to be an Antiracist Book by Ibram X. Kendi and Kendi’s personal antiracist reading list is here

“How to Manage When Things Are Not Okay (And Haven’t Been for Centuries)” Article by The Management Center for managers and leaders.

“How Philanthropy Can Help Achieve Racial Justice” Time100 talk/video by Ford Foundation CEO, Darren Walker

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption Book and website by Bryan Stevenson

Know Your Rights Camp: Educational camps/campaign started by Colin Kaepernick to “advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities”

The Marshall Project A nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that reports on the criminal justice system.

Me and White Supremacy Book by Layla F. Saad

“Mom, Why Don’t You Have Any Black Friends?” Article by Michelle Silverthorn on talking to children – and yourself - about race.

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness Book by Michelle Alexander

1619 Podcast by the New York Times

So You Want to Talk About Race Book by Ijeoma Oluo

Unicorn Riot: “A decentralized, educational nonprofit media organization of artists and journalists”. Currently reporting on and Live-Streaming protests.

“U.S.  Businesses Must Take Meaningful Action Against Racism” Article by Laura Morgan Roberts and Ella F. Washington

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism Book by Robin Diangelo

White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide Book by Carol Anderson

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race Book by Reni Eddo-Lodge (Free in audio-book version from Amazon)

“You do Not Need to be Black to Know that Black Lives Matter” Article by The Communications Network

“Your Black Colleagues May Look Like They’re Okay – Chances Are They’re Not” Article by Danielle Cadet on checking-in on your Black work colleagues

Other

·      PDF of Caucus information via Just Lead Washington: “Caucuses as a Racial Justice Strategy: What We Have Learned” 

·      Google Document of community collective resources/educational tools

·      Google Document of community collective organizations to donate to 

·      Google Document of community collective “National Resource List”

·      Google Document for calling/e-mailing public/state officials

·      Safe Protesting/Protester Information

·      More Resources to Explore 

Summer Reading for the Times

by Lauren Janus

I think we can all agree it’s been a long spring. 

With summer’s sultry nights and icy drinks just around the corner, in normal times, we’d be searching for the best escapist reads. But these days are far from normal. If picking up a copy of the latest crime fiction doesn’t feel quite right given the current state of affairs, I hear you.

More than any other major event of the past 50 years, the COVID crisis has illuminated our nation’s shocking disparities in health, education, and opportunity. And the brutal, on camera murder of George Floyd only added fuel to the fire that has always simmered due the injustices faced by African-Americans at the hands of police. 

If you’re ready to educate yourself about race, poverty, and injustice this summer, you’re in luck. A number of nonfiction books have come out in recent years that drives these issues home in a really engaging way. 

Below are a few of my favorite books that get top scores for research quality, humanizing stories, and readability:

1. So You Want to Talk About Race, Ijeoma Oluo

This book has been on The New York Times Bestseller list for months, and for good reason. If you care about the issues facing the Black community, you must talk about race and Oluo gives you the background and vocabulary to do it. It is not written just for White people who deny that racism exists or who “don’t see color”, but also for people who think they “get it” but haven’t learned all the quiet ways it shows up. 

Oluo seems to write so effortlessly and clearly, this book just a pleasure to read, despite the intense emotional and political topics. Oluo explains difficult and timely issues like police brutality, the myth the “model minority”, and the “hurting your own cause” storyline, by sharing personal stories, detailed examples, and statistics. And best of all, it ends with ideas for actions you can take to battle systemic racism using the knowledge you've gained from this book. 

2.  Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, Jason Reynolds and Ibrahm X. Kendi

 In 2016, American University history professor Ibrahm X. Kendi won the National Book Award for his pioneering book on the history of racist ideas in America.  If Kendi’s seminal—yet highly recommended—book feels a bit daunting as a poolside read, never fear. Just this year, Kendi teamed up with children’s book writer Jason Reynolds to write a version of Stamped for the middle school crowd, called Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You. 

 The book covers material similar to its grown-up version, including a comprehensive and disturbing description of how racist and assimilationist viewpoints, rooted in our country’s very foundation, have fermented and embedded themselves into American culture. But because it’s for a young adult audience, the book is also fast-pasted, often irreverent, and focused on ways the reader can seek and stamp out racist ideas in every day life.

3. Janesville: An American Story, Amy Goldstein

To understand the struggles of many living in today’s Middle America, crack open a copy of Janesville. One of President Obama’s best books picks for 2017, this is the story of what happens when a large factory leaves a town where it’s been a fixture of stable employment for generations.

Amy Goldstein is a Washington Post journalist who follows a cluster of residents of Janesville, Wisconsin, over several years. Some recover from the blow of middle age unemployment, some don’t. What she reveals is the heartbreak and very real struggle of people who are left “out in the cold.”

4. Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, Matthew Desmond

Harvard sociologist Matthew Desmond wrote Evicted in 2016 after spending years interviewing residents of the poorest neighborhoods of Milwaukee. What he describes in this highly engaging, often infuriating book, is a broken system in which the poor are forced to pay well over half of their income on substandard housing from which they will very likely be evicted for the most minor of offenses. 

 This book is especially useful for anyone hoping to understand the role of affordable, safe and stable housing in breaking the circle of poverty.  

5. Nickle and Dimed: On Not Getting by in America, Barbara Ehrenreich

If you’re looking for a book that will take you for an engrossing, enlightening walk in someone else’s shoes, pick up a copy of Nickle and Dimed. To research this book, Barbara Ehrenreich takes a job as a low-wage worker for one month in three different states—Florida, Maine and Minnesota. Her goal is to live only off of the salary she receives, and gain a greater understanding of the lives of people often referred to as America’s “hidden poor.”

Ehrenreich ends up working a string of jobs in each state in order to make enough to pay her rent and bills. She works as a waitress, a dietary aid in a nursing home, a house cleaner and a Wal-Mart worker—”essential workers” in today’s parlance. The injustices and humanity she describes are heartbreaking and energizing at the same time. A highly recommended read.

How to Help 

All of the books above will make you want to take action on of poverty, hunger, racial justice, and inequality in general. If you’re moved to give after finishing that last page, have a look at our vetted list of organizations around the country, or these organizations below:

• 6 Ways to Support Black Lives, including opportunities in Minneapolis, was created by Giving Compass and Funders for Justice.

• FareStart Hunger relief and social services for food service workers. 

• One Fare Wage. Emergency assistance for hourly workers affected by COVID.

• Feeding America Network of food banks across the country.

• You can also browse this list of social justice funders and initiatives provided by Justice Funders.

• Finally, for ideas on giving locally, search this map of COVID-19 Response and Recovery Funds by region.

 Happy reading and I wish you a safe, sane, and optimistic summer. 

The Story Behind the Story

At the outset of the pandemic, Washington State bore the brunt of the coronavirus in infection rates and death. As we are now flattening the curve, other states are taking our place and those with a larger percentage of poor residents (especially Black poor) are not only being hit hard, they are being hit worse because of political and social realities. Among the social realities is philanthropy. Along with generally progressive state governments, philanthropy on the west coast has played an outsize role in mitigating the harm imposed by the pandemic. It’s wonderful and I am truly grateful. But I had to ask myself: What about those places that are not home to so many billionaires and their trillion-dollar-valuation companies (Amazon)? How far does philanthropy’s largesse reach when when we need to help ourselves too?

I looked in my own backyard first for answers. Towards the end of March, civic leaders, the Mayor’s Office, and the Seattle Chamber saw the writing on the wall and decided to act quickly. Kirkland, a bedroom community east of Seattle, was the epicenter of the outbreak and the coronavirus was wreaking havoc. They created a fund called All in Seattle and asked everyone in their networks to double down on their support of non-profits and, if they were so inclined, support their newly created fund. Support they did. In a mere two weeks, All in Seattle managed to raise over $30 million dollars for area non-profits.

At the same time, The Seattle Foundation created its COVID-19 Response Fund and it raised another $20 million for community-based organizations. Starbucks founder Howard Schultz and his family foundation announced their initiative, The Plate Fund, which raised $7 million to help restaurant industry workers with basic needs by giving gifts of straight cash. On top of these funds, we have smaller regional community foundations nearby that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. And lastly, this list does not include “specialty funds” like Artist Trusts’ ($550K) and  Seattle Artists Relief Fund ($300K) for artists (gig workers and creatives with no outlet for their choreography, compositions, or paintings).

I am constantly amazed by the incredible generosity and overall engagement of Seattle’s citizenry, but never more than I have been recently. It has been the single most important reason I choose to call this city my adopted hometown. But for those of us who live here, we can be easily deluded into thinking that this is how it is everywhere. As we all know, it’s not. The coronavirus has, as Jeff Bezos has said, “turned over the log” and brought to light what was hidden in the darkness for those who chose not to look. Lurking in the dark spaces is our country’s long-held racial and economic inequities that affect one’s access to healthcare, childcare, justice, and fair wages. New data and an onslaught of news articles are showing how this pandemic is playing out for those with the least. African-Americans, Native-Americans, and the undocumented are all being infected and dying at a rate far beyond their representation in society. So what can philanthropy do?

I co-wrote an article for Giving Compass, the philanthropic knowledge center, with Stephanie Gillis of The Raikes Foundation which attempts to provide an answer to that question. It is right and noble for our instincts to guide us toward directing our giving to the places that we call home. As the adage states, that is where charity begins. But, when we take the time to acknowledge the unique capacity (financial, political, intellectual) of our home to take care of itself, we also acknowledge that we have enough to share with others beyond the confines of our proverbial backyard. This is the premise of the Giving Compass article. It encourages donors who give disaster funding to do two things: to give with a sense of abundance rather than scarcity, and to take advantage of data and information to also give where the need is greatest. It may not be nearby.

