Dear Reader,

With summer underway, it is the perfect time to celebrate impact and dive into some good reads. We hope you find the articles below helpful and inspiring as you embark on your summer adventures.

Navigating Philanthropy with Data

When it comes to deciding where to direct your philanthropic giving, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all of the options available. Do you have a proactive strategy for your giving or do you take a more reactive approach? How do you tie your giving to your family’s values and legacy? Which of your values should you prioritize, and how do you find the right balance between them? How do you consider geography in your philanthropic strategy? Learn more about using your philanthropic data to make your giving a little less daunting and more joyful.

What We've Been Up To

Jess Williford, Vice President of Marketing and Senior Advisor at Grant Philanthropic Advisors, is the current board chair of Empower Charleston (formerly Social Venture Partners Charleston). In that capacity, Jess went on six site visits this spring to nonprofits located in the Charleston region. 

Site visits serve as an exceptional opportunity to get to know an organization–the people they serve; the staff and board’s passion; and the overall impact they make in the community. Empower Charleston awards two year grants every other year and also hosts a showcase event (October 17) featuring the six grant finalists:

What's Inspiring Us

Family Gathering this Summer

5 Ways to Bring Family Together this Summer - Priya Parker (5 minute read)

This dynamic facilitator discusses ways to bring family together this summer in a meaningful and memorable manner. GPA looks to her as an inspiration for planning thoughtful family gatherings.

Summer Reading

Phila Recommended Summer Reads - Phila Engaged Giving (6 minute read) Our friends at Phila Engaged Giving recommend several books that make for a good read this summer related to philanthropy. We would love to hear what you're reading this summer!

Philanthropy + Rural America

Major Funders Bet Big on Rural America and ‘Everyday Democracy’ - The Chronicle of Philanthropy (6 minute read)

Records show that philanthropy has not always been favorable to Rural America, and this article by The Chronicle of Philanthropy delves into how citizens are uniting to spark change.

Optimism in America

The Case for Hope - New York Times (6 minute read)

Nicholas Kristof expresses the importance of holding onto optimism and finding the silver linings in social impact work around the globe. While there is much work to be done, a lot has been accomplished.

Engaging the Next Generation

A Guide to Meaningfully Engaging Next-Generation Adults in Your Family Philanthropy - The National Center for Family Philanthropy (30 minute read)

This guide is chock-full of resources to educate and inspire the next generation to become more involved in your family's philanthropic mission.



We hope your summer is off to a wonderful start and you enjoy the Fourth of July with friends and family!

Gratefully,

Kaky + The GPA Team