Frequently Asked Questions
about Bolder Giving

Questions list:

How did Bolder Giving start?

Bolder Giving is an initiative of the Zing Foundation, directed by Anne and Christopher Ellinger, co-authors of the award-winning book We Gave Away a Fortune and founders of More than Money.

In their decades of involvement in donor networks, the Ellingers were struck by how rarely even very committed people gave at their full potential. At the same time, they encountered inspired philanthropists who were giving far beyond the norm, and knew that personal stories from these donors could have the power to encourage givers of all levels.

In 2005, they began to informally collect giving stories from extraordinary donors, and in April 2007 they launched Bolder Giving.

What makes these “extraordinary times?” Why give more boldly now?

We are in a time of profound crisis and opportunity, when a breakthrough of generosity could turn global problems around:

If affluent households donated as high a proportion of their assets to charity as do the middle class … donations in the U.S. could increase more than $25 billion a year.

Annual expenditures of $19 million between now and 2015 could eliminate global starvation and malnutrition.

See full NewTithing quote »

Many factors converge to make this a time of unprecedented philanthropic possibility:

  • The historic transfer of wealth, estimated at $30-70 trillion being passed from the older generation to their descendents, opens door to greater philanthropy.
  • Crises are heating up. Public awareness – about global climate disruption, and the growing disparity between rich and poor – creates urgency to act now, before problems are insurmountable for future generations.
  • Wealth generation and tax law changes are creating more affluent Americans than ever before.
  • Tremendous organizational infrastructure in the philanthropy field – dozens of groups that simply didn't exist twenty years ago – now enable major individual donors to give more effectively.
  • The Internet opens never-before-seen possibilities for action and coordination world-wide.
  • Public figures such as Warren Buffet and Oprah Winfrey are role-modeling substantial giving.

Why do you focus on "how much to give"?

Because there are so few places people can get a hand with this key question.

  • Almost no one talks with friends about how much of their total income or assets they could give to charity – it’s too touchy and personal.
  • Most f inancial advisors focus on how to preserve assets and minimize taxes, not on how to maximize giving.
  • Most f undraisers, foundation staff and philanthropic advisors consider the question off-limits (unless the client brings it up, which most donors don't feel safe to do).

And so the only guidance or “benchmarks” donors find are the norms of their peers (if they dare ask), or the level suggested by some religious communities of tithing 10% of income, or recently, a couple of groups suggesting affluent people can comfortably give 1-3% of assets.

People drawn to give more boldly than any of these benchmarks often feel isolated, worried about what is prudent, and afraid of making mistakes. Bolder Giving is here to change that. And once people know how much to give, we refer them to places that help them give wisely.

Why do you highlight stories?

We are all influenced more than we may realize by what is “normal” among our peers. We judge what is possible by what we see around us. Hearing other people's giving stories is one of the most potent ways to realize new possibilities.

We know many examples of people who were inspired to bolder giving by meeting someone else who did it and who spoke passionately about what they gave to. Even for people who would never give near 50%, the stories from the 50% League will still open eyes and hearts to new options.

Why is Bolder Giving needed?

Because for more than forty years, average charitable giving in the U.S. has remained at 2% to 3% of income, despite growing wealth and economic inequality of nearly historic proportions. Everywhere,the intense consumer culture urges people to accumulate more and spend more.

We believe that this can change. Bolder Giving encourages donors at all levels – especially those with significant discretionary resources – to figure out “how much is enough” and then step up their charitable commitment. We are confident that among the nearly 8 million millionaires in the U.S., there are many who would seek to realize their full giving potential if they had sufficient moral and technical support to do so.

We fill a unique niche not adequately addressed any place else. (See below.)

How is Bolder Giving unique?

Bolder Giving offers donors help they can't find elsewhere. We are distinct in five ways:

  • Focus: Most philanthropic advisory services look at how to give and to what, but not how much. We directly address the key question, “How much can you give of what you have?”
  • Boldness: The few groups who do talk about how much to give suggest at most 1-3% of assets for multi-millionnaires. We're bolder. No other program offers inspiring role models to people who are considering giving substantial portions of their wealth.
  • Mission-driven: Philanthropic advisory services are multiplying within banks and financial management firms. We're a 501(c)3 organization that's not in it for the money. We refer donors extensively to our “competitors” to get additional support .
  • Accessibility: We don't charge the fees or have the limiting criteria (net worth or who you are) typical of most donor networks and advisory services. We are accessible to all.
  • Personal support: Peer learning is wonderful – and most people also need intensive individual assistance simply not available in donor networks. Our Giving Potential Program offers comprehensive personal support to motivated, affluent donors.

We work collaboratively with the dozens of organizations on our Resource Page, and believe it will take all of us working together to harness the positive power of generosity.

How can Bolder Giving help me?

As an individual giver, we can inspire you to think big, figure out how much to give, and connect you to resources that will help you be a more effective, strategic, and satisfied giver.

If you work with donors, we can inspire your donors, members, or clients to consider their full giving potential, and offer you tools to help them figure out how much to give.

Will Bolder Giving advise me where to give?

No. We can help you make an overall giving plan, and if requested will guide you to sources of philanthropic information and advice, but not to specific organizations. Members of Bolder Giving make their own giving decisions.

Can Bolder Giving fund my work?

Bolder Giving does not do granting on behalf of its members, nor do we act as a "broker" between donors and projects needing support. However, in the future we may be creating an online "Projects" discussion Board where members may post solicitations.

Please do not approach 50% League members for funding. Most of them are already clear about their funding priorities and are not likely to be looking for new projects. Many are no longer wealthy donors, since they have given the bulk of their assets away. All of them took a risk by sharing their stories here, trusting that it wouldn't mean a deluge of solicitations.

If you already have a donor base, please do refer your donors to this website. As they become bolder givers, your own organization may benefit. We also encourage you to contact the Foundation Center for fundraising guidance and connections.

For individuals seeking support, check out:

To find funding for nonprofits and projects, contact:

To find investors for business, contact:

Caveat: Bolder Giving does not specifically endorse the above organizations and cannot promise response or a good fit. Be sure to ask these groups about other places to try.