Taking CSR to the next level with crowdfunding

For businesses today, it makes sense to maintain a corporate social responsibility program. Giving back to the communities where they operate increases the company’s value in the eyes of stakeholders. Majority of consumers admit that corporate philanthropy also affects their choice of brands and stores to support.

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While nearly every type of business, from small companies to large organizations, has sought to do its part in providing help to society through CSR projects, current methods can’t keep up with the pace of needed changes. Good intentions may not be enough when companies do not know the best, most direct way to give back to the community. Likewise, the intended beneficiaries of social responsibility may not always be able to communicate their needs to the entities that could provide the necessary aid.

This is why companies seeking greater impact of their CSR projects should look no further than the possibilities opened by modern technology. These days, an emerging method is through online fundraising. Through sites that call attention to social realities, individuals pool their resources and donate to support a proposed solution to problems.

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Companies looking for better ways to donate can turn to crowdfunding sites to improve their current CSR programs. Through available technology, the process of gathering donations and bringing people under a single cause has been made easier than it was before. What used to take months to complete can now be done in a matter of days.
 
In addition, crowdfunding allows companies to participate in worthy causes in a highly transparent channel. The other participants and recipients of the donations know exactly how companies have helped the cause and businesses get the immediate boost to their image.

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Alex von Furstenberg does his part to help communities through the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation. Visit this website to learn about the organization’s goals and methods.

Philanthropy: It's not all about the money

People who view philanthropy as a financial baggage or a last option for a wealth strategy could see this as a strain on their pockets. But for those inclined to charitable giving, philanthropy could mean more than an optional responsibility reserved for excess wealth and unwanted assets. However, by developing a systematic strategy that is integrated with personal and wealth transfer goals, giving could lead to a purposeful endeavor that is not focused on the idea of giving money.

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This is what philanthropy means for The Naples Trust Company. It is committed to using philanthropy not just as a means of donating money but as a way to solve problems in the society. For the past decade, the company has dedicated over $1 million to nonprofit organizations to make a difference in its community.

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Similarly, The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation, headed by Alex von Furstenberg, addresses generosity as a gratifying feat. The organization is guided by the shared values, concerns, and passions of its members. Its main vision is to improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. Community building, education, human rights, arts, health, and the environment are the primary sectors that receive the foundation’s support.

In philanthropic acts, money can never be ignored when measuring its depth, but the effect always comes in boundless possibilities.

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Businessman Alex von Furstenberg is actively involved in a variety of philanthropic work. Among the organizations he supports are the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, Literacy Partners, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. This Twitter page provides more updates about him and his contributions to help others in need.

Strategic giving: Approaching philanthropy with a different mindset

In spite of the recession and the still recovering economy, generosity remained abundant in the US. The philanthropic community has been notably active in the previous year, with about 64 million volunteers and 65 percent of households donating to a charity or a specific cause. As a whole, foundations, corporations, and individuals gave about $298 billion.

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While philanthropic work in the US continues to be a strong driving force in promoting social change, Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen noted that there is still much that can be improved. Ms. Arrillaga-Andreessen, who teaches four philanthropy courses at Stanford, has made materials on studying and teaching philanthropy available online to encourage other learning institutions to start their own programs.

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Majority of the donors to philanthropic ventures are driven by emotion or a generous feeling. Therein lies a great but yet untapped potential because there are greater things that can be achieved when people take time to learn about the potential impact of their donations.

Shifting from emotion-driven giving to strategic philanthropy can empower the givers. The new generation of philanthropists is hungry for more information, and they want to know just how much impact their efforts and donations will have. In giving them the materials they need, they can go beyond being passive givers who are just hoping that their contribution will help and become effective planners and implementers of social change.

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This Twitter page on Alex von Furstenberg is regularly updated with links to stories about developments in philanthropy around the nation.

Comfort Zone Camp: Because grieving children need a fun and safe place to go to

Many children are left unaided and unguided following the death of their parents. Relatives may feel at a loss on how to help children who are experiencing grief. Fortunately, Comfort Zone Camp helps create a world where grieving children are not left to mourn alone. Instead, it provides a community that allows children to heal, grow, and lead fulfilling lives.

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Comfort Zone Camp is a nonprofit 501(c)3 bereavement camp open to children who have experienced the death of a parent, a primary caregiver, or a sibling. It transforms the lives of grieving children by understanding their needs, appreciating what they can do, and giving them a voice.

