Module 1

Introduction to Philanthropy

Why I Give
What is “Philanthropy”?
Your Effective and Ineffective Gifts
Reflecting on Your Values
 Complete after Module 1, Lesson 2
2

WHY I GIVE
Overview
An important first step in your giving
There are countless issues and problems
process is reflecting on why you
around the world that each person in this
are uniquely motivated to give. The
course would love to support. As you begin
video “Why We Give” highlighted
your philanthropic journey, you will reflect
the importance of giving motivations
on what experience or person inspired you
and gave some examples. In “Why I
to start giving and what or who continues
Give” you heard Professor Arrillaga-
to inspire your philanthropy today (often
Andreessen’s personal story of why she
motivations evolve as life unfolds). As you
became motivated to give. Now it’s your
reflect, you will begin to uncover what
turn.
issues matter to you the most (for your past,
present and future). You will do a deeper
dive on finding your specific issue area later
this Module, but this first question is a good
place to begin.

Exercise:
Take a few minutes to think about events, individuals or experiences that inspired you
to give. Try to focus on one, but consider others if you feel they are important to your
journey. Write out your personal story on a piece of paper or on your computer. Describe
what happened, its impact on you and how it inspires you today. Please remember
that one event might inspire your giving generally and specific, additional events might
influence the areas on which your giving focuses.

MODULE 1 MODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 POST-COURSE

 Complete after Module 1, Lesson 3
3

WHAT IS
“PHILANTHROPY”?
Overview
Lesson 3 covers the concept of Philanthropy is rapidly changing. In every
philanthropy in several ways: its explicit place across the world, philanthropy means
definition, how it is changing and how something different. Professor Arrillaga-
it differs from charity. Philanthropy, Andreessen is helping lead a movement
however, means different things for to democratize philanthropy. At this stage,
different people. Your understanding of it is important to recognize what being
philanthropy is crucial to your learning a “philanthropist” has meant for you
in this class. previously and how you will identify as a
philanthropist going forward.

Exercise:
Reflect on where you grew up, where you live and work now, and what it means to be
a philanthropist in those (potentially very different) communities. Write what you think
philanthropy means in your community, what philanthropy means to you personally and
how, in your opinion, the concept of a philanthropist is changing both for you and those
around you.

MODULE 1 MODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 POST-COURSE

 During Module 1, Lesson 4
4

WHAT MAKES A GIFT

EFFECTIVE?
Overview

Now there is an opportunity to reflect The goal for this exercise is having you
on your past gifts—both effective and explore what it means for a gift to be
ineffective ones. effective. In this video and in the following
two guest speaker videos you will hear
various opinions of what it means to “give
effectively.” This is the time for you to
consider what an “effective gift” means for
you. Also please reflect on your past giving
and consider a few things you might begin
changing on your path to more effective
philanthropy.

Exercise:
Follow along with the pauses in the video entitled, “What Makes a Gift Effective.” At the first
break, take a minute or two to identify a gift that you think was one of your most effective
and meaningful and write down three reasons why. At the next break, do the same for a gift
you think was one of your most ineffective. At the end of the video and perhaps at the end
of the two guest speaker videos that make up the rest of the lesson, use this reflection as a
prompt to think about your own evolving opinion: what makes a gift effective or ineffective?

MODULE 1 MODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 POST-COURSE

 At the end of Module 1
5

REFLECTING ON
YOUR VALUES
Overview
The change you want to create in our world
In Module 2, you will pick an issue is based in the very foundation of who you
area you are excited about exploring are and by the values you hold closest to
for this course’s duration (and possibly your heart. However, people rarely take
for the next steps in your philanthropic the time to stop and think about their most
journey). To begin this process you will important values and understand how those
start by reflecting on your values. values shape their giving decisions. This is a
time to do exactly that.

Exercise:
On the next page, you will see a pyramid made up of 25 triangles and a list of 25 values.
Using the list of values, place each value in one triangle on the pyramid (feel free to
rephrase some of them or substitute a value in if you feel something is missing). Place
them such that the bottom of the pyramid holds your least important values and the top
holds your most important ones. Once you have done this, briefly reflect and write about
your top three values and why you put them at the top of your pyramid. Also reflect on
anything surprising that occurred during this activity.

MODULE 1 MODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 POST-COURSE

 6
Values:
Happiness Family Equality Freedom Love

Success Community Health Peace Diversity

Wealth Spirituality Creativity Order Empowerment

Beauty Knowledge Trust Time Stability

Safety Influence Reputation Respect Security

MODULE 1 MODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 POST-COURSE