The Responsibilities and Opportunities of Wealth
Propel Philanthropy wisely focuses on the conveners, networks, platforms, trainers, educators, researchers, and media who support philanthropists and impact investors. It does so because, when this infrastructure is well-resourced, more money flows and it flows to the areas in need. I have experienced this phenomenon at Confluence Philanthropy Toniic, Threshold Foundation, Solidaire, Rachels Network, all Social Impact Infrastructure Organizations (SIIOs).
Rachel’s Network, a group of women who give philanthropically to environmental movements, opened my eyes to the power and joy of giving. My first meeting was astounding! My trajectory changed when I realized that there were kindred spirits who cared about and were investing in the natural world. I was inspired, and in 2000, I started locally with a $5,000 gift to the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, giving the new Riverkeeper confidence that funders would support her work. Solidaire upped the ante and the excitement with rapid funding around movement building. Threshold Foundation members bonded around collective giving and introduced me to new causes, new people, and grounding giving in personal growth.
Confluence Philanthropy and Toniic took the responsibilities and opportunities of wealth into the investment realm – where the other half, one could argue, is where the real power lies. Causing investments to produce both financial and social returns felt right, and because of the leadership and people and members of Confluence and Toniic, I was able to make all of my assets align with my values. This encouraged me to create ValuesAdvsior – a non profit designed to help everyone align their money with their values. My husband and I celebrate our giving and contribution to social impact at Bonwood Social Investments, essentially our Donor Advised Fund that we contribute to and draw upon annually.
The networks that I have participated in have expanded my horizons around types and evolutions of needs, causes, organizations, and movements. Co-funding with others, or simply sharing ideas and opportunities with others has made the experience of giving and investing more fun, bountiful, and impactful. I highly recommend finding a peer group, and feel free to reach out if you have questions. lisarenstrom@me.com