The Power of Why
When it comes to philanthropy, you have the power, opportunity, and responsibility to help build a world you believe in.
But, you have to do the work. As a family or company builds a foundation or giving vehicle, it’s important to think about why. Consider:
What’s the impact you want to have on the world?
What is the legacy you want to leave behind?
What’s your relationship with your capital and your community?
What do you want your children or your children’s children to know about the role and responsibility of growing up with wealth and giving back to the community?
What sets your soul on fire - pisses you off or gets you excited?
When we have the capacity to give to our community and have a vehicle - family foundation, DAF, family office - from which to do so, we often think the first decision we need to make is - how much money should I give and to whom?
These are important questions, but just like leading your business or setting your personal annual goals, we need to first start with our why, our 10-year vision or Ultimate Purpose, our plan to get there, and what we want to learn, feel, and experience along the way. Otherwise, we are just in the business of giving money away, when we can be in the business of community impact. Of legacy. Of family.
At JH Philanthropy, we believe there is a unique role, beyond just writing a check, that effective philanthropy can play in shaping a better world and in bringing families and generations together around the table. We help individuals, couples, and families with multiple generations dig into their why and build the systems and grantmaking vehicles to be an agent of change in their communities. We help different generations see eye-to-eye, while helping our clients feel empowered to build a better world for generations to come.
We know it is an honor to be invited to these kitchen table conversations, family council meetings, and financial advisor planning meetings, and it’s a responsibility we do not take lightly. And, after collaborating with over 35 high- and ultra-high-net-worth families for nearly half a decade and channeling over $60,000,000 into our communities, we are honored to share our best practices, innovations, and lessons learned from a wide array of philanthropists.
So, we started a newsletter. Sign up to receive it here. And, please share your feedback. What are you learning? What are you wrestling with? What would you like to know more about when it comes to philanthropy, family impact, civic leadership, and tapping into our collective potential? Send me a note and let me know.
Here’s to starting this blog and newsletter journey together. (And thanks to my team for inspiring me to pause and reflect on what we have achieved together and with our clients over the years.)
“When we have the capacity to give to our community and have a vehicle - family foundation, DAF, family office, we need to first start with our why, our 10-year vision or Ultimate Purpose, our plan to get there, and what we want to learn, feel, and experience along the way.”