While many people associate philanthropy with the wealthy, anyone can be a philanthropist. It just takes a little thought and planning. It's a great way to give back and build community connections. Start small and learn about a cause or issue that touches your heart.
Whether you want to become a philanthropist or already have an interest in doing so, starting small is always the best approach. This may mean beginning a new nonprofit that you are passionate about, or it could simply involve donating your time, talent, or treasure. The first step is defining the purpose and values of your philanthropy, as well as who will be involved. Getting clear on your aspirations will help you and the people involved in your philanthropic work to align on the issues that you care about most. Making corporate philanthropy a part of your business's culture can be a big win for you and your employees. It's a great way to build trust among staff members and show that your company has a greater purpose than just making a profit. It also helps attract employees who are more committed to their community and who are willing to work harder than their competitors. One of the most important and under-appreciated components of any economy is its infrastructure. This is the stuff that allows trade, travel, and commerce to flourish. It also helps to protect communities from the evils of nature and adversity. There are numerous ways to make the most of this prized asset, but the best way is to assemble the smartest team in town, with all its members in the know about what works and what doesn't, what needs fixing, and who knows when. The resulting innovation is the winning recipe for a new era of prosperity and security. The best part is that it takes only the right amount of capital and dedication to making it happen. The only question is how much of it? With more than 27 million privately held businesses operating in the United States, entrepreneurs are a key part of the economic fabric of our nation. Yet less is known about how these business founders, owners, and investors approach charitable giving. Entrepreneurs tend to take a more hands-on approach to their giving, placing a greater emphasis on personal involvement and the ability to demonstrate leadership through volunteering. They also tend to spend more time on their philanthropy, with 66 percent saying they volunteer at least three hours every month. Entrepreneurs often have powerful networks and are known to be creative and resourceful by nature. These same characteristics can be leveraged in a philanthropic context to generate new solutions and initiatives. One of the most important steps in achieving philanthropic goals is making a plan. This includes determining what you hope to accomplish and then taking stock of what you already have in place. Once you have a clearer understanding of your goals, you can start researching which programs and organizations will best suit your unique situation. It's also a good idea to get input from your philanthropic committee and other stakeholders, as they can point you in the right direction. You'll also want to make sure you are not missing out on any of the smaller trophies that may have fallen your way. There's a plethora of online resources and community resources available, and it's worth your while to do your homework to make the best decision possible. If you're a business owner, philanthropy can be an important part of your overall strategy. Whether you choose to include matching donations in your employee giving program or make it a formal part of the culture of your company, it's vital that you make your intentions clear. It's also a good idea to set boundaries and stick to them. For example, if you're speaking for an hour and you cut it close or run over time, you could lose your audience's attention and risk losing your presentation.
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