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The bereavement and therapeutic program at Comfort Zone Camp is unique from other therapeutic programs because of the following features:

• Year-round program. Issues may arise any time of the year for grieving children. Thus, the camp provides a strong program and a support community from which campers may draw strength from all throughout the year.
• Free for all children. Children don’t have to worry about the expenses as the program is free for all of them.
• Designed to suit children’s needs. The program is based on how children—not adults—actually grieve.
• 'Little Buddy/Big Buddy’ system. This is a matching system wherein a camper is paired with a volunteer (1:1). The pairing model provides each camper with a dedicated mentor or friend to help in the healing process.
• Opportunities for removing barriers. The camp uses loss to provide children with some ways to meet and bond with other kids who are experiencing the same situation. This makes them feel that they belong, which would help them bid goodbye to loneliness.

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Not all children affected by a death in the family are able to express this grief in the healthy way. At this point in their life, it is as crucial to show them how to do this as much as giving them the love and affection they so need.

Alex von Furstenberg helps children cope with grief by supporting Comfort Zone Camp. Visit this Facebook page to know more of his philanthropic efforts.

Lessons in philanthropy

Little by little, the world is changing its views on philanthropy. It is no longer the endeavor of wealthy individuals with cash to spare. With the advancements in technology and information, philanthropy has become a challenge to every individual to contribute to causes and programs that are geared toward solving some of the various problems that the world has today.

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In order to give more power to the act of giving and to have it make more of an impact, people will have to learn about modern philanthropy. There is a need for people to know about the various aspects of philanthropic work (what works and what doesn’t) for them to be able to formulate better solutions for the many problems of the modern world.

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Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen, who teaches philanthropic courses at Stanford University, has revealed in an interview that more than half of all individual philanthropists give to charity without knowing exactly how their contribution will impact the cause. She further goes to say that there is a massively untapped potential there and that results could be improved if the givers were better informed of how their generosity can be translated into something that affects the world in a more meaningful way.

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Recently, Ms. Arrillaga-Andreessen has shared her notes and syllabi on philanthropy online, in hopes that making educational material on charity easily available can spur other educational institutions to start offering their own courses on philanthropy and strategic giving.

Follow this Twitter page on Alex von Furstenberg to find more articles on matters related to philanthropic work.

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.

Start small, dream big: Focusing on future changemakers

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When people think of the problems in society, they see many great obstacles to equality, peace, and prosperity. In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, it can sometimes be easy to forget just how many people are willing to work and do some good in order to change the status quo.

Commonly overlooked in endeavors to make lasting changes to society are the young people. Adults often expect very little of the youth. They are repeatedly told to stay out of trouble and to continue with their studies. But what if the young people of today are already ready? What if they just need some encouragement and guidance to take on the larger problems in society?

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By averting one’s eyes from the problems for a while, one can see that there are many people who are willing to work for social change, including the youth. Presently, young people have already faced their fair share of inequalities found in society. Many of them have gone beyond themselves to show compassion, stand up against injustice, and contribute to their community.

As programs like the Peace First prize show, many of today’s youth do have great ideas on how to create lasting changes to society. Acknowledging their ideas seriously and inviting them to take on important roles as early as now can encourage them to continue working for their vision of a better future.

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Find more articles on effective philanthropy on this Alexander von Fürstenberg blog site.

From well-meaning to making a difference: Motivating philanthropy

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While monetary support is important in many philanthropic efforts, for others, understanding that true philanthropy requires a drive to change the status quo is more important. Indeed, in today’s world, there are still many problems in inequality that need to be remedied.

For one reason or another, there are many people who are in dire need of support and resources to reclaim their lives from poverty. There are systems in place that perpetuate the problems in society today, and changing the world for the better requires a lot more from people who can donate their time and effort to those in need.

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The act of giving is a good start to changing the situation that exists. To continue such efforts, however, innovative thinking is necessary. People behind philanthropic endeavors may also need to think of their programs as businesses. Beyond their intention to provide help for people who need it, they also need to think of ways to turn the program into something profitable – not for their own gain, but to ensure that the endeavor is self-sustaining.

Effective philanthropic endeavors can grow without being dependent on outside investment. From stop-gap measures that fill in for an immediate need, they can evolve into larger programs that serve to empower the people who were previously in need and may even benefit the community as a whole.

