Under “VUCA” Conditions

Just how it is

  • Volatile

    Social change is volatile, philanthropy intervenes at its own risk

  • Uncertain

    The smallest interventions may have the most lasting effect. Probe, sense, respond. Repeat.

  • Complex

    Social systems like natural systems are complex and tend to change incrementally, then all at once.

  • Ambiguous

    The actions we take, the data on which we act, the morals we claim, the impact we may achieve are ambiguous. Social facts and categories are determined by contested narratives. “No good deed goes unpunished.”

Current Projects

Faithful Legacy Giving

As Boomers pass on, the fate of their faith traditions hangs in the balance.  Most give annually during life; relatively few leave a charitable legacy.  How can these faithful givers be best encouraged and supported as they clarify their intentions, and update their plans accordingly? If this is a challenge you hope to address as a donor, advisor, nonprofit gift planner, or nonprofit leader, let’s pool our expeirence within and across faith traditions. 

Wargaming The Gates Giving Pledge for Single Family Offices 

Your Principal says, “I had dinner with Bill Gates last night. I may have had one too many glasses of wine, but I signed the pledge to give half my assets to charity. I need a philanthropic mission statement ASAP to be posted on his site. I also need to see my options as to how fulfill the pledge either during my life or at death. Any questions?”

If you have a leadership role in an SFO, or advise those who do, and would like to participate, please let me know.

Legacy Planning for Closely Held Business Owners in Transition

Talks, conversations, courses and convenings for civic and faith-based organizations to guide the legacy planning process to enable successful business owning families to thrive across generations in a thriving community.