Supporting Our Vibrant Non Profit Sector at its Hour of Greatest Need

Image by Unsplash

A version of this piece was first published by Stephanie Ellis-Smith and Beth McCaw in the Puget Sound Business Journal.

COVID-19 is now a global pandemic and despite the havoc it has already wrought we have yet to experience its greatest impacts. Every one of us must follow guidelines to mitigate the transmission of the virus by staying home unless absolutely necessary to “flatten the curve” of its progression. As a result of these dramatic turns of events, markets are reacting by ushering in a period of intense volatility and erasing much of the gains made over the past three years. Financial advisors tell us not to panic, but we, as advisors in philanthropy, are encouraging individuals and foundations not to pull back on giving, despite portfolio losses. 

While we understand the anxiety and fear that uncertain times and rapidly changing circumstances create, we urge everyone who can to lean into leadership and offer extra support to our struggling nonprofit organizations when and where needed. Given the unprecedented level of disruption to businesses and nonprofit organizations, this is not the time to be timid or risk-adverse when it comes to giving.

We have all received the e-mails and calls. Fundraising luncheons, galas, auctions are being cancelled or postponed. With nationwide mandates preventing large gatherings, the spring fundraising season is officially over. For arts and cultural organizations that have had to cancel performances and close their venues for the foreseeable future, these measures cut off their streams of earned revenue as well. 

The crisis facing the public sector is not just because of COVID-19. Tough times have been brewing since 2017 with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which raised the standard deduction to $24,400 for married couples filing jointly, a high threshold for an average family. As a result, nonprofit organizations have already seen a significant drop in contributions, especially from mid-level donors. According to IRS data, Americans itemized $54 billion less in charitable contributions in 2018 alone. With 2020 being a presidential election year, political campaigns will increase the competition for dollars right during year-end fundraising appeals. Even while facing certain reductions in funding and volunteers, nonprofit organizations around the country have redoubled their efforts in communities hardest hit by COVID-19 by providing everything from quality health care to emergency childcare services. They are a critically important component to our national and local response to this pandemic.

We encourage you to act boldly and generously to support our community during this time of extraordinary need. For example, Seattle, where I live, is routinely listed as one of the ten wealthiest cities in the nation by USA Today and has a mean net worth four times the national average according to The Seattle Times. Though we may not feel we can dig deeper to address these needs, we can and we must.

The business community has already mobilized its support, taking care of employees and other businesses alike. Microsoft led the charge to pay their hourly workers even if they were unable to work. Amazon has created a small business support fund of $5 million to support businesses trying to survive with few customers. These are important investments, but we simply cannot afford to overlook the nonprofit sector’s impact on the US economy at the local, state, and national levels. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, nonprofit organizations employ 12.3 million people with payrolls exceeding the construction, transportation, and finance industries. According to this same data set, nonprofit organizations in Washington State account for almost 10% of private employment.  Our economic recovery depends on investment in the nonprofit sector.

Now is the time for an all-hands-on-deck approach to community philanthropy. Here’s how we do it.

1. Foundations, be flexible with your funding. Offer unrestricted general operating support and release restrictions on previously made program or project grants. In such a volatile environment, trust that your grantees know best how to deploy capital most effectively and give them the ability to pivot quickly and to respond to needs as they arise. Offer rapid response grants without asking organizations already over-burdened to write proposals or submit online applications. Consider accelerating future grant payments or grant additional funds. Deploy resources no matter the changes in your endowment or investment portfolio. Why reserve funds for the future when the crisis is now?

2. Arts patrons, if you bought a ticket to gala, auction or performance, don’t ask for a refund. Keep the ticket and make a commitment to attend the rescheduled event or treat the cost as a donation to the organization.

3. Donors, give now and check in with the organizations that you support by email or phone. Being a donor means being in a relationship and caring about the well-being of those working on the front lines. Ask if there are ways you can be helpful and be open to the response. Also, be mindful of the burdens on their time. You may not get an immediate reply, but a note showing your support is appreciated. If you have a donor advised fund, now is the time to deploy those resources. Both the Seattle Foundation and Social Justice Fund NW are accepting contributions to their respective COVID-19 response funds. Those are great places to start.

4. Everyone, give to the fullest extent possible regardless of the tax deductibility of your gift. Often those who are in the greatest need are service and gig-economy workers. Follow Microsoft’s lead and pay hourly workers in your employ even if they are unable to work. Give bigger tips to drivers and delivery people—in cash. 

