Give Smart: Philanthropy that Gets Results

So much how-to advice is common sense, and yes, much of that in Give Smart is no exception. But I've read three books on the topic, most recently the unfortunate Giving 2.0, which is pretty puerile, and I find Give Smart to be the best of the bunch. Yes, it tells you the obvious: align your values with your donations, have open and honest communication with grantees, and so on, but because the book is borne of considerable experience and cites example after example, there's enough nuance spread through the book to justify the time to read, at least sections of it.For example, grantors should not impose undue reporting requirements on the grantee. Sure, you want to know you're getting value received for your largesse but so often, accountability beyond a modest amount, hurts the organization and its efforts more than it assures you're getting bang for the buck.The book stresses that you need to restrain excessive desire for micromanaging--you're not the program director, you are the funder and perhaps occasional advisor. The book urges that you put the time in, up front to find the right organization, and then try to keep your involvement modest. You need evaluate not just compatibility of the organization's mission with your values but, just as a venture capitalist might, carefully evaluate the quality of its leadership, its track record of results, and the sense that you'll trust the competence and integrity of their leaders, and yes, enjoy working with them: Donors have the right to derive some pleasure not only from the outcome of their donation but from the process, their involvement with the grantees.

On average, philanthropy is ... well ... average. The current state of philanthropy is that it overhypes and underperforms. Market forces do not come into play, and the power imbalance between donors who have money and nonprofits who seek it can have a chilling effect on real time and useful feedback. Give Smart looks at what it takes to utterly transform this. Outstanding donors demand excellence of themselves and do not settle for mediocre results. They develop true and open partnerships with grantees and are not afraid of failure. They are clear about their values and beliefs and realistic about what they hope to accomplish. They have gone through the process of thoughtfully defining success and have a plan to achieve it. Most tellingly, donors who "give smart" continuously ask "Am I getting better?" and consciously learn to improve over time. Give Smart is a breadth of fresh air, challenging all philanthropists to rethink what they do and how they do it in order to get results.

The reason I haven't read it yet is because I realize that it is the other side of the coin; they are philanthropists and I am a fundee. I will eventually get to it but I haven't read it yet so I can't comment on it. I bought it because I saw them interviewed by Charlie Rose and I was very impressed.

This book really helped me to change my mindset and lens as it pertains to grantmaking! I will definitely recommend this book to others!

If philanthropy is a central part of your life, this is a good wake up call to help make your hard earned gifting dollars more effective. Easy to read, and good to keep looking at on a regular basis.

Excellent service, but still looking for a more helpful book.

The book gives good advice but much of it applies mostly to mega-donors; those who need a family office or will employ staff to administer their charitable funds.

A book that you must read if you want to know about how philosophy works. Especially about teams work.

Good read