Stanford PACS is a research center for students, scholars and practitioners to explore and share ideas that create social change. Its primary participants are Stanford faculty, visiting scholars, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, philanthropists and nonprofit and foundation practitioners. As publisher of Stanford Social Innovation Review, Stanford PACS informs policy and social innovation, philanthropic investment and nonprofit practice. SSIR is a shared intellectual space where scholars and practitioners publish inter-disciplinary and cross sector research and ideas to advance social change. The journal is complemented by a website, blog, conferences, webinars and podcasts. Read more…

Contributions

Giving Vehicles: The Basics

Posted on October 20, 2020 by Stanford PACS

Is direct giving, a donor advised fund, a private foundation, an LLC, or some combination the best set-up for you to achieve your goals? Many people are catapulted into philanthropy because of a wealth event. Often, their first question is what giving vehicle to use to deploy their philanthropic dollars. We hope this chapter will help you answer these questions:… Read More

Learning About Philanthropy With and From Others

Posted on October 20, 2020 by Stanford PACS

Explore the ecosystem of experts who can support you in your journey. Philanthropy can be very personal, and the process of giving can sometimes feel like a solitary pursuit. Though you will inevitably work with many others outside your family—including nonprofits, their beneficiaries, and co-funders—as you develop your philanthropic practice, you can still feel that you are alone at the… Read More

Involving Family

Posted on October 20, 2020 by Stanford PACS

Consider ways to involve your family in your philanthropy. Philanthropy presents an opportunity to involve your family in one of life’s most fulfilling activities: giving back to society. This chapter will help you find answers to questions like these: Why should I engage my family? What are some ways to involve my family in philanthropy?… Read More

Finding Your Focus

Posted on October 19, 2020 by Stanford PACS

To develop focus areas and set a budget, consider your motivations, values, risk tolerance, and interests. The first step toward effective philanthropy is to decide on your particular interests, or focus areas. This chapter helps you consider the following questions: Why should I have philanthropic focus areas? What motivates me to give? How do I align my values with my… Read More