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Visit this blog site for Alexander von Fürstenberg to find various stories on efforts to change society for the better.

Philanthrocapitalism: The good side of affluence

Philanthrocapitalism is a relatively new term, only having entered public consciousness back in 2006. Despite its erroneous association with social philanthropy, it has nonetheless become a byword among organizations, prompting a new wave of growing and established capitalist entities to take part in the noble mission of uplifting mankind’s present state.

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But of course, merging two seemingly divergent entities together isn’t as easy as stitching the two words to form a portmanteau. There are three things that are needed to create and maintain this social investing culture:

1. There must be something that capitalists can invest in. It could be any cause which directly affects society—literacy, arts, etc. This is akin to what ‘for-profit’ entrepreneurs trade in the stock market. Philanthropist Alex von Furstenberg, for example, invests in the environment, education, arts, etc. His money, therefore, is not wasted, but is used to yield a tangible product.

2. Philanthrocapitalism also requires infrastructure, also much like stock markets and investments banks.

3. In this case, philanthropists must begin to act more like investors than philanthropists, making sure appropriate capital commensurate to whatever ‘returns’ they’re projecting. Unlike in other markets, however, these returns come in the forms of social progress on specific advocacy areas.

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Despite all the noble intentions, the philanthropy-capitalism connection is still met with reservations. This is understandable due to huge disparity in capitalism’s self-absorption and philanthropy’s selflessness. However, to fully understand how the whole thing could work, one must be able to accept how their similarities can complement each other. On one hand, capitalism is the best way by which humans can dispense needed goods and services. Philanthropy, on the other hand, is also a system that requires distribution of goods and services—only, it is driven by one’s profound love for humankind in general. As Sean Stannard-Stockton puts it: “To truly benefit from a positive form of philanthrocapitalism, we must be able to gather the accumulated wisdom of each discipline and integrate them into a more complete whole. This is the challenge and opportunity for philanthropy in the 21st century.”

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Alex von Furstenberg is a businessman who is also actively engaged in philanthropic activity. Log on to his official website for more updates.

Philanthropy and its social media transformation

Many continue to be fixated at the archetypal depiction of philanthropy: gala benefits, grand family foundations, PBS underwriters … The philanthropic tradition is so associated with these high-end social events that it has become almost synonymous to a “wall-paneled boardroom.”

Times are changing, however, and so is philanthropy.

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In recent years, the use of social media spread like wildfire across the population. As of October 2012, over 1 billion have been active users of Facebook, currently the world’s largest social media network. The USA alone comprises a large chunk of the number, with over 168 million active users as of January 2013. With this large number of people socializing online, philanthropists, such as Alex von Furstenberg and Marguerite Hoffman, will have to do more than send snail mail and make phone calls to connect with the people who are willing to help out in their causes.

Richard McPherson, chief innovator of Next Generation Fundraising, a Philadelphia-based consulting service, deems that social media has “become essential,” further stating that “no one can afford NOT to” use social media in their charitable efforts.

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Because conservatives may find it easy to stereotype social media activity into those which McPherson calls “all that big, popular Lady Gaga-type stuff,” some may overlook its real worth in trying to bring serious causes to the attention of donors.

“People expect to see videos of work they support,” he says. “Once you have a new way to connect and tools to do it, that’s a powerful combination.”

With this inexorable development, philanthropy may need to abandon its elitist image in favor of a more community-oriented approach. Looks like for most of these organizations, Facebook is the way to go … and rightfully so.

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This Google+ page for businessman-philanthropist Alex von Furstenberg has updates on his charitable endeavors.

MPTF’s retirement community: Where film professionals go to retire

The entertainment industry is a tough road to traverse. The immensity of the demands, the pressure, and the loads placed on those who work in the field are so great that many might plead out before they get to see retirement. But for those who endure the exacting profession, what’s in store for them?

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Through the magnanimity of art patrons such as Alex von Furstenberg, the Motion Picture and Television Fund has built a residential community to provide for the retirement needs of the countless people who have invested much of their youth’s strength in regaling people. The residential community is exclusively dedicated to entertainment industry retirees and their spouses, offering a distinctive environment geared to slake the unique wants of this special group.

