Andi Sklar’s Guide to Philanthropy
Hello there. I’m Andi Sklar, and I’m so glad you’ve stopped by. Around my community, and maybe even amongst my own (sometimes exasperating, always beloved) family, I’m known for a few things, but perhaps my most known trait is my abiding passion for philanthropy. It’s this last part I want to chat with you about today. You see, I’ve been fortunate in my life, and giving back has become not just something I do, but a core part of who I am. It brings me immense joy and a sense of connection that, frankly, few other things can match.
Over the years, many friends and acquaintances have asked me how I got started, or how they can get involved in making a difference. There seems to be this cloud of mystery around philanthropy, this idea that it’s reserved only for folks with buildings named after them or those who attend incredibly fancy galas where the canapés are tinier than my patience on a Monday morning. While those things exist, I assure you, the heart of philanthropy beats much stronger and wider than that. It’s about recognizing a need, feeling a pull to help, and then figuring out the best way you can contribute. It’s about generosity of spirit manifesting in action. My hope with this little guide is to pull back the curtain, share some insights I’ve gathered, and perhaps inspire you to embark on your own philanthropic journey, no matter where you’re starting from. Because truly, the world needs more people actively engaged in making it a better place, and there’s a role for everyone.
Finding Your North Star: Uncovering Your Philanthropic Passion
Before you write a single check, volunteer a single hour, or even research a single organization, the most crucial first step is to look inward. Philanthropy without passion is like trying to navigate without a compass; you might move, but you likely won’t end up anywhere meaningful, and you certainly won’t enjoy the journey. So, how do you find that “North Star,” that guiding passion that will fuel your giving? It starts with asking yourself some honest questions. What issues truly move you? Is it the sight of homeless animals that tugs at your heartstrings? Does the struggle for quality education in underserved communities keep you up at night? Are you passionate about preserving natural spaces for future generations, like many of my son’s friends who seem to think every hike is a race? Perhaps you or someone you love has faced a particular health challenge, igniting a desire to support research or patient care.
Think about your own life experiences, your values, and the community around you. What problems do you see? What solutions excite you? Don’t feel pressured to choose the “right” cause or the one that seems most popular. Authenticity is key here. Your philanthropy should resonate deeply with you. I remember early on, I felt a bit scattered, wanting to help everywhere at once. It was only when I sat down and reflected on the experiences that had shaped my own family and the needs I saw right here in our local community that my focus began to sharpen. It wasn’t about finding the only worthy cause, but about identifying the areas where my contribution felt most genuine and could potentially have the most impact based on my interests and resources. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, understanding your motivations is a foundational element of developing a meaningful giving strategy. This introspection isn’t a one-time event, either. As you learn and grow, your passions might evolve, and that’s perfectly okay. The goal is to start with a connection that feels real and energizing. Take your time with this step; let your curiosity lead you. Read articles, talk to people, observe your community. Your philanthropic North Star is waiting to be discovered.
More Than Money: Your Toolkit for Giving Back
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room, or perhaps the Gilded Age tycoon hovering in the background: the idea that philanthropy requires enormous wealth. While financial contributions are undoubtedly important and necessary for nonprofits to operate and scale their impact, they are far from the only way to be a philanthropist. Think of your resources more broadly — you possess a unique toolkit of time, talent, and treasure, and all are incredibly valuable. Many people, myself included early on, underestimate the power of giving their time. Volunteering offers a direct, hands-on way to support a cause you care about. Whether it’s serving meals at a local shelter, tutoring students, helping clean up a park, or lending administrative support to a small nonprofit, your hours translate into real impact. It also provides an invaluable opportunity to understand the organization’s work and the needs of the community it serves from the ground up. I’ve spent many fulfilling afternoons sorting donations or helping organize events, and the connections I made were just as rewarding as seeing the direct benefit of the work.
