By Henry Berman, Exponent Philanthropy
Most people run from fearful situations. Perhaps it’s the natural instinct for self-survival. When I think about exceptions to this phenomenon, first responders immediately come to mind. Firefighters. Police officers. EMTs. They respond to those instances where there is danger and risk, but also the opportunity to help.
Others who face—in fact, sometimes looks for—difficult situations are the many philanthropists who want to make a big impact. They are firmly rooted in their communities and well positioned to identify opportunities to be catalysts for change.
Exponent Philanthropy CEO Henry Berman and member Emily Tow Jackson at National Press Club Newsmakers event (June 16, 2014)
Consider Exponent Philanthropy member Emily Tow Jackson from Connecticut, executive director of the Tow Foundation, founded 25 years ago by her parents. Rather than react to situations out of fear, Emily and her foundation have decidedly taken the approach of looking for solutions that often get overlooked. It’s an approach that she says is common among today’s philanthropists.
Speaking to a Newsmakers gathering at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, on June 16, Emily described how foundations such as hers, with five staffers and operating with minimal infrastructure, leverage their philanthropic investments for tremendous impact—in her case, primarily in the areas of medical research, juvenile justice, and journalism education.
I was privileged to join Emily on the panel along with Andrew Hastings, chief development officer of the National Philanthropic Trust. Stacy Palmer, editor of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, moderated the news conference, titled “The Diverse Power of 21st Century Philanthropy.”
According to Andrew, the top reason cited by high-net-worth individuals for donating portions of their assets to charitable causes is the simple desire to make a difference, to do something to help others in need. He referred to that concept as “the life-changing ability of philanthropy,” which was underscored by the stories of impact and difference-making that Emily shared. Emily said being a good listener, bringing people with common interests together, and leveraging connections are the tools she uses to bring about change.
I shared two major trends I see in the world of giving as I listen to Exponent Philanthropy’s thousands of members and continually scan the landscape. First, today’s philanthropists have available to them – and make use of – multiple giving vehicles. Emily spoke of her foundation, and Andrew represents thousands of donor-advised funds. Other vehicles include charitable trusts, giving circles, and personal checkbooks. As Andrew noted, Americans are expected to collectively donate nearly $1 trillion over the next three years – an amount that would far exceed any previous period in history. With multiple tools for giving at their disposal, today’s philanthropists are able to be increasingly agile and strategic in the manner by which they donate their money.
Second, because of more collaboration in today’s philanthropic world, donors of all stripes have become true agents of change. In years past, philanthropy was essentially vertical, with foundations holding sway over individual donors. Today, the structure is more horizontal, leading to an ecosystem in which donors of all kinds have a closer involvement with how their money and other resources (time, wisdom, ability to convene) are used.
How best to describe the state of philanthropy in the 21st century? We were all in agreement in using words such as collaboration, relationships, and trust. By working alongside one another, today’s philanthropists are able to use their collective power to find solutions and change the world in which we live.
Henry Berman became Exponent Philanthropy’s CEO in 2011, previously serving as acting CEO, board member, and committee member. Through his experience as a foundation co-trustee and Exponent Philanthropy member since 2003, he brings a firsthand understanding of the needs of members to his role. Follow Henry on Twitter @Berman_Henry.
