A Conversation on the Art of Giving
Friday, October 30, 2009
By: Susan Carey Dempsey

A new book by philanthropist Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon, who directs the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Foundation, offers their experienced insights to those contemplating philanthropic ventures.

A new book by philanthropist Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon, who directs the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Foundation, offers their experienced insights to those contemplating philanthropic ventures. onPhilanthropy sat down with the authors of The Art of Giving: Where the Soul Meets a Business Plan.

OP: When you are talking to people about philanthropy,  how are these challenging economic times affecting the conversation?

Charles Bronfman:

It’s even more important to talk now than before. If you want to set aside funds, you need to think about where philanthropy ranks in your budget. Is it a necessity or an also-ran? It’s a time to look into your soul. What can be fulfilling to you?

OP: Do you feel that philanthropists, in addition to what their monetary gifts can accomplish, also have a responsibility to set an example for others?

It doesn’t require seven-figure gifts to be an example. Nancy Lublin created Dress for Success, and then Do Something to encourage teenagers to get involved in nonprofit activities. So she has motivated others, to “pay it forward.”

OP: You have seen philanthropy grow not just in the United States, but around the world. What changes are you seeing?

Jeff Solomon:

We’re seeing the export of Guidestar to the UK and other countries, bringing greater transparency. We’re seeing other trends like this emerge in Europe. Israel, in fact, now has four academic centers for the study of philanthropy. There’s a sense of seriousness I see in the journals coming out of them.

Charles Bronfman:

We’re pleased to see more young people taking on an ever expanding role in philanthropy, expanding their interest in careers in this field, too.

Jeff Solomon:

Slingshot, young philanthropists in their 20s,  gave each organization they support a Flip, a $100 video camera. Instead of writing a midyear report, they said show us what you do. Don’t spend a lot of overhead on reporting; use digital technology. It’s very interesting.

OP: Do you have a sense of how younger philanthropists are using Facebook, Twitter, etc. to support causes?

Charles Bronfman:

My feeling is we don’t need to know everything about those tools, we just say, go your way, and keep us posted. We all should have the time and enthusiasm of Generation Y.

OP: OK , so what are some trends we may not have seen that are out on the horizon?

Jeff Solomon:

It may be early to call it a trend, but I think it’s the transition from 1.0 to 2.0, now to 3.0   1.0 was when the impetus to give came from the heart to the checkbook; 2.0 was the “new Philanthropy,” when the brain took over, emphasizing impact and strategy. I think 3.0 is when the heart and the brain meet. When that happens, it feeds the soul; it’s not just an intellectual decision.

Charles Bronfman:

The current trend of following the money, that wasn’t  the idea when I was young. You simply trusted the elders. Now, donors want to know what happens; they stay involved after they contribute.

OP: Donors today are very concerned about making an impact. What do you recommend?

Charles Bronfman:

You don’t need a lot of money to make impact – especially if you do it locally. You make life better for people very close to you.

OP:How to do you recommend donors stay knowledgeable about projects they support?

Jeff Solomon:

We recommend they perform due diligence, learn who they are and how they operate. But, as we caution in the book, NIFO:  noses in fingers out, don’t confuse giving donations with management.

About the Author

Susan Carey Dempsey, Editor-in-Chief of onPhilanthropy, is Managing Partner of CauseWired Communications, a firm consulting on effective messaging for nonprofits and causes. She can be reached at susan@causewired.com.