Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Strategic giving shifts philanthropy from casual or reactive charity into a deliberate tool for creating meaningful, systemic solutions and lasting benefits, employing strategies to ensure each contribution advances a specific mission or goal.

Last week, Dail St. Claire, President and CEO of the Episcopal Church Foundation, led an insightful discussion on "Strategic Giving: Philanthropy or Impact Investment for Social Change" at the Parrish Museum in Water Mill, NY. She was joined by leading philanthropists Jean Shafiroff, author of “Successful Philanthropy, How to Make a Life by What You Give," along with Patricia Silverstein, Francie Heller, and Charna Boquette.

Key Features of Strategic Giving:

• Goal-Oriented: This approach involves setting clear, measurable objectives for what the donor aims to accomplish, such as health outcomes, educational goals, or environmental achievements.
• Focused on Impact: Strategic giving aims for sustainable, systemic change by tackling root causes instead of just addressing symptoms.
• Data-Driven: It depends on research and evidence to decide where to allocate resources and how to measure, report, and refine approaches as needed.
• Ongoing Evaluation: Progress is regularly assessed, using specific benchmarks and key indicators to measure impact.
• Alignment: Donors, whether individuals or organizations, align their giving with values, personal missions, or business goals.
• Collaboration: This approach encourages partnerships with like-minded nonprofits and other donors to pool resources for greater collective impact.

How Strategic Giving Can Be Implemented:

• Balanced Financing: Create a financial model that includes a mix of grants, foundation support, and contributions from individual donors.
• Planned Giving: Participate in legacy and estate planning. This includes donor-advised funds (DAFs), which enable individuals to make charitable contributions while receiving immediate tax deductions. Legacy planning is also a key consideration.

Why Strategic Giving?

The principle behind strategic giving is "The more you give, the more you receive." Anyone can become a philanthropist, and everyone can support their community and church in their own unique way. Volunteering your time and sharing your expertise with your church or a nonprofit organization that aligns with your mission can have a profoundly meaningful impact. Additionally, strategic giving can foster a spirit of compassion and empower others collectively.