A few years ago, I visited the Chinese Garden in Portland, where I grew up. I was pleasantly surprised to find their entry gate was the same quatrefoil shape I had chosen as my logo. In inquiring about its meaning, I found it represents cherry blossoms in Chinese culture, a symbol for new beginnings—fitting for my new venture. Now I’ve come to find this shape wherever I travel throughout the world. In fact, it first caught my eye in Buenos Aires years ago. Now I photograph my quatrefoil findings, seeing it as a reminder of new beginnings and the work I am so passionate about.

I encourage you to take some time this spring to look at your giving again, with a fresh perspective, with renewed energy and desire to make a difference. Ask yourself: why do I give? Does my giving make me feel good? Am I giving to organizations or causes that I’m still passionate about? If you’re not feeling good about your giving, take some time to think about why and what you can do to change this.

These are the types of questions we’ve been exploring on our philanthropic journey at Philanthropy Camp for Women, which started earlier this month. If you weren’t able to participate this time, there are several opportunities coming up to hear more about what we’re doing. Read more below.

I’d also like to extend a special thank you to Kristen Fletcher for the header photo. I appreciate her documenting the fun we’re having at Philanthropy Camp.

Enjoy the spring blooms!

Deborah Goldstein

831-373-3406

Philanthropy Camp for Women Launches!

Two weeks ago, the first-ever Philanthropy Camp for Women launched at the beautiful Asilomar Conference Grounds. I am delighted to play with this lovely group at a venue known for its tradition of hosting women’s events. I am honored to be their guide on this six-week philanthropic journey. We’re exploring why we give, how we feel about our giving, how our earliest memories of giving shape how we give as adults, and much, much more.

If you want to learn more about this experience, I’ll be hosting a webinar in June to share the basics of Philanthropy Camp for Women. Keep an eye out for details as we get closer to the date. As always, if you or someone you know is interested in participating in the future, please contact me.

Also, on Tuesday, April 22nd, I’ll be the guest speaker for the Purposeful Planning Institute’s weekly teleconference. I’ll be discussing Moments of Enlightenment from Philanthropy Camp for Women. If you’d like to join the call, contact Julie Dorosz and she can provide you with details.

Enlightened Philanthropy to Present Locally

In May, I have two opportunities to present on Philanthropy: A Fresh Perspective. While the same title, the talks are aimed at two distinctly different audiences.

First, I’m pleased to be one of the speakers at Hayashi Wayland’s upcoming Non-Profit Leadership Summit on Thursday, May 22nd. The summit is designed to further the professional development of current and future leaders serving the non-profit community through education and discussion. Having attended two previous summits, I can attest to the quality of the programming it offers. They encourage attorneys, chief financial officers, controllers, exempt organization consultants, exempt organization board members, executive directors, and program managers to attend. For more information and to register, click here.

Second, I’m looking forward to presenting at the Carmel Foundation on May 28th from 2:30-3:30 pm as part of their Wednesday Program. During this presentation, we’ll focus more on the donors’ perspective and explore guiding questions to help attendees think more about their values as a foundation for giving. The presentation is open to members of the Carmel Foundation and the general public, free of charge. For more information, check out their website.

I hope to see you there!

New Voices of Philanthropy

Several months ago I launched this new feature on the Enlightened Philanthropy Blog. Since then I have had the honor of interviewing some amazing young individuals. I’m proud to feature these young philanthropists in my monthly series: New Voices of Philanthropy. I’m always on the lookout for these bright lights among us. If you know someone I should be sure to interview, please let me know. I’d love to share his or her story of giving.

Youth Philanthropy Connect: Weaving a Web of Support

Last year, I had a great time at Youth Philanthropy Connect. Will 2014 be the year you attend? I highly recommend this conference for families.

Youth Philanthropy Connect’s 4th Annual Conference will be held in Anaheim, CA at the Grand Californian Hotel at the Disneyland Resort from July 24-26, 2014. It features sessions geared toward youth philanthropists ages 8-21 and the adults who guide them. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of effective philanthropy and youth programs, while also having time to connect with their peers in a collaborative environment. Attendees can make the most of their conference experience with plenary keynotes, networking and team-building opportunities, the YPC Giving Circle, workshop sessions, time in Disneyland, and more!

Register today! The early bird deadline ends April 15!

Resource Highlight—Focusing Philanthropy

People often ask me to recommend nonprofits for them to make a donation. The question is not as easy as it seems. So much depends on a variety of factors, which I explore with my clients, in order to provide them with a customized menu that aligns with their values, interests, and definition of success.

However, I’ve recently learned about Focusing Philanthropy, an organization dedicated to vetting nonprofits working in the areas of: increasing income, building community infrastructure, and achieving self-sufficiency. My conversation with their Executive Vice President, Kelly Hewitt King, illuminated their extensive due diligence—before and after funding. I was quite impressed with the work they are doing. If these are areas of interest to you and you want to learn more about their process and the organizations they recommend for support, I encourage you to check out their website.