Welcome!

This is a place you're invited to visit regularly for hot topics and creative ideas about all things philanthropic. Looking ahead is the focus. Here you'll learn about things you can do to design and use financial, estate, and gift plans that add value to your life - and, to the community and world around you.

You recall the Wizard of Oz noted, 'Back where I come from, there are men who do good deeds. They are called phila...er, phila...er, yes, ah, Good Deed Doers.' Indeed, men & women who are active philanthropists epitomize the spirit of good deed doing, not just back in the Wizard's homeland, but across the USA and around the world.

So, if you're curious about philanthropy, estate & gift planning, voluntarism, charitable financial planning, read on.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Why Give? Volunteers Know Why!

We all are asked to make financial contributions to charitable organizations from time to time - sometimes, it seems, day after day. It most cases, we're asked to give to organizations and causes we know little about. Alas, sometimes that's even true when the cause is our own alma mater. It's hard enough to keep track of things on our daily To Do lists, let alone stay current with the ever-changing campus of the college or university we attended more years ago than we want to count. In our hearts, we know we'd like to do something for our alma mater - make a gift that is meaningful - but, it's been so many years. . .

What's the answer?

Get involved! Next time you're invited to serve on a committee or council, plan an event or a program, sponsor an intern, or participate in an alumni community service project, say "Yes!"

And, you'll be glad you did.

So will your alma mater - because one thing that is as true today as it ever has been is that those who give the gift of their time and talents - as volunteers - are also more likely to give the gift of their treasures - their financial resources. It doesn't matter so much whether you serve on the Board of Directors or the annual Beach Party planning committee - what matters is that you have made the commitment of your time to something that is important to you.

In taking this step, you have helped yourself answer the question "Why give?" Now, you'll know!
So, call someone today that you know at your alma mater and offer to volunteer. You may be surprised at the opportunities awaiting you!

1 comment:

Linz said...

Very motivating! I just signed up to be a young mentor for Columbia.