5. Be an advocate. Now that you know how much the nonprofit sector contributes to our economy, contact your representatives to ensure any government relief or recovery effort specifically includes the nonprofit sector.

We are facing a grave threat to the health and economic stability of individuals across the country. Sadly, the novel Coronavirus is fueling anti-Asian racism, xenophobia, and violence. Be vocal about dispelling racist misconceptions and avoid falling into the trap of blaming “others” for this global pandemic.

 We are all partners in this effort. Some are working on the front lines putting themselves and their families at risk. Others are working behind the scenes to help organize or fund the effort. Everyone is needed and everyone has a place. Find your place and get to work. If not now, when? 

How You Can Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic

We have compiled a list of funds and organizations mobilized to help respond to COVID-19. It will be updated regularly so check back often for the latest. If a resource is missing and you would like us to include it, please e-mail Olivia (at) philagiving (dot) com.

More generally, below are other resources and ways to be involved. And it goes without saying: PLEASE follow recommendations by the CDC and public health officials: practice social distancing to the fullest extent you can and wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.

• Don’t slow your giving. COVID-19 has ushered in a drop in the stock market and overall volatility. Financial advisors caution against panicking, but as advisors in philanthropy, we are also counseling not to pull back on your giving, despite the losses. While the fear is understandable, we also encourage you to step up and offer extra support to struggling charities when and where needed. An article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy offers six ways to support your favorite organizations during this crisis.

• Dip into that DAF. Do you have a donor advised fund or a family foundation flush with cash just waiting for the right moment to be deployed? Now’s the time! Talk to friends, family, or us at Phīla about where your money can best be used.

• Donate blood. The American Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to donate blood as soon as possible in order to prevent any potential shortages as concerns over COVID-19 rise. According to their press release, blood centers across the country have seen sharp declines in donations as citizens are worried that it may pose a risk to their health. It does not.  

• Support the artists and makers in your community. Theaters, galleries, and public events are being closed or postponed, and that means the artists and performers are not being paid. For ways to support this sector, visit Artist Trust and Creative Capital for a list of resources for artists, arts philanthropists, and arts professionals.

• Remember people with disabilities when making provisions for dealing with COVID-19. Forbes has a helpful article of Five Things to Know About Coronavirus and People with Disabilities.

• Support small businesses. As more of us are required to stay home, owners of small business are reeling. Check out The Intentionalist for innovative ways to show your support for the businesses that are the backbones of our communities.

• Call out racism when you see it. Incidents of anti-Asian racial discrimination are being seen across the country, from racist bullying to plummeting sales at Chinatown districts and Asian-operated businesses. Resist that narrative and be a leader.

• Seek out a mental health professional if anxiety is affecting your daily activities. You’re not the only one experiencing stress and worry because of this crisis. It’s OK to be out of sorts. However, if methods of coping are not helping and you are beginning to feel you are in crisis, contact a national crisis support center immediately for help.

Given the level of disruption to businesses and charitable organizations, this is the moment for our better angels to prevail and contribute in any way we can. We are all in this together. Public safety requires some to be on the front lines putting themselves and their families at risk. Others of us can be behind the scenes, supporting health workers, organizing or funding the effort to keep our communities functioning. Everyone is needed and everyone has a place. Find your place and get to work. If not now, when?

Giving Across the Pond

By Lauren Janus

This summer, our family will move back to the US after close to 8 years spent in the United Kingdom. It’s been, as they say here, “a brilliant” ride. 

I’ve made lasting friendships, gained an appreciation for a proper cup of tea, and had two British babies on this undeniably chilly isle. When American friends ask about life in Britain, they usually want to know about these things…and Brexit, ugh. 

While I’m always up for chatting about British versus American cuisine or parenting styles, I usually try to steer the conversation to the topic I’ve found to be, hands down, the most fascinating--the differences between the US and UK charitable giving culture. 

My background is in the non-profit sector and when we arrived, I naively assumed the cultures would be the same. We speak the same language and share similar values, after all. It only makes sense that we’d give to charity in the same way!

But what I found after working in the UK charity sector and advising British clients on their own philanthropy, was that the differences are significant and somewhat surprising.

Americans give 1.45% of GDP to charity—the highest percentage of any other country in the world. The UK gives generously, but it still comes out to just 0.4% of GDP. In dollar terms, Americans give on average $694 per year to nonprofits; Brits give $247.

While by dollar (or pound) amount Brits may seem stingy in comparison to their American cousins, the fact is that people in the UK are incredibly generous. There are just a number of factors at play—many of them rooted in our undeniably different histories and cultural experiences. Here are a few I’ve come to more fully appreciate: 

1.     The strength of the welfare state. It’s no great revelation that British people can, and do, expect a lot from their government. The state provides everything here from healthcare for premature infants to senior housing. 

I know from friends who work in social services charities that it can be a major challenge to convince the British public to donate to causes like homelessness and hospice care, because so many people just expect the government to look after people. 

