#6: Are you a philanthropist?

What makes someone a philanthropist? We dive into this topic, breaking down obstacles, misconceptions, trends and more. Learn about the giving continuum, the giving circle model, and how perceptions have evolved over time.

Hear from:

• Mark Brewer | President/CEO, Central Florida Foundation
• Nicole Donelson | VP of Philanthropic Strategies and Partnerships, Central Florida Foundation
• Renuka Sastra | Past 100 Women Strong Chair
• Chris Manley | CFF Fundholder and All-Around Caring Person

Visit the First You Talk website.

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Visit Central Florida Foundation's Instagram.

As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

Transcript

CFF FYT Podcast Ep 6
[00:00:00] Laurie Crocker: Welcome to Central Florida Foundation's First You
Talk podcast. Here, you'll gain a better understanding of society's toughest
issues. At the end of each episode, we'll summarize the main points and offer
deeper dive options if something piqued your interest. So, ready to demystify a
complex issue and up your knowledge game?
[00:00:20] Let's get started. Episode 6.
[00:00:22] Are you a philanthropist?
[00:00:24] Nicole Donelson: Hi, my name's Nicole Donaldson. I'm the vice
president of philanthropic strategies and partnerships at the Central Florida
Foundation.
[00:00:31] Mark Brewer: Hi, I'm Mark Brewer. I'm the president and CEO of
the Central Florida Foundation.
[00:00:35] Laurie Crocker: Mark and Nicole are Central Florida Foundation's
two chartered advisors in philanthropy, which means that both have specialized
knowledge in this space, including understanding the best tax strategies, gift
planning for individuals, families, and organizations, and how to advise
business exit, estate, and legacy planning.
[00:00:55] They also have a deep understanding of strategic philanthropy and
how to make every [00:01:00] charitable dollar make the most impact.
[00:01:02] Mark Brewer: Anybody who participates with gifts and some level
of intelligence and a heart for what they're making an investment in as a
philanthropist, right? No matter how much money you're giving.
[00:01:16] And there are people who do it on the retail side of the continuum
where people ask them and they give. And then on the other side of the
continuum, people tend to think on their own about what they care about, and
they go looking for some kind of social change that matters most to them. But
there's no right or wrong side of that continuum.
[00:01:35] People do tend to move from retail to strategy over time. But that's
really more being worn down by constantly being asked by people and
eventually wondering whether or not you could make those decisions better for
yourself than waiting for someone to ask you.
[00:01:52] Nicole Donelson: Yeah, I think there's a lot of interaction where you
may be out shopping and your cash [00:02:00] register prompts you to give, you
know, you get invited to an event by a friend and you have that tug at your
heart.
[00:02:08] and choose to make a donation, but you don't really follow, you
know, what was the impact of that gift that was made? How am I making things
better? You kind of move on with your day. And so as you begin to move into a
more strategic approach, you're thinking, what do I really want to help
accomplish and what is the real issue and how can I dig in deeper and
understand this better.
[00:02:35] Mark Brewer: Sure. I think it's safe to say at the foundation, we
kind of like for people to move in a strategic direction because I think it might
be more fulfilling for them. But you could stay in the retail space your whole
life. And still be a philanthropist and be making a difference in things without
ever moving across that continuum.
[00:02:54] Laurie Crocker: The continuum that Mark and Nicole are
referencing pertains to the way people give. Imagine a spectrum, [00:03:00] or
just a line with arrows on either side, and And on one end is retail philanthropy.
Have you ever given to charity at a grocery store checkout, given a few dollars
to a fundraiser, or even a larger one time donation at the end of the year?
[00:03:14] Then you probably can say that you've engaged in retail
philanthropy. On the other end of the spectrum is strategic fundraising. Strategic
philanthropy. When you are following the outcomes of the dollars you give,
then you might be in this space. Strategic philanthropists oftentimes try to
identify innovative pilot programs or existing programs that have had promising
outcomes and fund them in order to scale or fill gaps.
[00:03:39] As someone travels from left to right along the continuum, which
means from retail to strategic, typically they are moving toward being more and
more involved in understanding the outcomes. from their gifts. And it's
important to note that there are pluses and minuses to both sides of the
spectrum. And you can simultaneously [00:04:00] engage in both retail and
strategic philanthropy.
[00:04:03] This isn't an either or scenario.
