This is a transcript of unscripted speech, rather than written prose, and therefore should not be relied on for grammatical accuracy. This is not a verbatim transcript. Parts have been slightly modified to improve readability.
Define your philanthropic mission in three simple ways.
Summer is a time for family, friends, a break from work, and a chance to step back and reflect on your priorities. It’s also a chance to think about how we can make a difference in the lives of others through activities like volunteerism and charitable giving.
Many of us embrace charitable giving as a way to make an impact on causes that are meaningful to us. To achieve the greatest results, it’s important to give wisely. That means defining exactly what you want to achieve with your philanthropy. It’s a big question, but following three simple steps can help you to find the answer.
First, consider your goals. Who do you want to help and how? Start with causes or communities that have a special connection to you and your family. And remember that volunteering can extend the impact beyond just financial support.
Second, write down a mission statement. Summarize your goals and your plan for achieving them. You may be surprised at how motivating this exercise can really be. And for families, it’s a perfect way to create a common mission and define a plan for achieving it together.
Finally, identify charities that align with your philanthropic goals. Many donors already know the organizations they wish to support, such as their alma mater or a house of worship. Others have a cause in mind but haven’t necessarily identified specific charities to support it. For those individuals, there is a wealth of resources, such as GuideStar, Give.org and CharityWatch, which provide detailed information on nonprofit organizations. But don’t stop there. Be sure to call or meet with your selected charities, and ask a lot of questions.
With these three principles in mind and a little help from Schwab Charitable, it’s easy to help maximize the impact of your giving and make an even bigger difference in the world.
From all of us at Schwab Charitable, thank you and have a pleasant, relaxing summer.