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More than providing independent and assisted living accommodations, the MPTF residential also boasts of first-rate campus amenities and varied to recreational and social programs, ensuring that not a dull moment passes by. MPTF is also cognizant of the degenerative diseases that plague people in this developmental stage, and provides for the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

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These people regarded entertainment more than the industry that it is—they took it on as a way of life. They’ve helped tickle the fancies of many an audience for their whole life. And now they have time to enjoy what remains of it.

More of Alex von Furstenberg’s philanthropy can be found at this website.

Investing in areas yet unexplored by for-profits and the government

Like investment expert and philanthropist Alex von Furstenberg, Bill Gates is a strong believer of philanthropic efforts from businesses to bring about necessary changes in society.

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Businesses are driven by aims for profit. Where there are free markets, there are also exchanges of ideas and products that bring about a better quality of life for consumers. The problem in this setup is that businesses that are concerned with profit alone tend to miss out on the needs of those that cannot pay.

The area that is commonly overlooked by for-profit organizations is where the government steps in and plays a significant role. With government investment in fields that serve the common good, like in medical research, aid and benefits can reach the people that need support the most.

Still, in spite of the business community and the government working on their own agendas, Bill Gates has shared that there still exists an area for innovations that can be ultimately rewarding for all. That space is what he calls the area for “catalytic philanthropy.”



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By reaching beyond market forces and investing in areas that are missed by government funding, society moves toward solving some long standing ills even when there is no apparent benefit to the initiators.

Profit may not come in the form of monetary gains for the companies that drive investments toward solutions for overlooked problems of society and the world at large. It may actually just come in the form of improvements in the status of society and in the form of benefits which may be enjoyed by all.

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Visit this blog for more stories on philanthropic ventures.

Boosting philanthropic efforts with limited resources

With the slow growth of the economy and with various industries striving to recover from the recession, many companies have also stepped up their efforts in order to keep up their philanthropic projects in spite of having scarce resources to spare.

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Certainly, the general opinion on donating one’s time and resources is that it is an integral part of a sustainable business strategy. It is something that must be included in business plans regardless if a business is booming or is experiencing financial difficulty, like the current situation faced by many.

The previous year, 2012, was a year of many difficulties for many companies. Philanthropic ventures have consequently suffered, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy has found that financial aid and donations from organizations in 2012 were significantly lower than in 2007, which is the period before the recession.

Still, financial difficulties have not stopped many companies and wealthy individuals from giving back to society. In the same way that they have let their companies to prosper in spite of several challenges along the way, many able business people have found ways to continue with their altruistic projects in spite of limited resources.

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Due to the economic downturn and the slow recovery, companies have become more focused in their charitable efforts.

Some have chosen to support fewer causes in a bigger way. Companies may emulate such a strategy by selecting and contributing only to a few causes. They can make their choices based on corporate values and the company’s image.

Employee engagement programs are also a wise choice to boost a company’s charitable ventures. Companies can match donations and encourage volunteerism among its ranks, a move which furthers the company’s philanthropic goals and may also be seen as an employee benefit.

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Check out on this Alex von Furstenberg blog for more stories on philanthropic ventures from around the nation.

A business' moral compass and its use in the for-profit setting

In spite of indications of recovery, forecasts from industry key opinion leaders and analysts point to the fact that economic growth will remain slow for a time. With corporations, small businesses, and individual consumers reeling from the effects of a stunted economy, it is understandable how philanthropic projects have also suffered.

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The Philanthropy News Digest recently featured a report by the Chronicle of Philanthropy that made comparisons of donation highs reached before the recession and in 2012. The Chronicle found that donations in 2012 were significantly lower than in 2007.

Given that businesses are still striving for profit amid unfavorable conditions, it becomes necessary to ask if philanthropic efforts are still worth investing in.

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Seasoned business leaders maintain that philanthropic ventures will always be important. While companies may need to invest and sacrifice a little for a project that fits its corporate image and goals to serve as its moral compass, the act of giving back can create advantages in a world driven by profits. Proving oneself to be a good corporate citizen builds trust and good will that may be advantageous in the future.

The challenge to businesses remains. In a less than ideal economic condition, there are still many ways for businesses to give back without spending too much of what little funds it has. Most of the time, business leaders can find good solutions for this conundrum merely by building a more sustainable business strategy.  