[00:04:05] Nicole Donelson: You know, I think that A lot of people are in the
space of retail philanthropy. I think our community as a whole really focuses on
that space. And it does play an important role. I think, especially when you
think about a lot of event fundraising can help to support necessary I think costs
and revenue for these nonprofits to get the work that they need to do done.
[00:04:31] People don't necessarily always find it the sexiest thing to do to
support operations. And so you have to tie in and, and create an initial space for
people to have that interest. And for some, as you said, they may not, proceed
beyond that retail philanthropy space, but they're at least involved in giving and
having that engagement.
[00:04:54] Mark Brewer: Yeah, that's right. There, there are nonprofits in the
region that do all of their [00:05:00] fundraising through one or two big events
each year, and then that kind of carries them through the year. And so those
folks. Are on the retail side, but they know that that event is critical to the
organization's ability to carry on through the year.
[00:05:15] So there is some strategy in that event approach.
[00:05:18] Nicole Donelson: I also think it depends on the place that you are in
your life. And You know, I'm, I'm a mom young kids and so sometimes the
capacity that you have to engage in giving may be in that retail space and that's
fine. That's where you are. And as you progress through time and hit different
milestones which is something that we see too with some of our fund holders at
the foundation you may approach retirement or have a significant milestone
happen, which allows you the opportunity to maybe even sit back and
intentionally think about how you want to be engaging in your giving.
[00:05:55] Mark Brewer: Sure. I was talking to a family the other day the
analogy I used was, you know, when, [00:06:00] when you're young and you're
kind of making your way up, you both have secondhand compact cars, and then
there's some point later on.
[00:06:07] where you both buy the sports cars that you always wanted because
you can afford to do it. Right. So I think life is like that, right? You make your
way through and then you give it the capacity that you can give as long as you
have a heart for what's going on.
[00:06:21] Laurie Crocker: So at the foundation, we talk a lot about bringing
your head, heart, and dollar to the table with your philanthropy.
[00:06:28] We believe that any amount donated does a whole lot more impact
when you involve your mind, so think strategy, and your heart, think your
passion for a cause. Now let's consider perceptions and misperceptions around
what a philanthropist means.
[00:06:44] Mark Brewer: This is a perception I think that has gone on for a
hundred years, right?
[00:06:48] People think that philanthropy belongs to the gates or belongs to old
white rich people who are giving back. And you know, if you go back to the
[00:07:00] 40s and 50s, there were a ton of movies done that basically showed
old white rich people making gifts to build hospitals and do other things. So
there's a general misconception that probably nobody else is involved in this,
right?
[00:07:15] It's only those people when in reality philanthropy is a pretty diverse
and inclusive space for people because it doesn't matter how much you give, it
matters how you give it.
[00:07:28] Nicole Donelson: Yes. And I think the, the Breakdown of the
concept that philanthropy isn't just about the money that you give that it's also
about your, your time and your talent and the ties that you have, and that can
sometimes be more valuable than what you can give from your pocket.
[00:07:48] Mark Brewer: Absolutely. We, could never get through all the
things that we have to approach. And figure out to get to positive social change,
we all want, if it was just a bunch of check writers, [00:08:00] because there
aren't enough of them, number one. And number two, you're missing the other
two important senses there, your head and your heart, right?
[00:08:07] If all you're doing, plus if all you're doing is writing a check, you
may only do that once. And then that'll be the end.
[00:08:13] Nicole Donelson: Yes. Yes. And I think as you see, even younger
generations coming in their desire to be more hands on and involved and really
understand the issues and get involved. And of course, having now more access
to information, the space is completely changed.
[00:08:32] And so that has also then forced, you know, nonprofits to engage
differently with givers. But. You have the capacity to be able to give in
whatever way that you can and still be a philanthropist, even if you aren't the
richest person in the room. That's
[00:08:49] Mark Brewer: Right and it is the fact that the younger generations
have become more precise about wanting to know where the money's going and
what's it being used for.[00:09:00]
[00:09:00] And I think if yeah. You know how to ask the right group of
questions. It doesn't really matter if you're a retail philanthropist or a strategic
philanthropist. And if you're going to bring your head, your heart, and your
wallet then you're going to likely be more focused on understanding what's
going to get done.
[00:09:17] If I make this contribution of my time and talent and dollars, and
how do I know it makes sense? Then it's worth my time dollars and intellect that
I might bring to the table.
[00:09:28] Nicole Donelson: I think another group that is to watch that's
growing are women in philanthropy. And women are expected to be a large
percentage of receiving that huge transfer of wealth.
