Donors, irrespective of their “wealth”, are seeking assistance to plan their legacies, through living and/or deferred giving. The choices, opportunities, expectations and demands facing all donors can be overwhelming. How does one sort through the options and clarify what is truly important?
At its core, philanthropy is an expression of your personal values. To ensure your giving is congruent with your values the first step is to clearly identify and then articulate them by answering four simple questions:
- What are your values?
- What are the principles that have guided how you have lived your life, raised your family, or run your business?
- What have you learned from your giving and living? Are there things you would do differently?
- What are you seeking to achieve?
It’s not complicated, but the clarity that comes by thinking about these things and capturing them is often profound, opening doors to effective, philanthropic participation and decisions that can add significant fulfillment to your life and to others.
There’s a lot you can do. As a Canadian you are part of one of the largest and most vibrant voluntary and non-profit sectors in the world affecting almost every part of our lives and addressing the needs and interests Canadians and people and around the globe. You and others have the opportunity to participate in and make a huge positive impact on health, education, social services, community development and housing as well as in the important expressive world of the arts, culture, religion, sports, recreation, citizen advocacy, and environmental protection.
Reflect, think, plan and act. Make a difference.
