Martha Taylor, Co-Founder
Women’s Philanthropy Institute

1. Begin your philanthropy as early in life as possible. Even if you can’t give as much as you’d like, your gifts will add up and begin to form your legacy.

2. Find your passion and focus on your gifts rather than scattering them. Think about two or three areas or causes you want to support, and make this your philanthropic mission. Not only will your gifts have more impact, but you will find your work more satisfying.

3. Work for parity in giving in your household. You and your spouse should have equal say about which causes your contributions support and the amount given.

4. If you can, give out of your assets to the causes you are passionate about. Think of your philanthropy as you would a child, your investment in the future of our world.

5. Consider the strength of numbers. Organize with others to provide a pooled gift that can make a project possible.

6. Leverage your giving. Increase your impact by challenging others to support the causes you hold dear.

7. Teach the art of philanthropy to the next generation. Instill in your children, and the young people with whom you associate, the values you treasure and your commitment to support them.

8. Have fun with your philanthropy. Celebrate your birthday with a philanthropic gift that you might not have thought was possible. Surprise your friends by giving in their names – or to a nonprofit of their choice. The possibilities are endless.