But things are changing, especially as budgets for healthcare to education come under increasing pressure. In fact, when you look at British charities raising the most money today, groups like Cancer Research UK top the list. So it’s entirely possible British giving to these issues will grow in the coming years.

2.     The relative insignificance of religious giving. One reason Americans give so much to charity is that many of us are giving to our own religious institutions. In fact, 32% of all American charitable giving is to religious causes. In this UK, it’s just 17%.

The fact is that British people just aren’t as religious as Americans. Christmas is essentially a secular holiday here, and religious organizations like churches vary rarely come with the array of services—from youth programs to adult education—that are common (and expensive) in larger American religious institutions. 

Add to that the fact that many Brits grow visibly uncomfortable when you bring up the topics of religion or money, and you’ll certainly see less giving in this area!

3.     The cultural importance of national charities. Before I arrived on these shores, I didn’t understand that the handful of established, national charities in the UK aren’t just widely respected here. In many cases they’re symbols of national pride and values. 

Groups like Save the Children, MacMillan Cancer Support and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution are household names in the UK. They raise millions of pounds a year and inspire thousands of bake sales and prospective marathon runners. 

You simply cannot be a public official and not wear a poppy on your over coat in November to show your support for the Royal British Legion, an independent charity for veterans, for example.   

I happened to be working for Oxfam here when a horrific scandal hit the 80 year-old charity. Oxfam workers were found to have engaged in sex with underage beneficiaries in the wake of the earthquake in Haiti. 

As horrendous as this revelation was, I was taken aback by just how personally this abuse was felt by the British public. People were outraged on behalf of the young girls, but perhaps more so at Oxfam itself. Staff who had dedicated their careers to the organization broke down in tears at staff meetings and security guards were placed at the entrance of the building. It was as if the country itself had been violated. 

American charities have seen their fair share of scandals, to which the public has expressed appropriate outrage. But I really don’t think Americans would have expressed as much hurt and anger as the UK public directed at Oxfam three years ago. Our charitable institutions just aren’t as central to our core sense of values, principles and self as they can feel to the British public. 

Homeward Bound

I’ll always be grateful to this country for the way it’s welcomed our family. But I’m especially thankful for how it’s taught me to question my assumptions about donors’ intentions and perspectives on giving.  The experiences someone has with charitable organizations, giving and community growing up fundamentally shapes how they see themselves as donors today.

Now that we’re ready to return to the US, I’m looking forward to putting this wider experience to use helping the hugely diverse range of American donors get the most joy and fulfilment from their own charitable giving, no matter where they live. 

I welcome discussion. Please feel free to share your comments and questions with me at lauren@philagiving.com.

Connecting Family Philanthropists Across Generations

There’s a danger in making generalizations about any group of people, however, this blog post aims to share trends within the “Millennial” or “NextGen” demographic and to offer some tips on how to bridge the generation gap between the old(er) and young around philanthropic giving. This post is for parents who are looking to incorporate their adult children in a cohesive family philanthropy program and for professional advisors in financial or legal service as well.

 Millennials, edging out Baby Boomers as the largest generation by size, are generally defined as between the ages of 23 and 38 in 2019. They have come of age during the Great Recession and are thought to be more circumspect about the ability of government and the economy to work on society’s behalf than Boomers or the earlier “Greatest Generation.” 

 Also important is their being the first generation to come of age in the era of digital technology and social media. As a result of 24/7 connectivity, their interests span the globe and their relationships, built in person or online, are vitally important to their sense of self. This generation’s need for information and connectivity drives their decision making and has had a profound influence on the charitable sector this past decade. Research shows that as a whole, this generation is passionate, result-oriented, and ready to engage.

 Knowing all of this, it’s crucial that if multi-generational philanthropy is to be successful we must know how to connect with each other effectively in order to harness our passion and resources, for this is the only way to make a true impact on the issues that animate us.

The Millennial Wealth Transfer

If your family has plans to pass wealth onto your adult children, you are far from alone. Some $58-trillion, including $6.3-trillion in charitable bequests, will change hands between 2007 and 2061, according to an updated version of a study by the Boston College Center on Wealth and Philanthropy. By talking with your kids now to explore their philanthropic passions, you are not only preparing the next generation for their coming wealth, you are also deepening your relationship with them around the values and ideals that make your family unique. This is a foundational step in family philanthropy. Incorporating meaningful discussions (beyond the technical details of money) as a part of family gatherings can bind and solidify ties across generations. 

The ”NextGen” Approach to Philanthropy

In general, Millennials are more than twice as likely to donate to a charity than those aged 55 and older. But that doesn’t mean that this generation is interested in giving the same way their parents and grandparents do. There are three ways in which they differ: 

1.    They are the most likely to choose a charity based on a recommendation from their peer network. Fundraisers, crowdsourcing, and social-media event challenges are examples of the power of Millennials to raise millions using influence campaigns.

