1.The purpose of philanthropy is to solve problems.
Most people believe philanthropy is about giving money to charities. We believe it’s much bigger. Philanthropy is the greatest change agent on the planet. Philanthropy can achieve what companies, governments, and often whole societies cannot. Philanthropy has the power to get to the very root of society’s ills and fix them.
2. Philanthropy’s measuring stick is impact. Not dollars.
Great philanthropists should be celebrated for their impact, rather than the size of their checks. Success is measured in sports with a scorecard. In business, success is measured by profit. In philanthropy, success should be measured by impact.
3. Charities are allies in the quest to solve problems. However, not always the solution in and of themselves.
Charities should be singularly focused on solving the problems they work to address. And while some are focused and successful, there are others who prioritize their own goals over the problems they are working to solve. (For a standalone example of a world class org who IS solving the problem, check out charitywater.org).
4. Solutions go well beyond grantmaking.
They come in all shapes and forms and sizes. From awareness campaigns to AI technology and from gatherings of world experts to sending a scientist into low gravity orbit, we believe in the power of big ideas.
5. Beyond taxes, money can only go two places when we are gone. Heirs and philanthropy.
Currently the balance is approximately 85:15, in favor of the heirs. We’d like to help shape a world in which that balance is shifted, even one or two percentage points, toward philanthropy. The result would be trillions earmarked for solving problems!
6. People who create great wealth have great ideas and insights.
Far too often we’ve seen philanthropists who care deeply about a subject hand strategic thinking and implementation over to an organization that isn’t truly equipped to solve the problem. We believe philanthropists should be engaged for their minds as much as their dollars.
7. Philanthropy without impact is irresponsible. However, philanthropy without fulfillment can feel empty.
We agree that philanthropists should prioritize impact. However, we also believe that philanthropists should create impact in a way that simultaneously creates fulfillment. It’s a virtuous cycle, with greater fulfillment creating a greater commitment to philanthropy.
8. Leverage is philanthropy’s magic super power.
Philanthropy has the ability to be a force multiplier of tremendous scale. Because philanthropy can weave together partners and strategies, it has the ability to create outcomes many mulplles greater than the financial investment.
9. Successful Philanthropy requires Specialists.
Philanthropy is all we do. We do not advise or consult outside of the philanthropic lane. Our clients have world class teams of attorneys and wealth advisors managing their estates and their finances. Their philanthropy should be no different. We’ve also seen how inviting a client’s circle of trusted advisors to engage with philanthropy strengthens those relationships as well.
10. Philanthropy should be fun!
We believe solving the world’s greatest challenges brings opportunities for joy, for family, for friends, for fun! Yes, we understand the work is serious business. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a smile on our faces while we do it.
