The Pivot Simplified: Your Guide to Effective Philanthropy

By Yaron Ben-Zvi

Welcome back to our series on redefining philanthropy!

In our last post, we explored the concept of "The Pivot" through the inspiring $260 million donation to Bar-Ilan University. This shift wasn't just about money; it was about aligning giving with deeply held values for maximum impact.

This story resonated with many, sparking interest in navigating similar pivots in your own philanthropy. But the path to strategic, values-based giving can often seem daunting.

The good news? It doesn't have to be that way.

This guide simplifies the journey, making it accessible and effective for all funders, regardless of their experience.

Beyond the Checkbook: The Continuum of The Pivot

Many philanthropists feel a disconnect between their giving and their values. Here's how to navigate a strategic shift:

The Tentative Dip: Explore and Experiment

• Start Small: Allocate a portion of your budget to explore new possibilities. Research impactful organizations that resonate with your values.
• Ideal For: Funders feeling a slight disconnect but unsure where to pivot.

The Partial Pivot: A Diversification of Giving

• Hedge Your Bets: Diversify your portfolio by maintaining existing commitments while allocating some new donations to innovative initiatives.
• Ideal For: Funders not ready for a complete overhaul but looking to support both established causes and emerging needs.

The Full-Tilt Pivot: A Bold Realignment

• Ready for a Change: Make a dramatic shift by redirecting a significant portion of your support towards impactful causes that fully align with your values.
• Ideal For: Funders confident that their current giving no longer reflects their values and ready for a substantial change.

You Don't Have To Just Write Checks: The Continuum of Engagement

Philanthropy is more than just money. Here's how to get involved:

Check-Writers:

• Philanthropic Impact Funds: Tailored portfolios of high-impact funds aligned with your values. Curated selection, impact reports, minimal engagement. Ideal For: Donors who prefer to contribute financially without active involvement.

Light Engagers:

• Strategic Giving Plans: Customized giving plans that align with your values and desired impact areas. Initial consultations, annual strategy, impact monitoring. Ideal For: Donors wanting a strategic approach with minimal time commitment.

Moderate Engagers:

• Collaborative Philanthropy Programs: Involve donors in strategic decision-making and partnership development. Quarterly strategy meetings, partnership development, project oversight. Ideal For: Donors who want to be involved in strategic decisions and oversight.

Deeply Engaged Funders:

• Custom Philanthropy Initiatives: Fully customized initiatives where the donor plays a central role in driving impact. Full-service project management, co-creation workshops, leadership roles.Ideal For: Donors wanting to be fully immersed and take on leadership roles.

Simplifying the Path to Impactful Giving

Strategic philanthropy doesn't have to be complicated. By offering a continuum of engagement and pivot options, funders can choose the level of involvement and strategic shift that best suits them.

Your Journey Awaits

Reflect on where you fall on these continuums and consider the steps you can take to align your giving with your core values. Whether you choose to seek guidance or go it alone, the journey towards meaningful, impactful philanthropy is within your reach. Take the first step today and make a difference that truly resonates.

#philanthropy #strategicgiving #impactinvesting