2.    They want more than glossy photos and vague promises of ‘good work’ done by charities. Instead, they are more focused on data and impact than earlier generations and have strongly influenced the data trend in philanthropy: “Young people want impact they can see, and they want to know that their own involvement has contributed to that impact,” according to the 2012 NextGen Donors Report.

 3.    They are also more willing to give to those outside their social and economic class. While the older generations typically give to organizations that have a direct impact on their daily lives, NextGen donors are more likely to give outside their sphere of influence (e.g., global giving, race and social justice).

Starting the Conversation

If you’re reading this blog, you are likely more philanthropic than most. Your 20/30-something children may also already have some ideas of their own regarding philanthropy. Get on the same page by reading some of the latest ideas on this generation’s approach to giving, such as Generation Impact: How Next Gen Donors Are Revolutionizing Giving by Sharna Goldseker and Michael Moody. Then, sit down for a conversation about where your values align.

For those who aren’t so keen on philanthropy yet (or just aren’t at the stage in their life to think about it much), remember to take some time to get to know them as unique adults as well as their current interests. By engaging with them about who they are as people beyond your experience of them as small children, you are much more likely to set the stage for more thoughtful conversations as you begin working together.

You can also encourage them to become involved in philanthropy by encouraging them to volunteer or follow a few organizations on social media; you can even offer to make financial contributions in their name to groups that they are developing an interest in. And finally, be sure to let them know that you’re there for them when—and if—they want to talk more about charitable giving.

For those who are ready to think about giving more intentionally, your conversation with them will be a bit different. You might start by asking them questions like:

Are there issues you’re particularly passionate about? How are you involved in these issues right now? Is there a way I can be involved to support your efforts?

Tell me about a charity you donated to in the last couple of years. What attracted you to them?

 Are you giving just money to the organizations you care about? Are you also interested in sharing your talents and time as well?

Organizations like National Center for Family Philanthropy offer excellent opportunities for multi-generational families to network and collaborate with like-minded peers.

Philanthropic Advisors Can Help

Before launching a philanthropic program for your family, you will want to clearly outline your family’s values and general objectives. For many, giving is an emotional response to a particular appeal or an exciting new approach to getting involved in something larger than themselves. There’s nothing wrong with letting your heart guide your charitable wallet, but at the end of the day, a person who gives haphazardly, particularly if they have significant resources, can be left to wonder what their overall charitable impact has been. And as we know, younger generations are especially attuned to assessing impact. 

 Philanthropic advising is increasingly being integrated into the wealth planning of high-net-worth individuals. We can help you define your philanthropic goals and understand how the charitable sector is addressing specific causes. Better informed givers are more impactful givers, after all. Phīla can serve as a trusted advisor on your service team to help you discern your philanthropic strategy and create long-term social impact.

 Our work focuses on what inspires your family and finds ways to connect the various passions of each member or generation and fuse them to create an overarching giving plan for the family unit as a whole. Our aim is for our conversations to leave you feeling hopeful and excited about the work ahead. The best outcome for family philanthropy is seeing everyone ready to move forward with clarified goals and bold new ideas that will speak to multiple generations now and those to follow.

Reflections on 2019

Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
-- The Talmud

With 2019 nearing its end, I began reflecting on the past year over the Thanksgiving holiday. Sitting outside in the cold, fresh air overlooking the Salish Sea, I thought about everything that made an impression on me this year. It began inauspiciously in January with the first of what was to be a total of four rare and unexpected health problems. For the first time, I was forced to spend an inordinate amount of energy mending my physical self. I was surprised to learn how impatient I can be! The energy required to bring myself back to full strength detracted from the energy I normally use to become involved in work or the communities I care about. I was very frustrated, but I pushed ahead.

Working in the social sector (with non-profits, philanthropy, etc.), one can’t help feeling we have the privilege and responsibility to make the world a better place. I spend my days engaged with the methods for dealing with the issues that plague societies and the people who put those methods into practice. And while our work is generally positive, and our intentions are generally noble, I sometimes feel like it doesn’t do any good. I had that feeling more times than I care to admit this year. Already weakened by successive illnesses, I became overwhelmed. Daunted, I allowed myself some time to rest, away from the intensity of the issues that animate my profession. I tried to uncouple my day-to-day work from the larger picture of what the work was for just to give myself a bit of a break.

 I realize that what I did is something we all need to do when we feel overwhelmed and too taken by the enormity of the world’s problems. I dialed down and rested. I share the quote above from the Talmud as I think it is perfect for us who work, fund, or support those in need. Resting does not have to mean shutting people down entirely or shutting our activities down completely. We do not want to become detached; nor do we want to feel as if the entire burden is on our shoulders. It is too heavy a weight to bear. But we can slow down, turn off our computers for a while, and take a long walk outdoors, visit with friends, play in the snow, read a book, pursue anything that brings us peace and joy. 

