Book: Giving Done Right: Effective Philanthropy and Making Every Dollar Count

Posted by Center for Effective Philanthropy on March 5, 2019

There are pressing needs all around us. How can you give effectively to help address them?

You can now pre-order the book that will answer that question. Giving Done Right: Effective Philanthropy and Making Every Dollar Count by Phil Buchanan, president of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, distills lessons learned from 17 years of CEP’s work.

Giving Done Right is about what works. But it’s also filled with the stories of the people who bring philanthropy to life. You’ll meet the early “venture philanthropist” who concedes he has learned that venture capital is not a good analogy for philanthropy, and is now helping others to understand the unique challenge of effectiveness. You’ll learn about the foundation president who fancied himself the LeBron James of philanthropy, “taking his talents” from the business world — only to learn the hard way that they didn’t apply in a very different domain.

You’ll read about the examples of great giving that has transformed lives.

You’ll meet nonprofit leaders like Tiffany, whose early experiences with racism inspired her to dedicate her life to closing the achievement gap, and Gregg, who spends his days and nights recruiting the most at-risk young people in his community out of gangs — to literally save their lives.

And you’ll meet those whose lives have been changed by giving done right. People like Crisamar, who credits her success in life to Tiffany’s organization. And Andre, whose “big mistake” nearly cost him everything — until Gregg’s nonprofit helped him turn his life around. And you’ll learn how they have become givers, too.

Because giving done right is like that. It ripples outward, with benefits beyond what anyone could imagine.

In a time of cynicism and polarization, this book reminds us of philanthropy’s contributions and future potential. It reminds us of the unique role giving has played in much of the good we take for granted every day in our lives. And it helps us understand what it takes to be an effective giver.

http://givingdoneright.org/