cover image Give Smart: Philanthropy that Gets Results

Give Smart: Philanthropy that Gets Results

Thomas J. Tierney and Joel L. Fleishman. PublicAffairs, $23.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-58648-895-6

Intended for would-be philanthropists uncertain of their goals or priorities, and non-profit leaders or grantees who want to understand their benefactors, Tierney (cofounder of the nonprofit Bridgespan Group) and Fleishman (author of The Foundation, and professor of Law and Public Policy at Duke) offer a go-to guide to philanthropy. Though an obvious advantage of giving is personal fulfillment, examples of business people putting capital where their mouth is and achieving high returns are also discussed. The authors point out that making a difference isn't easily accomplished in a macro sense; and sometimes it's better to piggyback on other successful non-profits instead of establishing a trust or non-profit in one's own name (Warren Buffet's 41 billion dollar gift to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for example). Alternatively, a financial gift can bolster a fledgling effort that has a great deal of promise. The authors offer suggestions for how to choose a non-profit and advice on reconciling a difference of vision between a non-profit and a philanthropist. An interesting and well-considered guide to go to before you give. (Mar.)