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Find more links to articles and discussions on philanthropy by following this Alex von Furstenberg Twitter page.

Self-fulfillment: Why the rich really give

In a time filled with news about an unstable economy, unemployment, and terrorism, it is refreshing to see the following headlines: “Alex von Furstenberg supports American Tall Ship Institute,” “Warren Buffett and Bill Gates' ‘giving pledge’ gets 11 more billionaires to pledge half of wealth,” and “Former NFL team owner champions controversial causes.” Such good news reminds people that there is still something good happening amidst the chaos, and this includes the wealthy helping the less fortunate.

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But why do the rich support charity? The Wall Street Journal states that the rich may have an altogether different reason behind why they give.

A philanthropy study conducted by the Center on Philanthropy and Bank of America found that 46 percent of respondents said that giving to charitable institutions had a “greater impact on their own personal fulfillment” than on those who received the donations; only 20 percent believe that their contributions make a major impact on organizations they support, and only 6 percent believe that their contributions are going to help improve society.

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To make things simple, these people actually do not believe that their contributions will make a significant impact to the world; however, they still continue with their philanthropic efforts because it makes them feel good. The article notes that philanthropists are aware that “changing the world through charity can often be an illusion since the problems they’re trying to solve are so vast and complex” but they “feel better for trying, and charity makes them better people.”

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The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation (DVFF) serves as the headquarters for Alex von Furstenberg’s philanthropic efforts. Visit this website for a list of the organizations DVFF supports.

America and its culture of generosity

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In 1853, a professor and preacher named Ransom Dunn would horseback 6000 miles to Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota to raise funds for Hillsdale College. The rural families populating then the upper Midwest were not rich. Nevertheless, they willingly gave $10 to $100 apiece despite them struggling to make a living. This horseback ride was an attestation that charitable giving in America has never been the exclusive province of the wealthy.

Throughout the US history, Americans from all walks of life have generously given for charitable causes. In fact, most of the generous Americans today are the working poor, says Adam Meyerson, president of the Philanthropy Roundtable Organization. He said further that Americans have given 10 times as much to charity as they have spent on professional sports, and twice as much as they have spent on electronics equipment.

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This culture of generosity, which makes America one of the most charitable nations, is founded on two reasons. First, US citizens respect the freedom and the ability of individuals and organizations to make a difference. They do not wait on the government to create solutions. American people find solutions themselves. Such is the case for philanthropists Alex von Furstenberg and Donald Trump; both are working toward solving social illnesses. By supporting charitable and philanthropic causes such as the Operation Smile, they are gradually making change.

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The second reason for the extraordinary American charity is that philanthropy is such an important part of the nation’s business culture. Wealth creation and philanthropy have always gone together in US. From Andrew Carnegie who brought public libraries across US to Warren Buffet, entrepreneurs have sought to be great philanthropists. It is not because they have money. It’s because they have the passion to help.

Know more about American philanthropy by following this Twitter page.

Nurturing the giving hands of the silver spoon kids

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The moral and emotional hazards of growing up rich have not disappeared. Neither have the neglectful nor controlling parents nor substance-abusing nor overindulged kids. But in high-income, high-net-worth circles, the conversation about the next generation no longer focuses on estate planning and wealth management. Today, people are talking about how to raise their sons and daughters to be wealthy, wise, and kind-hearted.

In the most affluent suburbs, parents are becoming increasingly worried about their children’s apparent good fortune. In fact, parental anxiety has become powerful enough that wealth advisors and wealth management bank offices have hired psychologists as consultants. This apprehension reflects something new - the growing concern of the rich on how money can affect behavior of the silver spoon kids, and more importantly on how money can be tied with philanthropy.

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Warren Buffet once said that “I want to give my kids just enough so that they would feel that they could do anything, but not so much that they would feel like they can do nothing.” This reflects a more contemporary approach on wealth and giving. Today, money-makers are forming philanthropists in their children. Warren Buffet created three philanthropic children – Howard, Susie, and Peter. All have been involved in reducing hunger, strengthening education, and women empowerment. The von Furstenbergs through children Alexandra and Alex von Furstenberghave also been actively involved in the causes of their mother Diane.

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Preparing privileged heirs to be different, reflective, and philosophical can be difficult but it can be done. Philanthropy is a public expression of values. So in a way is raising children.

Read on this blog for more related information.