Wealthy Donors Embrace the New Philanthropy

According to a recent NY Time's article, new philanthropists are following the lead of entrepreneurial big givers such as Bill and Melinda Gates by studying issues and causes in order to make investments in a better world.

There is even a workshop that teaches wealthy individuals to go about their giving in a more strategic way. Philanthropy Workshop West is a four-week course for emerging philanthropists. It was founded in 2001 by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the TOSA Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation. Participants learn about various giving strategies and how to delve into issues.

In addition, there are philanthropic coaches, such as Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, that can help philanthropists figure out what they are most interested in and how to engage with those causes. Banks and financial service companies such as Wells Fargo and Fidelity Investments are adding philanthropic advice and tools to their services.

Networking groups, such as Global Philanthropists Circle, provide opportunities where philanthropists can meet one another, and even go on learning visits to developing countries.

The New Philanthropists are going way beyond just giving to their alma maters and traditional charitable groups. Their reach is global as they try to, literally, shape a new world.