Venturing into the unknown with philanthropy

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Lately, there has been a lot of buzz about how the definition of philanthropy must change for it to succeed against the challenges of society at present. Older methods serve their purpose to help solve one problem or two but, ultimately, the world needs more innovative ideas to come to the fore. For philanthropy to succeed against the ills of society at present, more people are called upon to venture into the unknown.

Previously, philanthropy was thought of to be a sort of side-effect to wealth. It was the endeavor of well-meaning and wealthy individuals who sought to help out others by donating to worthy causes. For a time, it helped many less fortunate individuals receive necessary support for things like their basic needs to required funds that empower them to seek a source of livelihood.

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This new type of philanthropy is all about a more hands-on and pro-active approach. It involves a lot of risks and, perhaps, some sacrifices to be made for each venture to produce significant results.

In trying to provide solutions to many of the world’s problems, revolutionary ideas are needed. Continuing to support proven methods are still important but for greater changes to happen, more philanthropists should seek out truly radical innovations that can transform what is considered to be the norm into something that is more sustainable and accessible to more and more people.

Like in investments, the philanthropists of today must seek out areas where there are great risks to find greater returns.

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Find more articles about the challenges of modern philanthropy on this blog site for Alex von Furstenberg.

Forty-six million meals, sixteen thousand recipients, one mission

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Enfeebled by old age, crippled by recurrent mini-strokes, and disheartened by seclusion, 79-year-old New Yorker “Cono”* can barely move and leave his apartment. But even so, he asserts his preference for remaining at home, “For the rest of my life, I never want to see another ambulance or hospital,” he says. “I want to stay here, sitting on the porch; that’s my hangout 24 hours a day.”

Because of his infirmities, Cono has also been incapacitated from supporting himself nutritionally. Fortunately, Citymeals-on-Wheels has never missed out on providing him his daily fill, thus enabling him to stay within the comfort of his home for his remaining days.

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Now in its 31st year of operation, Citymeals-on-Wheels is a nonprofit organization that finances the preparation and delivery of meals to homebound and geriatric New Yorkers. It provides approximately 2.5 million free meals every year to Cono and 16,000 others.

Citymeals-on-Wheels thrives on the donations of philanthropists such as Martha Stewart, Alex von Furstenberg, and Lynda Resnick. Through their generous support, extraordinary people like Cono receive help every single day. More than the food being provided is the sense of hope that comes along with it—a priceless windfall to a noble mission.

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And with that, Cono, even in the eventide of his fleeting existence, will never go hungry or lonely ever again.

Alex von Furstenberg is a philanthropist who is currently affiliated with over 60 charitable institutions. More information on his supported organization may be accessed at his official website.

* true identity is concealed to protect subject’s privacy

Family philanthropy: Binding families together

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Forbes asserts that involving children and grandchildren in philanthropic activities is a great way to prepare the younger generations about responsibility and financial independence in the name of generosity.

More importantly, this is also a way of strengthening the ties among families by learning the lessons and experiences of notable family philanthropists, such as David Rubenstein, Pierre Omidyar, and Alex von Furstenberg. These notable givers, together with their families, have become successful in their endeavor of making a huge impact on others.

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There is no match to the fulfillment of working together as a family and helping others in need. For starters, how do they teach their children about giving? No matter how overwhelming the choices and responsibilities are, they must start somehow, somewhere. Here are a few steps to begin with:

1. Adding fun to giving. All members of the family get to choose their own charities. Generally, children would pick animal- and children-based organizations, and adults will have to respect their children’s choice at all cost.

2. Having a budget. When money is involved, the family has to think of ways on how to earn it and schedule a budget for such purpose. Injecting the sense of commitment plays a major role for success.

3. Giving something that they own. Family members could select even one item that they own or cherish. This makes sense of the concept of giving and puts things in perspective.

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