[00:09:44] And how they choose to give, how, how women make decisions is
very different. And of course that is made up of a diverse group as well across
ages and ethnicities. And so that will be a place to watch.
[00:09:59] Mark Brewer: So, yeah, men are [00:10:00] always the first to
leave, and they somehow, sometimes think they might need to spend everything
they've got before they go.
[00:10:06] But women are the last to leave, and they're a lot more thoughtful
and connected to community issues. And they might be closer to some of the
things that they give to. And so that really is an important cultural feel.
[00:10:20] Laurie Crocker: Now, you heard Nicole just mention women and
their role in the philanthropic landscape.
[00:10:26] Let's take this opportunity to pivot to another giving space to which
female philanthropists are often drawn. The Giving Circle model. While each
one is unique, Giving Circles also can move around and across the giving
continuum we broke down at the top of this episode, going from retail or
transactional to strategic.
[00:10:46] Again, no right or wrong approach, just different methods with
different outcomes. Let's talk to somebody from this world, who even serves on
the board of Philanos, the leading national women's Giving Circle network.
[00:10:58] Renuka Sastri: I'm Renuka Sastri, [00:11:00] past chair of 100
Women Strong an initiative of the Central Florida Foundation.
[00:11:05] And also, I'm board member and vice chair of governance of
Philonose, the national organizations for women's giving circles around the
world. Essentially, a giving circle is an old global trend it's been done for
decades. Decades, generations everywhere. It's a collective of women who
decide to get together, pool their money to invest in things that are of interest to
them.
[00:11:29] In this case, in 100 Women Strong's case, we invest in issues locally
around women and children. Every member pays the same amount of money,
$1,100. There's a great group of folks who are interested in research and grant
making, or interested in learning about research and grant making, who put the
grants together, find non profits locally that are doing the work that we're
interested in, and then makes recommendations to the group as a whole for
where we should invest our grants [00:12:00] for the year.
[00:12:00] There's new research from Philanthropy Together that talks about the
growth and trends in giving circles. Almost all giving circles are women. Not
everybody. There are some wonderful giving circles that are men only, that are
church based, for instance, that focus on young boys and, and teen boys issues.
[00:12:21] So it's a whole range, but definitely the majority are women's giving
circles around the country. Thank you. There's the research, and then there's my
personal opinion, which actually lines up with the research as well. It's a great
way to get together with people who are like minded and to contribute towards
something meaningful, the collaborative aspect of it really helps.
[00:12:45] And then I know from our membership that the professional women
that are part of our, our group love the fact that they can bring in their own
skills. So we have. People who do communications for a living, for instance,
who are helping design and deliver [00:13:00] our communications and grant
making and event planning and all of that.
[00:13:04] The other aspect of it is there's a sense of autonomy and
independence with working with a group of women outside of maybe your
traditional family structure or investment structure to learn, to, and in a safe
place to figure out how you want to approach philanthropy and invest in the
things that really interest you.
[00:13:24] We're finding and this has been my experience as well, that you start
off, you know, writing a check to, an organization that appeals to you. And then
you get to a point where you want to learn more and then you want to know
what's happening in the broader community. So I think people start in one place
and then move along the spectrum and back and forth into it.
[00:13:48] There are some giving circles that require a significant investment.
We have kept ours at 1, 100 with the understanding that it's a decent investment.
Threshold to be [00:14:00] involved in for sure, not everybody can afford it, but
it's still for a working woman, especially it's, it's an investment that is not so
significant that they can't make it.
[00:14:11] Our impact is really only as good as the number of members we
have. We don't have fundraisers. We, we don't really push for donations as such.
So what we would like is really to grow our membership so that we can. make a
bigger impact in the community. So that would be the next thing. We have a
great leadership team.
[00:14:33] I'm super excited. Everybody's very energized. We've already started
looking at our next grand focus, which is taking an integrated approach to
healthcare, both physical and mental health. And we, we want to invite. All the
women in our community come join us to be a part of it and we'll take your
check, but we would love your time, your involvement, your perspectives, and
helping us design our [00:15:00] next grants.
[00:15:00] Laurie Crocker: After chatting with Renuka about her work with
100 Women Strong, including chairing the organization at one point, I wanted to
know more about who she got to this place. So I asked, what was your path to
becoming a philanthropist?
[00:15:14] Renuka Sastri: I'll admit it was entirely self serving. I was thinking
about where I wanted to go next with my career and realized I didn't have the
time.