 That is my wish to you for the season as you reflect upon the past year and set intentions for the new one. Peace in knowing that your efforts to do good in the world are meaningful. And the joy that comes from enjoying the all the beauty the world has to offer.

The Joy of Convening in Houston: Reflections on Collective Giving

A few weeks ago my friend Laura Midgley and I went to Houston for the Community Investment Network (CIN) conference, which celebrated its 15th anniversary by reflecting on its legacy of building up communities through investing their time, talent, treasure, and testimony (using our collective voice for change). CIN is national network of giving circles impacting communities of color. It connects and strengthens African-Americans and other donors of color by leveraging their collective resources to create the change THEY wish to see. The majority of their members are African-American from the Southeast.

While I had some familiarity with giving circles in general, I was new to this organization and was introduced to it by Laura, who has been a leader in the collective giving movement in her roles as a long-time trustee of the Washington Women’s Foundation and as a board member and co-founder of Catalist, another national network of collective giving organizations.

Laura went to Houston with the specific mission to further Catalist's relationship with CIN.  Five networks in collective giving— The Latino Community Foundation, Amplifier (giving circles based on Jewish values), the Asian Women’s Giving Circle, Catalist, and CIN—have collaborated on a co-design project aimed at accelerating the size and impact of the giving circle sector on community transformation. (Read about the co-design work funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.) The missions of these five networks of collective giving groups are closely aligned, so rather than compete, they collaborate. We all use conferences to inspire affiliates to dig deeper into this work and to prepare the leaders to go home to their communities feeling elevated. Sometimes this work can be wonky but we came home from Houston reminded it must always be joyful. 

I went to Houston strictly to listen, learn, and observe. Though I am a member of the Washington Women’s Foundation, I don’t have much first-hand experience with giving circles, but have always been impressed with their personal engagement in their communities and the members’ commitment to learning and each other. My work as a philanthropic advisor has been limited to high-net-worth individuals and families who are looking to become more strategic and dedicated in their charitable giving. Working with family groups is in some ways similar to a giving circle, but there is something uniquely special about a group of unrelated people voluntarily pooling their money to make investments in their local community. 

We anticipated meeting new colleagues and reconnecting with fellow philanthropists who give through collective giving grantmaking, pooling funds for community impact. But a genuinely worthwhile conference should do more than provide a few new tools and a pile of business cards.  Our goals for traveling to Houston varied, but we both were delighted that our trip to Houston yielded an unexpected joyfulness that rejuvenated us.

What struck us the most was the level of joy and camaraderie we observed, not just within each giving circle, but among them as well. Participants gathered to share stories and best practices and to learn. Their dedication to the work and communing with a cohort of like-minded people produced a powerful aura of goodwill that was hard to ignore.

I know for Laura, the joy came from stepping back from the work and taking stock of why and how we show up for the communities to which we belong and care about in the first place. In the opening session, Linetta Gilbert, formerly of the Ford Foundation and a founding visionary of CIN, spoke meaningfully about how to blend institutional philanthropy with individual philanthropy. And of course, this is exactly what collective giving groups do – inform the individual through group experience and then elevate the impact through collective giving. Ms. Gilbert spoke about the value of a listening tour and the power of starting any foray into philanthropy by asking “Who is absent?” How can we as philanthropists elevate community by seeking out the voices of those left out of the traditional philanthropic power dynamic?  

Ms. Gilbert and her co-presenter Darryll Lester, CIN’s founder, said of the partnership between funders and grantees: "Spend time with each other to get to know one another before doing business". Too often institutions begin the relationship with a transaction – the grant or the donation. Starting that way sets the tone for it to become forever framed and dominated by that transaction. At The Ford Foundation and now in her recent work, Ms. Gilbert invests in relationships first. Doing so allows us to understand the landscape behind the issue and to better allocate our resources and energy. It became clear to us that it is only from this level of engagement that we can begin to envision how all American communities can grow and thrive equitably.

 As for me, I found a deep sense of joy simply from the conference’s theme: “We are Philanthropists”. It was empowering for me to be among African-Americans who proudly claim the mantle. While many debate whether the sector is hopelessly corrupt and ineffective, CIN’s giving circles harness all that is right with philanthropy and brings it into the Black community on their own terms. Circles represented at the conference gave to individuals (from Black men and boys mentorship groups to struggling entrepreneurs or artists) and to traditional organizations. They also came to learn about innovative programs going on nationally that they could bring back to their circles to learn from or adapt for their own community.

