About the Book
In the first half of the twenty-first century, giving to family and community foundations alone will be ten times in todays dollars what it was throughout the entire twentieth century. Yet despite tremendous innovation in the social sector, philanthropys natural state is under-performance. Not since Andrew Carnegie wrote The Gospel of Wealth has a book been written that provides practical guidance for donors to get the most impact from their giving. Almost a decade ago, Thomas J. Tierney left Bain & Company to co-found The Bridgespan Group, a nonprofit focused on helping donors and nonprofit leaders to develop and execute strategies to accelerate social change. In Give Smart, Tierney pools his hands-on knowledge with philanthropy expert Joel L. Fleishman to create a much-needed primer for philanthropists and the nonprofit organizations they support. Drawing from personal experiences, testimonials, and Bridgespans case studies, including those of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T.
MacArthur Foundation, Give Smart picks up where Jim Collins Good to Great and the Social Sectors left off and presents the first in-depth, expert guide for engaged donors and nonprofit leaders.
About the Author :
Thomas J. Tierney is the cofounder and chairman of The Bridgespan Group, a non-profit consulting firm serving the non-profit sector and its founders. Prior to founding Bridgespan, Mr. Tierney served as managing partner worldwide of Bain & Company from June 1992 to January 2000. Joel L. Fleishman is professor of Law and Public Policy at Duke University. The author of The Foundation, he has served as president of the Atlantic Philanthropic Service Company, the U.S. affiliate of Atlantic Philanthropies.
Review :
Paul Brest
"Giving away money is easy, but making a real difference is hard work. Give Smart addresses these challenges head-on and provides a strong analytic framework and practical advice for effective philanthropy--replete with compelling examples. Written by two leaders in the field, this is a must-read for the new philanthropist and a valuable resource for old hands as well." John C. Whitehead
"Give Smart is must reading for all philanthropists, large or small. It's written by two people with long experience, and it will make your gifts go farther."Pierre Omidyar
"As Pam and I continue to learn through our own giving, the challenges in creating positive social impact are many and complex. Give Smart provides thoughtful guidance on how to build an effective and personal approach to philanthropy, illustrated through real-world examples, proven methodologies, and insightful commentary. We highly recommend Give Smart to anyone who wants to make a difference, whether in their local community or around the world."
Jim Collins
"Give Smart is a great gift to the world. By asking questions--the right questions--Tierney and Fleishman guide, advise, challenge, and, as with all great teachers, push us to find our own best answers. If you want your philanthropy to be useful--changing lives, solving intractable problems, making society work better--then engage deeply with this book!"
Melinda Gates
"One of the most exciting and important parts of my job as a philanthropist is learning. Over the years, Bill and I have learned so much from the authors of this book, and we are thrilled to see that wisdom collected in Give Smart so that everybody can benefit from it the way we have." Helene Gayle
"Having been on 'both sides of the check, ' first working in philanthropy and now as a recipient of philanthropic dollars, I found Give Smart a must read. The relationship between grantmakers and nonprofit organizations is a delicate dance, one that--when done well--can achieve incredible social good. Not only does this book provide a practical guide for those who want to achieve high impact philanthropy, it also helps nonprofits understand the aspirations and expectations of the donor. Don't begin, or continue, your philanthropy without reading it."
Jim Collins
""Give Smart" is a great gift to the world. By asking questions--the right questions--Tierney and Fleishman guide, advise, challenge, and, as with all great teachers, push us to find our own best answers. If you want your philanthropy to be useful--changing lives, solving intractable problems, making society work better--then engage deeply with this book!"Melinda Gates
"One of the most exciting and important parts of my job as a philanthropist is learning. Over the years, Bill and I have learned so much from the authors of this book, and we are thrilled to see that wisdom collected in "Give Smart" so that everybody can benefit from it the way we have." Helene Gayle
"Having been on 'both sides of the check, ' first working in philanthropy and now as a recipient of philanthropic dollars, I found "Give Smart" a must read. The relationship between grantmakers and nonprofit organizations is a delicate dance, one that--when done well--can achieve incredible social good. Not only does this book provide a practical guide for those who want to achieve high impact philanthropy, it also helps nonprofits understand the aspirations and expectations of the donor. Don't begin, or continue, your philanthropy without reading it." Paul Brest
"Giving away money is easy, but making a real difference is hard work. "Give Smart "addresses these challenges head-on and provides a strong analytic framework and practical advice for effective philanthropy--replete with compelling examples. Written by two leaders in the field, this is a must-read for the new philanthropist and a valuable resource for old hands as well." John C. Whitehead
""Give Smart" is must reading for all philanthropists, large or small. It's written by two people with long experience, and it will make your gifts go farther."
Pierre Omidyar
"As Pam and I continue to learn through our own giving, the challenges in creating positive social impact are many and complex. "Give Smart" provides thoughtful guidance on how to build an effective and personal approach to philanthropy, illustrated through real-world examples, proven methodologies, and insightful commentary. We highly recommend "Give Smart" to anyone who wants to make a difference, whether in their local community or around the world.""Publishers Weekly," March 21, 2011 "An interesting and well-considered guide to go to before you give."
"PhilanthropyRoundtable.org," " "March 31, 2011
"A superb guide for donors who want to be as smart in their giving as they have been in business."
"Alliance"" Magazine, "June 2011 "A very readable, motivating introductory guide to engaged giving.... With its storytelling approach this will be a book that many donors will read."