[00:15:23] Much of a professional network in the Orlando area I got an invite as
many of our potential members do and walked into this room of just incredible
women and wanted to get more involved and also as I was thinking about My
career next steps started to have this nagging feeling about what's happening in
the community.
[00:15:46] There'd been a lot of coverage in the papers about homelessness
amongst high school children in Seminole County and that just, it's a very
wealthy County and that just seemed egregious. So just voices in [00:16:00] my
head saying, what's going on here and wanting to learn more, but not really sure
where to start and 100 Women Strong.
[00:16:08] Essentially opened the floodgates for me to, to learn more and gave
me the opportunity to be as involved as I wanted to be. First off is what I
mentioned, I walked into this room of just women who were glowing with
energy and had all these ideas and I, I wanted to be part of it. That was the first
thing.
[00:16:29] And then there are some very persuasive leaders who were chairs at
the time and they needed somebody to do communications, which is what I did
professionally at the time. And I was like, Oh, sure. I'll do the newsletter. Pro
tip, taking over communications is a surefire way to get dragged into everything
else in an organization.
[00:16:50] So I started doing the newsletter or gathering content for the
newsletter. And then, you know, things just opened up and we needed support
[00:17:00] with research and grants. And that was an area, again, professionally,
I did a lot of that work. So I was really interested. It just drew me in. I, I can't
say it was a straight line, but there were so many aspects of it that really drew
me in.
[00:17:15] And I just kept stepping further and further, and then along with my
co chair we had the benefit of chairing 100 Women Strong. I came on as co
chair in January 2020, so that was a whole other situation, and Actually, I'll say
my work with 100 Women Strong kept me sane during a time when everything
was going mad.
[00:17:39] I felt I think as many people do, very helpless. And this gave me a
small, tangible way to feel like I was trying to do something good.
[00:17:48] Nicole Donelson: Well, I will just say one trend that I think is
happening now even more than before is people wanting to give in life and not
just [00:18:00] wait until they die. And even though sometimes the largest gifts
that you can give are at death, the, the joy and experience of watching that gift
happen in life is something that more and more people are wanting to
incorporate and be a part of and engage in.
[00:18:18] Mark Brewer: So I think what you said is really important and I
don't think a lot of people think about it. They think of giving like they think of
paying a bill or doing something that maybe they have a responsibility to do.
But there is great joy in giving when at the end you're satisfied that something
important happened and you see the result of what you gave.
[00:18:39] You don't get to see that if you're dead when the gift goes, so. Yeah, I
think more and more people now are focused on having a foot on both sides and
trying to figure out how they can kind of build their expertise at being a better
giver while they're alive. And then they might leave something substantial
behind after they're gone.
[00:18:58] Nicole Donelson: And I think [00:19:00] everybody moves through
that in a different progression. For some, it may be, you know, a big business
sale and it's a large windfall that they weren't anticipating and has, has forced
them to kind of take a step back and rethink their philanthropy when you've
maybe been used to giving a thousand dollars every year and now you have the,
the Capacity to give 50, 000 a year.
[00:19:24] It's a very different thought and approach to how you might give and
where you might give that's
[00:19:29] Mark Brewer: a great point. You know, when you're young, you
can't even spell liquidity. You don't know what that is, right? And then suddenly
somewhere in your life because of an investment or because of your hard work
in a business, suddenly there's a liquidity incident where there are taxes and
there are other financial things you have to think about at that point.
[00:19:48] And that not only empowers you to give when you might not have
been able to before, but there are other benefits for that gift besides just the
good work you're doing.
[00:19:56] Nicole Donelson: Absolutely. And, and I think, again, I [00:20:00]
mentioned this with mortality as, as we age, it's natural to find moments of
reflection and thinking about your values and remembering the, I can't take it
with me and trying to assess what impact have I had.
[00:20:17] Over time. And what is that kind of long lasting impact that I want to
have, which is, I think, a true joy in the, in the role that we get to play and being
along for that journey and discussion.
[00:20:29] Mark Brewer: Oh, that's absolutely true. The just watching people
think through it. I've seen people when something hits them that they realize
they can make a difference in and they start thinking about, well, how much
could I give to this?
[00:20:43] And they start throwing out numbers that. are scary, right? But to
them, it's not scary because they can see the joy, right? They're trying to figure
out how to get to it.
[00:20:55] Laurie Crocker: Yes. Speaking of really embracing the joy of
giving back, let's turn [00:21:00] to a conversation I had with one of our fund
holders, Chris Manley.
[00:21:04] He and his husband Tommy have long been believers in giving back.
