The Art of Giving: Where the Soul Meets a Business Plan [Hardcover]

An honest assessment for how to determine your individual relationship with charitable giving in today's world

From world-renowned philanthropists Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies comes a comprehensive guide on how to be a canny, street-smart, effective philanthropist, regardless of your income level. It is also a perfect companion for nonprofit program and development executives who would like to introduce donors to their work and their organizations.

Despite their critical importance to philanthropy, donors have few resources for solid information about making their gifts-deciding what type of gift to give, how to structure it, the tax implications, what level of follow-up and transparency they should ask for and expect, and countless other complexities. This book fills that vacuum and helps you gain a special understanding of philanthropy as a business undertaking as well as a deeply personal, reflective process.

Drawing on decades of experience, the authors offer a fresh, enlivening approach to the nonprofit enterprise that, too often, is undervalued and thought of as the province of the burnt-out and the overwhelmed. Along with its many candid insights and memorable anecdotes, The Art of Giving also offers instruction on how to create a business plan for giving that works for you.

A unique guide to finding purpose, meaning, and results in the complex world of charitable giving

In this definitive guide, world-renowned philanthropist Charles Bronfman and lifelong expert and nonprofit leader Jeffrey Solomon show donors and potential donors how to become street-smart, effective philanthropists.

Despite their critical importance to philanthropy, donors have few resources for solid information—deciding what type of gift to give, how to structure it, the tax implications, what level of follow-up and transparency they should expect, among many other complexities. With candid, clear advice, this book fills that vacuum and helps anyone gain a special understanding of philanthropy as a business undertaking as well as a soulful process. It also shows nonprofits how to open a dialogue with the donors they serve to make smart, meaningful choices with their funds to create change.

Comprised of three key sections—The Donor, The Partners, and The Gift—The Art of Giving offers reflective questions, logistical answers, and endless resources to create a business plan for giving that works for you, regardless of income level. By exploring the differences between charity and philanthropy, the complexities of nonprofits, and the tools for making a thoughtful donation—as well as your own passions, concerns, and timeline—you will be better informed, able to confidently articulate your own interests, passions, and giving needs, and know the right questions to ask.

Whether you are a potential donor, active donor, or a nonprofit professional working with donors, The Art of Giving reveals how the act of giving benefits not only the recipient but also oneself.