where to start
Giving
Giving is a personal act, in response to one’s own motivations and the desire to make a difference through one’s commitment. Giving well entails committing to an approach that ensures the quality of the management of the supported organisation and the durability of its impact for the beneficiaries.
Principles of successful giving
Our experience, as well as that of the families with whom we work, has shown that engaging in philanthropy is a very positive experience. It becomes that much more positive when one is guided by the following principles :
- Seek specialised advice : obtain appropriate advice from specialised sources or from family members. In particular, this includes learning how best to embark on the philanthropic process.
- Develop a strategic framework : deepen your understanding of a subject that is of personal interest and choose to support organisations based on personal objectives.
- Understand the impact of one’s action : evaluate the type of impact that is personally important, understand how organisations aim to attain it and set indicators to measure the success of your donations.
- Build a network : develop formal or informal ties with other donors and centres of competence.
Article on a recent study of important donors
Where to start
Today, more often than not, the norm is to be solicited. Only rarely are you listened to attentively, in order to understand what truly moves you. Many donors deplore this lack of information, of qualified advice and the limited arenas available for exchange. In order to facilitate your engagement process, we suggest you consider the following questions :
- What have been my positive and negative experiences of giving?
- What are the areas that inspire and move me?
- What resources do I wish to make available in terms of time, money, contacts?
- What is the best vehicle to set in motion and carry my engagement?
- By which experience to start?
As a start, wise offers to help you define your profile
