The Power of Intentional Giving

With so many important causes out there, it can be challenging to determine which organizations to support and which to consider declining when they ask you for money. Without a targeted approach, you might unintentionally dampen the impact of your charitable donations.

A thoughtful giving strategy can help you make sure your contributions mirror your values, make a measurable impact, and are personally fulfilling. Here are some tips to help you develop a clear philanthropic vision, give with purpose, and stay on track over time.

First and foremost, your personal experiences and values can help shape your giving strategy. Here’s an exercise to help clarify your giving approach:

• Step 1. Identify your values and goals: Consider the issues most important to you. Education, healthcare, environmental conservation, something else? Do you want to solve a specific problem or contribute to a broader movement? Defining these goals helps direct your donations where they will be most meaningful.
• Step 2. Choose the causes that matter to you: Reflect on past experiences that have influenced you. Perhaps a scholarship helped fund your education, or maybe a loved one’s illness has driven your interest in medical research. Tying your personal experiences to your giving can make your philanthropy more fulfilling and special.
• Step 3. Review your past donations: Looking at your giving history can help reveal patterns and areas where you may have drifted from your original focus. Keeping a simple record of donations (think of a spreadsheet) can help you keep organized and aligned with your goals.
• Step 4. Align giving with your vision: If your past giving doesn’t fully reflect your priorities, consider changing your approach. For example, if your goal is to support education, but a large portion of your giving has gone to other causes, you might want to consider how you will decline unrelated donation requests in the future.

Despite what it may sound like, giving isn’t limited to just financial donations. Volunteering your time and expertise can deepen your engagement with a cause and give you a personal tie to the communities and causes you care about. Many organizations value professionals with financial, legal, or leadership skills who can serve as board members or advisors, bringing both personal and strategic help to their organization.

When you give with purpose you can make a difference in the causes you care about, while also feeling more fulfilled in the process. Rather than giving to every request that comes your way, an intentional and thoughtful approach helps ensure that your philanthropy matches your values and makes a meaningful difference.