Kicking It Up A Notch: One Woman’s Story About How She Became a Philanthropist
Lynne Rosenthal wrote a story for Women’s enews describing her evolution as a donor; she gave $1,000,000 to the Ms. Foundation because she was passionate not only about the causes the foundation supports but also the way it provides funding. She wrote that it is:
“…a philanthropy that is horizontal and democratic, not vertical and hierarchical…. it is a culture that is just and right and that creates lasting social change.”
We may not have the largess that Lynn has, but we can still benefit from her story and her philosophy of giving.
- Give as much as you can as often as you can.
Lynn got started with a $25 donation. - Be thoughtful - and selective - about the charities you support.
Take a good look at how the money you give will be used; check to be sure that the charity is real and that a decent percentage of the money you give will reach the people you want to help. - Keep track of your donations.
It’ll make things a lot easier when tax time rolls around if you have good records to document your donations.
You don’t have to give a million to feel like a million when you support causes close to your heart. As Maya Angelou said, ” I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
TAGS: charity. philanthropy, contributions to women, living a rich life, support, taxes, Women and Aging
I’m so happy to see you blog about this, Carol. You and I have talked many times about the importance of giving to the community — whether it takes the form of money, volunteerism, or in-kind donations. It’s always surprising to me that many people (and often those with the most to give) do not share the philanthropic spirit.
One suggestion I would add is to plan your charitable giving at the beginning of the year by identifying 2 - 3 causes in which you most believe. This keeps you focused throughout the year on what’s really important to you.
As we often say, “The world is abundant. Act like it.”
Comment by Dr. Lois Frankel — August 21, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
Hello Carol! How lovely to see some writing in here about philanthropy!
I have something to share with you which is a slightly different take on the subject.
I believe that, when one budgets for giving, 3 distinct areas should be considered:
1. Random acts of kindness (spontaneous gifts to strangers or friends - the little things)
2. Organized charity (receiptable giving), and
3. Disorganized charity.
Disorganized charity is one of the most overlooked, yet rewarding endeavors. It represents the gifts that are bigger than the random acts, but are not receiptable. For me, they fill a gap, supporting people who are doing great things, but might be struggling, and can’t qualify for a grant or government assistance.
Consider the Mighty Lola Ballsy Girls Endowment Fund: (www.mightylola.com). Every once in a while, Matron Mighty finds a female artist who dares to be different and she surprises them with an anonymous gift of cash, and a lovely, simple letter.
Have a look at the site and you’ll see what I mean. It only has 2 stories on it right now, but there are many more recipients; their stories will be added soon. Everyone - recipients, messengers, and Mighty Lola herself - finds themselves deeply impacted by the experience of participating in a Mighty Lola caper. It is a great example of your Maya Angelou quote. Try it and you’ll see!
Comment by Lia Grimanis — August 22, 2008 @ 12:05 am
Lia - thanks so much for your comment; I love the idea of “disorganized charity”! It is a wonderful thing to do - and it seems as though you do a lot of it- take a look at Lia’s blog: http://www.upwithwomen.com.
Comment by Carol Frohlinger, JD — August 25, 2008 @ 3:29 pm