The New Generation of Philanthropists

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How can you say women or men?

Andrea,

I understand that your comment may hold some truth, but a lot men have a lot on their plate with a family and a job. They give a big check because that is all they can do at the moment.

I think that is very sexist to say they want their name on whatever they give. Researches always preface their study results with, 'we do not have accurate results because of anonymous donations that would have made a difference'.

I think by nature we all want to be recognized by what we do, but we have to fight that urge and remain humble. Especially males battle this, but it doesn't mean it controls our giving. We are sincere in our giving, but when people assume things or read comments like yours it drives them to be less of a giver because they get scrutinized.

Allen of TN @ Nov 08, 2009 01:09:53 AM

FROM TIA MECHI TO DAVID DON

I AM DAVID DON"S AUNT. EVER SINCE HE WAS A LITTLE BOY WE ALL KNEW THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT HIM THAT HE WOULD GROW TO BE SOMEONE WITH A GOOD FUTURE BECAUSE OF HIS GOOD HEART AND GOOD INTENTIONS.

WE ARE ALL VERY PROUD OF HIM. KEEP IT UP. TIA MECHI

MERCEDES BAKALCHUK of FL @ Sep 15, 2009 15:56:19 PM

A whopping 33 bucks.

While I appreciate that more people are getting more involved with charities as volunteers and such, I hope that the Society of Young Philanthropists have some older philanthropists as mentors. By my calculations the young philanthropists gave the standard dining out tipping rate to charity. 600 of them paid $200 each for their Beverly Hills party. Of that $120K for the party, $20K (or $33 each)went to two charities. By my calculations each attendee left a fairly generous tip of 19% ($33) on their $167 for cocktails, dinner, and entertainment.

While $20K is a wonderful gift I do hope that some more seasoned and generous philanthropists are pulling these young people aside and challenging them to make an even larger impact with their money.

I love the "giving circle" idea. However, I would argue that is not really new. For years houses of worship have functioned as defacto giving circles in that the "tithes and offerings" of its attendees have often supported local, national, and international causes that the congregation feels are worthy charities.

Keith C. Kerber of AZ @ Aug 22, 2009 00:45:13 AM

Sounds like the way women "give" too.

Great piece, Kimberly. Your description of the new philanthropist in Gen X & Yers sounds a lot like how women, in general, have been known to engage/give vs. the traditional (aka more typically male) way of giving - which has been to sign a big check and hopefully get your name on the building/sponsorship etc. Maybe this "Give Local" movement is most evident with the younger Gens today - but if we step back, I think we may well see female footprints in the methods. And, it is all good.

Andrea Learned of VT @ Jul 30, 2009 14:03:42 PM

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Alpha Consumer

Alpha Consumer

Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Send your personal finance questions to her for expert money advice.


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