DECEMBER 2021

Dear Reader,

This is my favorite time of year. People are in the spirit of celebration, generosity and giving thanks. I am always heartened by the generosity I see in the last few months of the year. This year is no different.

How We Gather Matters
Did you know that about one-third of annual giving occurs in December, and 12 percent of all giving happens in the last three days of the year? As you contemplate your philanthropy this month, I encourage you to gather differently as a family when discussing community, national and global issues. Putting thoughtful planning behind your family gathering will help everyone get out of their well practiced, predictable roles and put on their hat of philanthropist and social change maker. Facilitator and convener Priya Parker penned The Art of the Gathering. Her thesis is that "how we gather matters". A well planned gathering influences discussions, catalyzes connections, and ultimately impacts decisions. Consider the following changes to shake up your family meeting patterns:
  • Change the meeting environment to spark different conversations about community and giving
  • Introduce an opener that connects family members across personalities and generations
  • Switch up who leads discussions
  • Bring in outside community voices for added perspectives
  • Embrace challenging discussions
All of these things can shift the dynamic and create invigorating discussions. As Priya writes, "Gatherings crackle and flourish when real thought goes into them, when (often invisible) structure is baked into them, and when a host has the curiosity, willingness, and generosity of spirit to try."
I encourage you all to think boldly in how you engage your family in philanthropic discussions not just this month - any time you gather. You may be surprised by the nuanced discussions that surface.
We All Have a Role
When the words "philanthropy" or "philanthropist" come to mind for many, they may think of the extremely wealthy. They may not see themselves as a philanthropist or understand their impact in giving. I see philanthropy taking place every day, every minute in all walks of life. Neighbors helping neighbors; in kind donations to nonprofit organizations and faith communities; school groups volunteering together; and of course, people making donations.
I was inspired by MacKenzie Scott's latest article where she muses on her philosophy of philanthropy. She writes, "How much or how little money changes hands doesn’t make it philanthropy. Intention and effort make it philanthropy. If we acknowledge what it all has in common, there will be more of it.” We all can play a role in making our communities better and stronger. It may just not look like the traditional means of philanthropy.
Recommended Holiday Gifts to Build Empathy and Understanding
As I have done in years past, I am sharing some ideas for your holiday shopping list for all ages.
The Blue Sweater is a coming of age story where a young, idealistic Jacqueline travels to Africa desiring to solve economic challenges of developing countries. She learns many hard lessons in how to create meaningful change where she is the outsider. Jacqueline eloquently writes about the ethical challenges of foreign philanthropy. Her early career in micro economics in Africa inspired her to start the Acumen Fund.

This memoir traces the journeys of two young men named Wes Moore who grew up in Baltimore at the same time and had drastically different outcomes. Author Wes Moore draws powerful lessons learned in tough environments. Access to quality education, powerful mentors, and a strong support system make all the difference.

The book serves as a cross cultural piece for children. The author builds understanding and empathy with its readers by sharing a story of generosity of Maasai Warriors in Kenya reaching out to a hurting community in New York City in the months after 9/11. 

This young children's book captures the beauty of a relationship of a grandson and his grandmother. They regularly ride the bus together. CJ wonders aloud why he gets off the bus in the dirty part of town and doesn't have all of the toys and gadgets other kids have on the bus. His grandmother helps him see all that he does have and find beauty in his world.

Brian is invisible to his classmates until a new student Justin joins his class. Simple acts of kindness between the two boys spark a friendship and make Brian suddenly visible to all in his class.


Elizabeth Brown is a bookworm and books are her best friends. They bring her such joy. Eventually, the books take over her house and she can't collect any more. She donates all of her books to her town so all can enjoy the books that gave her so much.
This is a great tool for young children to use with their allowance and money earned. The spend, save, give components in the Moonjar build financial literacy. And it is a great way to start teaching generosity and the power of giving back. It comes with a little booklet to coach parents on its use and engagement points for children.


I wish you all the best as you celebrate the season with the people you love.
Gratefully,

Kaky

P.S. - The Wall Street Journal reminds us this week that key changes to enhance charitable giving due to the pandemic will expire at year end. "These changes, plus this year’s surge in the stock market and cryptocurrency values, make it a good time for charitably inclined taxpayers to focus on getting the most bang for their donation buck via tax-efficient moves."
KAKY M. GRANT / PRINCIPAL

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