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Engaged Philanthropy vs. Advisory Board Membership: Which Path to Impact Is Right for You?

2/23/2025

Engaged philanthropy and serving on an advisory board both involve strategic involvement, but they differ in scope, influence, and commitment.

Engaged Philanthropy
Engaged philanthropy goes beyond just writing checks. Funders actively participate in the success of the organization or initiative they support. This often includes:

Providing Strategic Guidance – Helping shape programs, operations, or policies.
Leveraging Networks – Connecting the nonprofit with other funders, experts, or resources.
Offering Capacity-Building Support – Assisting with leadership development, infrastructure, or scaling efforts.
Outcome-Driven Investment – Funding with a focus on measurable impact, often seen in venture philanthropy.

Engaged philanthropists may take on roles similar to investors in a startup, where they are deeply involved in ensuring the organization's success.

Advisory Board Membership
Being on an advisory board is typically a more structured role within an organization, where members provide expertise and guidance without formal governance authority. Key aspects include:

Providing Expertise – Offering subject matter knowledge (e.g., AI, education, fundraising).
Reviewing Strategies – Giving feedback on major initiatives, but not making final decisions.
Less Hands-on Involvement – Often meeting periodically rather than engaging day-to-day.
No Fiduciary Responsibility – Unlike a governing board, advisory board members don’t hold legal or financial obligations.

Aspect	Engaged Philanthropy	Advisory Board
Level of Involvement Financial Contribution Decision-Making Power Time Commitment	Hands-on, strategic support Often a significant funder Can influence funding and execution Ongoing, often high engagement	Periodic advice, less operational May or may not contribute funding Provides recommendations, not decisions More limited, structured meetings

Both engaged philanthropy and advisory board membership offer meaningful ways to support causes you care about, each with its own level of involvement and influence. Engaged philanthropy is ideal if you seek hands-on, outcome-driven involvement, while serving on an advisory board allows you to share your expertise with a more structured, time-limited commitment. No matter which path you choose, the goal remains the same: creating lasting, positive change.

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Inspiring Engaged Philanthropists Changing the World Beyond Donations

2/23/2025

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There are many inspiring engaged philanthropists who go beyond just donating money. They actively work to drive change. Here are some standout individuals:

Global Education & Health

1️. Bill & Melinda Gates (Gates Foundation)

Focus: Global health, education, poverty reduction.
Impact: Eradicated wild polio in Africa, improved vaccine access, and funded global education initiatives.

️2. Priscilla Chan & Mark Zuckerberg (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative)

Focus: Personalized learning, medical research, criminal justice reform.
Impact: Pledged 99% of their Facebook shares to social good, funding AI-driven education tools and disease research.

3️. Warren Buffett (The Giving Pledge)

Focus: Poverty, healthcare, education.
Impact: Donated over $50 billion, inspiring other billionaires to commit to philanthropy.

Education & Social Justice

4️. MacKenzie Scott

Focus: Racial equity, education, women’s rights.
Impact: Fast-tracked donations to underserved communities, over $16 billion given with no strings attached.

5️. Laurene Powell Jobs (Emerson Collective)

Focus: Education reform, immigration rights, media.
Impact: Funds innovative education models and storytelling initiatives for social change.

️6. George Soros (Open Society Foundations)

Focus: Democracy, human rights, economic justice.
Impact: Donated over $32 billion to support civil liberties and open societies worldwide.

Healthcare & Science

️7. Dolly Parton

Focus: Children's literacy & medical research.
Impact: Helped fund the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and gave away 200+ million books to kids through her Imagination Library.

️8. Paul Farmer (Partners In Health, RIP)

Focus: Global health equity.
Impact: Transformed healthcare in poor countries, proving that high-quality care can be universal.

Climate & Sustainability

9️. Hansjörg Wyss (Wyss Foundation)

Focus: Land conservation, climate change.
Impact: Committed $1 billion to protect 30% of the planet by 2030.

10. Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia Founder)

Focus: Climate action, environmental justice.
Impact: Donated Patagonia to fight climate change, making Earth the company's sole shareholder.

You don’t have to be a billionaire to practice engaged philanthropy. It’s about being intentional, offering your knowledge, time, and connections to support causes that matter. These philanthropists show us that lasting change comes from active participation. Start where you are, use what you have, and join the global movement of changemakers making a real difference.

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Why do Engaged Philanthropists Take Action for Lasting Change?

2/23/2025

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People become engaged philanthropists for a mix of personal, moral, and strategic reasons. Unlike passive donors, they take an active role in shaping change. Here’s why:

1️. Personal Experience & Values

Many philanthropists are driven by personal experiences, either overcoming hardship themselves or witnessing societal inequities firsthand.
- Example: MacKenzie Scott’s giving focuses on underserved communities, aligning with her values of equity and systemic change.
Some have strong moral or religious beliefs that emphasize giving back.
- Example: Warren Buffett pledged most of his fortune because he believes extreme wealth should be reinvested in society.

2️. Desire to Solve Systemic Problems

Some philanthropists want to fix root causes rather than just treat symptoms.
- Example: The Gates Foundation doesn’t just donate to healthcare, they fund vaccine research and disease eradication programs.
They focus on scalable solutions that have long-term impact rather than short-term relief.

3️. Legacy & Meaning

Many people seek purpose beyond wealth. Engaged philanthropy allows them to leave a lasting mark.
- Example: Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia founder) didn’t just donate, he gave away his company to fight climate change.
They also want to inspire others, whether it's their peers, future generations, or society as a whole.

