Philanthropic dollars are precious resources, so it's our responsibility to consider how we use them carefully. Yet few of us spend enough time doing so. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen More Quotes by Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen More Quotes From Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen Giving is a universal opportunity. Regardless of your age, profession, religion, income bracket, and background, you have the capacity to create change. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen ageopportunitygiving You can express your generosity in ways that are virtually limitless. This was what I wanted to convey in 'Giving 2.0' - that whether you have $10 or $10 million to give, if you identify the right opportunities and make the most of your resources, your impact can be tremendous. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen generosityimpactopportunity Philanthropy is often seen as society's risk capital. That means the onus is on philanthropists, nonprofit leaders and social entrepreneurs to innovate. But philanthropic innovation is not just about creating something new. It also means applying new thinking to old problems, processes and systems. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen creatingmeanthinking Shouldn't you put the same amount of effort into your giving as you might for your for-profit investments? After all, philanthropy is an investment, and one in which lives - not profits - are at stake. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen effortmightgiving Being innovative in your philantropy allows you to stride forward in your giving journey; you can marry your mind and heart to turn charity into lasting impact; and you can become more ambitious in your giving. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen impactjourneyheart Instead of waiting until the holiday season - when mail solicitations flood in from worthy organizations - and making a flurry of gifts because this is the time of year to give, sit down and take stock. Identify your passion, learn about it, and direct your time, mind, and dollars to aligned causes and organizations. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen holidaypassionyears Religion is a complex and often contradictory force in our world. It fosters hope and comfort but also doubt and guilt. It creates both community and exclusion. It brings societies together around shared belief and tears them apart through war. However, what unites the faithful, whatever their religion, is the unshakeable force of generosity. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen generosityour-worldwar Of course, giving is deeply emotional. But supplementing emotion with research makes it more likely that a gift can have a bigger impact. It's like any investment. After all, you wouldn't put funds into stocks or bonds without understanding the potential return. Why wouldn't you do the same when investing in society? Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen impactemotionalgiving The fact that 35 percent of all American giving went to religious organizations in 2010 reflects how closely bound many of us are with our place of worship. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen organizationreligiousgiving Too often we're happy to receive thanks from the nonprofits we fund, accepting gratitude instead of feedback or performance measurements. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen nonprofitsmeasurementgratitude Nonprofits are the intermediaries between generosity and social change. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen nonprofitsgenerositysocial Actively deciding to give to causes that move you deeply is far more fulfilling than the momentary gratification derived from signing a check and mailing it to a nonprofit about which you know little more than what's on the brochure they sent you. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen littlesgivingmoving When I look at founders and CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg at Facebook and Brian Chesky at Airbnb and Sebastian Thrun at Udacity, these are companies that are creating extraordinary social good and extraordinary economic and educational empowerment, all within with context of a for-profit model. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen zuckerbergcreatingeducational The word ‘philanthropy’ brings up an image of somebody who’s had an illustrious career, has retired and is giving to highly established institutions that may or may not have ivy growing up their walls. I personally have felt the need to give philanthropy a reboot. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen wallgrowing-upivy We’re seeing that business models and philanthropic models are not mutually exclusive. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen philanthropicexclusivemodels Giving is an expression of gratitude for our blessings. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen gratitudethank-youappreciation ANYONE WHO GIVES ANYTHING—TIME, MONEY, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND NETWORKS—IN ANY AMOUNT, TO CREATE A BETTER WORLD. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen skillsgivingworld Medical tests have shown that giving stimulates a part of the brain that gives us the same gratification as when we eat food or have sex. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen braingivingsex When you give as a family, not only are you sharing the happiness that giving brings you by watching it translate into positive change, but you are also transmitting your giving values to your children by engaging them in the giving process itself. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen familychangepositivehappiness My giving story started with my parents - my late mother, Frances Arrillaga, who dedicated her life to philanthropic and community service, and my father, John Arrillaga, whose daily generosity of heart, mind, and hands-on contributions make him one of the most extraordinary philanthropists I know. Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen motherheartlifefather
