As someone who supports a nonprofit organization or perhaps multiple organizations, when’s the last time you asked yourself why you do so?

Supporting your house of worship, alma mater, and local schools and organizations are all fantastic ways to give back and make the community and world better places. At some point you decided where you were going to give, how much, and why. If you’re like most people you receive a steady flow of communication from nonprofits asking for your support. I’m hearing from and reading stories of people reevaluating their philanthropic priorities, changing their “giving on autopilot”, (re)examining what matters, and looking for organizations that can deliver towards goals that are important to them as donors.

This starts with why, then advances to what, finding a suitable who, and is completed by when, how, and how much.

Perhaps it’s time for you to thoughtfully ask the question to make sure your philanthropic priorities and giving match who you are today. Like the wheels on your car, sometimes a lug nut needs tightening or a tire needs air. Sometimes an entire realignment is necessary. Whatever it might be, you want to feel good about your giving, knowing it’s headed in the right direction.

Philanthropy Focus is a newsletter aimed at making it easier for people to feel good about the support they provide and to help nonprofit organizations do more without adding staff or overhead costs. What do you think I should cover in future editions? Want to talk about more ideas and strategies to realign your giving? Email me at fredksmith@divitiaeadvisors.co and we'll find some time to talk

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