Beyond general volunteering, consider your specific skills and expertise — your “talent.” Are you a marketing whiz? Offer your pro bono services to help a charity raise its profile. Are you savvy with finances? Perhaps you could help a small organization with budgeting or financial planning. Lawyers, graphic designers, IT professionals, event planners — virtually every profession has skills that nonprofits desperately need but often cannot afford. This “skills-based volunteering,” as highlighted by organizations like the Taproot Foundation, can provide immense value, often far exceeding the equivalent cash donation it would take to purchase those services. Furthermore, don’t underestimate the power of your voice and network. Advocating for a cause, sharing information on social media, connecting people who can help each other, or even serving on a nonprofit board or committee leverages your influence and connections — resources that are distinctly separate from your bank account. Board service, in particular, offers a way to contribute strategic guidance and governance, though it requires a significant commitment of time and diligence. Of course, financial contributions — the “treasure” — are vital. But remember, philanthropy isn’t defined by the size of the check. Consistent giving, even in smaller amounts, can provide nonprofits with predictable income. Collective giving, where individuals pool their resources to make a larger impact, is another powerful model gaining traction. The key is to view all your resources — time, skills, network, voice, and finances — as potential tools in your philanthropic toolkit and deploy them thoughtfully where they align with your passion.
Giving Smartly: Maximizing Your Contribution
Once you’ve identified your passion and considered the various ways you can contribute, the next step is to ensure your efforts are as effective as possible. Just like any other significant investment — and giving back is an investment in a better future — philanthropy benefits from a thoughtful, strategic approach. It’s not just about the act of giving; it’s about making sure your generosity translates into meaningful, positive change. This starts with research. Before committing your time, talent, or treasure, take the time to learn about the organizations working in your area of interest. You wouldn’t invest in a company without understanding its business model and performance, right? The same principle applies here. Look for organizations with clear missions, transparent operations, and measurable results. How do they define success? How do they track their progress? Reputable resources like Charity Navigator, GuideStar (now part of Candid), and GiveWell offer valuable insights into nonprofit effectiveness, financial health, and accountability. Don’t just rely on ratings, though. Dig deeper. Read their annual reports, check out their website, talk to staff or current volunteers if possible. Does their approach align with your values? Do you feel confident in their leadership and their ability to make a real difference?
Consider how you want to give financially. Direct donations are straightforward, but you might also explore other vehicles. For instance, Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have become increasingly popular. Think of them as charitable investment accounts; you contribute assets to the fund, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to qualified charities over time. My husband and I find this helpful for organizing our giving and involving our children in the decision-making process. Community foundations are another excellent resource, particularly for understanding local needs and connecting with effective nonprofits in your specific geographic area. They often manage various types of funds and possess deep community knowledge. For those with significant resources, establishing a private foundation might be an option, though this involves more complex administrative and regulatory requirements. Regardless of the mechanism, think about the type of support you provide. While donating to specific projects can be appealing, providing unrestricted funds often gives nonprofits the flexibility they need most to cover operational costs and direct resources where they are most critical. Building relationships with the organizations you support, rather than just making one-off donations, can also lead to a more informed and impactful philanthropic experience. Consider focusing your giving on a few organizations you believe in deeply, allowing you to make a more significant commitment and potentially see the results of your support over the long term. Strategic giving isn’t about being cold or calculating; it’s about being intentional and ensuring your heartfelt desire to help achieve the greatest possible good.
Embarking on Your Journey
So, there you have it — a few thoughts from my own journey into the wonderfully rewarding world of philanthropy. It truly boils down to finding what moves you, recognizing the diverse resources you have to offer beyond just finances, and then applying those resources thoughtfully and strategically. It’s not about achieving some lofty title or donating a certain amount; it’s about integrating generosity and action into your life in a way that feels authentic and makes a tangible difference. Whether you start by volunteering an hour a week, sharing your professional skills, advocating for a cause online, or making a modest monthly donation, you are engaging in philanthropy.
The first step can sometimes feel the most daunting, but I encourage you to just begin. Explore. Ask questions. Connect with others who are passionate about similar causes. The joy and fulfillment that come from contributing to something larger than yourself are truly unique. Our communities, our world, face significant challenges, but they also hold immense potential for positive change, driven by the collective efforts of individuals like you. I hope this guide has demystified the process a little and perhaps sparked an idea or two. Now, go find your North Star and start making your own unique impact!
Warmly,
Andi Sklar
Sources:
- National Philanthropic Trust. “Defining Your Philanthropic Mission.” Accessed April 14, 2025.
- Taproot Foundation. “Key Findings & Issue Areas.” Accessed April 14, 2025.
- Charity Navigator. Accessed April 14, 2025.
- Candid (incorporating GuideStar). Accessed April 14, 2025.
- GiveWell. Accessed April 14, 2025.
- Council on Foundations. “Community Foundation Locator.” Accessed April 14, 2025.