️4. Leverage & Influence

Wealthy philanthropists realize that money alone isn't enough, they use their networks, business skills, and platforms to drive policy changes.
- Example: Priscilla Chan & Mark Zuckerberg invest in AI-driven education reform, shaping how students learn globally.
By being hands-on, they ensure their donations aren't wasted and have measurable results.

5️. Joy & Fulfillment

Studies show that giving increases happiness. Many philanthropists say it’s the most fulfilling part of their lives.
Seeing real impact (e.g., a student getting a scholarship, a community gaining clean water) creates deep emotional satisfaction.

Conclusion
Engaged philanthropy is about impact, purpose, and responsibility. It’s not just about giving wealth away, it’s about using money, influence, and action to create meaningful change.
Are you thinking about engaging in philanthropy for your nonprofit’s mission?

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Engaged philanthropy

2/21/2025

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Engaged philanthropy is an approach where donors go beyond just giving money by actively participating in the causes they support. This can include providing expertise, networking opportunities, strategic guidance, or operational support to nonprofits or social enterprises.

Key Features of Engaged Philanthropy:

Active Involvement – Donors work closely with grantees, offering mentorship, business strategies, and leadership.
Capacity Building – Focuses on strengthening organizations, not just funding projects.
Multi-Faceted Support – Combines financial resources with expertise, networking, and hands-on involvement.
Long-Term Commitment – Emphasizes sustained partnerships rather than one-time grants.
Performance & Impact Focus – Encourages measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.

Examples:

Venture Philanthropy: Modeled after venture capital, where funders provide mentorship and strategic support alongside funding (e.g., New Profit).
MacArthur Foundation’s “Big Bets”: Engages deeply with grantees to solve large-scale global challenges.

What makes engaged philanthropists happy?

Engaged philanthropists tend to find fulfillment in several key ways:
1. Seeing Tangible Impact

Witnessing measurable results of their contributions (e.g., students graduating, poverty reduction).
Engaging with the beneficiaries of their philanthropy.
Scaling successful initiatives to reach more people.

2. Being Part of a Community

Connecting with like-minded individuals who share their passion.
Collaborating with other donors, nonprofits, and changemakers.
Feeling a sense of belonging to a movement bigger than themselves.

3. Solving Complex Problems

Enjoying the intellectual challenge of finding innovative solutions.
Using data, technology, and strategy to drive systemic change.
Experimenting with new approaches (e.g., impact investing, social entrepreneurship).

4. Personal Growth & Learning

Expanding their knowledge in areas like education, healthcare, or climate change.
Developing leadership and strategic thinking skills.
Mentoring or advising nonprofit leaders.

5. Aligning with Their Values & Legacy

Living out their values in a meaningful way.
Creating a lasting impact beyond their lifetime.
Involving family or future generations in philanthropy.

For someone considering engaged philanthropy, the key is finding an initiative where they can see real change, build relationships, and use their skills meaningfully.

Social Venture Partners

Social Venture Partners (SVP) is a prime example of engaged philanthropy in action. SVP operates as a global network of local chapters where philanthropists (called "partners") pool their funds, expertise, and time to support nonprofit organizations and social enterprises.

How SVP Exemplifies Engaged Philanthropy:

Collective Funding:
- Partners contribute financially to a pooled fund, allowing for larger, more impactful grants.
Hands-On Support:
- Partners actively engage with the nonprofits by providing skills in areas like strategic planning, marketing, financial management, and technology.
- Example: A partner with a background in marketing may help a nonprofit develop a branding strategy to increase its reach.
Capacity Building:
- Focus is on strengthening the infrastructure and capabilities of nonprofits.
- Example: SVP may fund leadership training for nonprofit executives or help streamline an organization’s operations to improve efficiency.
Long-Term Engagement:
- Typically, SVP partners with nonprofits over several years, allowing for deep, sustained impact.
- Example: A multi-year engagement might involve helping a nonprofit scale its services from local to regional levels.
Learning and Development for Donors:
- SVP offers workshops and peer learning for partners, enhancing their philanthropic knowledge and effectiveness.
- Example: Partners might participate in workshops on impact measurement or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Collaborative Approach:
- Partners collaborate with each other, pooling diverse expertise to tackle complex social challenges.
- Example: A team of partners from finance, education, and IT backgrounds might collectively support an education nonprofit in building an online learning platform.

Real-World Impact Example:
SVP Toronto supported the Regent Park School of Music, helping them expand music education to thousands of youth in underserved communities. SVP partners provided strategic advice, operational support, and financial resources, significantly enhancing the nonprofit's reach and impact.

The world’s most pressing challenges require more than funding. They need thoughtful collaboration, strategic support, and long-term commitment. Engaged philanthropy offers a pathway to create sustainable, measurable impact while enriching your own journey. You have more to offer than you realize. Start where you are, use what you know, and connect with causes that speak to your heart. Together, we can build a world where giving is not just generous, but transformative.

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Engaged Philanthropy vs. Advisory Board Membership: Which Path to Impact Is Right for You?

Inspiring Engaged Philanthropists Changing the World Beyond Donations

Why do Engaged Philanthropists Take Action for Lasting Change?

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Engaged Philanthropy vs. Advisory Board Membership: Which Path to Impact Is Right for You?

Inspiring Engaged Philanthropists Changing the World Beyond Donations

Why do Engaged Philanthropists Take Action for Lasting Change?

Engaged philanthropy

Solutioneers Blog