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