Opinion: Donors Should Take Active Role in Giving

As fund raisers increasingly solicit people who are affluent — not just the super rich — donors should actively choose their causes rather than just responding to requests, writes Jack Shakely, president emeritus of the California Community Foundation, in Los Angeles, in an opinion article in The New York Times.

“The people I know who give the most and get the most out of it go deep,” writes Mr. Shakely. “They pick a few causes and tithe not just their treasure but also their time and talent.”

Mr. Shakely’s article appears in a special section on wealth. In another article in the section, David Cay Johnston, a veteran Times business columnist and philanthropy reporter, advises donors to seek matching gifts that increase the value of their own donation.

“With a little knowledge and persistence, a donated dollar can instantly become two, even six,” writes Mr. Johnston.

In another article, the newspaper discusses how many wealthy people are thinking more about passing along their values to their children — and therefore thinking more about philanthropy as part of their financial planning.

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