 The learning components tapped neatly into the spirit of the conference: community-based and Black-centered. Speakers who brought their expertise to CIN included land trust advocates from the South speaking about building land sovereignty for displaced black and indigenous people, representatives from Black community foundations talking about how and where to invest a circle’s funds, and community-owned grocery store investors on how to eliminate food deserts. I left inspired not just by the work, but by the communion of the network.

CIN’s giving circles, especially those in CIN, embody the best tenets of philanthropy. People pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and offering a hand up to those who need it brings out the best in all of us. I wish this blog could share the warmth of the hugs we received or the sounds of laughter we heard during those two days. Such a jolt of energy renewed my spirit and my commitment to helping people find joy in their giving through deep engagement and understanding. 

I hope this blog piqued your curiosity about giving circles. Feel free to contact me to learn how you can join an established circle or start one of your own. And check out Catalist’s conference PowerUP! The Spark That Ignites Change, which will be held in Seattle February 23-25, 2020. Laura Midgley is the co-chair of this conference and I will be presenting on women of color philanthropists.

The Science of Compassion

Last week I went to Plymouth Housing’s Luncheon for Hope, which raises money to house Seattle’s homeless. It was a packed house of 1600 compassionate people who collectively raised $1.3M in a mere 90 minutes for their mission. After client testimonials and The Ask, we were introduced to the keynote speaker, Shankar Vedantam,the host of NPR’s Hidden Brain. Apropos of why we were there, he spoke to us about compassion and how it is accessed and processed (or not) in our brains.

 As someone who for over 20 years has relied upon and tapped into the compassion of many in order to do my part in making our society more livable and equitable, I was captivated by his words. I know that when we help others, we experience a greater happiness than if we had done something for ourselves. Now science has weighed in and has offered proof that it’s true. 

 One well-cited study shows this clearly. Two groups were given varying sums of money. One group was told it must give the money away, whereas the other group was instructed to spend it on themselves. Consistently and across variables, persons in the first group had greater neural activity in key areas of the brain and were seen as happier than their self-indulgent counterparts. And this neural activity was present even in the mere anticipation of giving money away to help others. In other words, we are hard wired to do good. So why don’t we do it all the time?

 Vedantam explained that just as there are predictable triggers in our brain for generosity and happiness, there are barriers to them as well. He shared three with us, and I noticed that the first two address an issue that we talk about all the time in philanthropy: the quest for impact. 

The first barrier is distance. It’s much easier to help someone right in front of us than someone who is miles away. Responding to the immediacy of someone’s needs is a knee-jerk response for most of us. However, when someone far away is in crisis, the time it takes to learn of the problem and then to get your relief delivered, causes many of us to lose interest or become more apathetic than we’d like to be. The reason, Vedantam says, is because we don’t get that immediate rush of happiness that comes from having done well by someone. Helping close by is evolutionary.  

The second barrier is scale. For many of us, when confronted with massive problems that we can’t readily solve, we tend to shut down or simply just ignore it--think about homelessness, climate change, etc. You are not alone if the sheer scope and magnitude of the world’s most intractable problems leave you feeling exhausted. It turns out that we are genetically and neurologically predisposed to being overwhelmed in these situations. When we don’t feel we are having, or can have, an positive impact on a negative situation, we are less inclined to help.

 The final barrier is what’s called “the bootstrap narrative.” We have all heard it said that if a person is in trouble, they should “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” and fix their own problems. It’s a widely held notion, but research debunks the idea that the first person who should help someone in crisis is that very same person. Vedantam cited a famous study called the Minnesota Starvation Experiment, which showed that a person’s mind becomes entirely captured by the thing they lack (especially if that thing is essential, like food, housing, or even a drug). In fact, they can think of little else. Scientists have learned that scarcity captures the mind and the afflicted are in fact the least ableto solve their own problems. They lose the ability to think rationally and instead do the things that may manage the scarcity today, but do nothing to address the root cause of their problems. Watching people make what we can clearly see to be “poor choices” makes our compassion for their plight go out the window. But our expectations are unreasonable. Boot strapping while in distress simply doesn’t work.

 So what can we do to override or outwit our brain’s wiring so that we can be compassionate all the time? Well, apparently it takes very little—and you don’t have to be a martyr either. We just need to remember that: 

1. Compassion is contagious. When we are working at something with others or if we even see another person toiling away at something good, we tend to be more eager to join in and to help. 

2. Break it down. Instead of thinking you must rescue all stray animals in world, find one. When we can more readily see our impact by breaking off a small piece of the problem and we “solve it,” we’re more apt to do it again, and so will others. (See point #1.)

3. Compassion lives everywhere. There are many ways to exhibit compassion, so don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s all about money. Making a call to check in on a grandparent or mentoring a teen, goes a long way toward making a difference in the world. And when we do it, we give something more valuable than money—time.

 Being compassionate is a part of what makes us human. As we get strategic with our philanthropy, let us not complicate what it’s all about in the end.