Now, normally, we don't play an entire conversation start to finish, but my
conversation with Chris was just too good to not share. We talked about role
models, how to pass down the value of giving back to your kids, how giving to
causes might change over time, and a really sweet story about his alma mater,
Evans High School in the Pine Hills neighborhood of Orlando.
[00:21:29] Here's the delightful Chris Manley.
[00:21:31] Chris Manley: All right. My name's Chris Alexander Manley, and I
identify as a caring person. Thank you.
[00:21:36] Laurie Crocker: Best answer so far. Okay. Okay. So this episode
has a working title of, Are You a Philanthropist? So you're not coming and
talking about you're an expert in all things philanthropy.
[00:21:47] You're our expert in your own personal story and journey with
philanthropy. So we wanted to start by talking about You know, obviously you
do give. Did you have any role models or how did [00:22:00] that begin? How
did you know that you wanted to give back and were there any particular people
or moments that guided that choice?
[00:22:07] Chris Manley: Can I start in the future and work back in a sense?
Mackenzie Scott is my biggest role model. Tommy and I he's not here because
he's the shy, he's the wizard yacker. But he and I have clashed on being. Visible
about our giving and I love what she does, you know, she doesn't flaunt it, but
she's worth 46 billion and she's given 14 billion away in just a few years.
[00:22:35] So I believe by other people knowing that, wow, I can do that, you
know, that that might motivate them to give. So for me, he's finally agreed that I
can be open to our friends that we donate to this cause or that cause. He just
doesn't want me to give the dollar amount. He feels that's been an. I disagree,
but I respect his rights.
[00:22:54] So that's my role model of today. But I would thank my [00:23:00]
mom. And as I shared about her, you know, she passed about four years ago.
She has always been a giving person and she was a single mother for as a
waitress. So we didn't have a lot to give, but I just, she gave of herself so much.
And she would probably disagree now.
[00:23:15] My first memory of giving was I was probably about 12 and a family
in our neighborhood had a fire and lost almost everything. So in the middle of
the day when I got home from school, I cleaned out some pots and pans and
some clothes. And when they got home, my sister wasn't happy. I'd given her
some of her clothes away.
[00:23:32] And my mom, I had given her grandmother's cast iron skillet away.
So they weren't happy. But I think they recognize that There were people that
were in need, and we still had some of those things.
[00:23:43] Laurie Crocker: And as a 12 year old, do you remember either the
feeling that you felt when you were giving those things that maybe you didn't
mean to give away?
[00:23:51] Chris Manley: Euphoria. I mean, just, Being able to help someone
else and my slogan on it is, it could be you, it [00:24:00] could be me, of
whatever cause we support now, and so many causes I wish we could, you
know, it could be me. And that's what I really motivate with other people. You
know, I was the, we've been a supporter for tons of years.
[00:24:14] And I was the executive director at the gay center here in town. And
I'll talk to some people and are you a member? No, I'm not a member. I don't
need any of their stuff. I said, well, they, you know, they have a food pantry.
They have support groups, health issues, and, you know, health support groups
as well.
[00:24:28] I said, You should be thankful that you don't need any of their
services. Someday you might, and whatever the cause, you know, I worked at
the Make A Wish Foundation as well. So, just, I believe giving of your time and
money is so important.
[00:24:42] Laurie Crocker: So, at a young age, you discovered the feeling of
giving to somebody who had less than you.
[00:24:48] Do you feel like you had volunteer experiences? Was that a part of
your childhood, or did that come in more in adulthood?
[00:24:55] Chris Manley: Let's see, I volunteered, well, I don't know if you
could identify it as volunteering, [00:25:00] but I went into the Naval Sea
Cadets at the old Navy base here in Orlando, because I was planning on going
into the Navy.
[00:25:06] So, is that considered volunteering? I, I did go into the Army for four
years, so I volunteered to get, you know, I wasn't drafted. I think it was later on
in life that more of my volunteering, we, we still foster for the Golden Retriever
Rescue of Mid Florida. We've done 89 dogs in 20 years, but we also transport.
[00:25:25] So a lot of people might think volunteering or giving is money. Well,
it's very important, you know, that if you don't have the money to give, if you
have time.
[00:25:34] Laurie Crocker: Yeah, yeah. No, I would say that while you're not.
technically volunteering in the military. I mean, you're signing up for quite a lot.
And I got paid.
[00:25:41] And you got paid. That's true. That's true. When you think about
giving and your journey with it, has your way of choosing who or what you
give to changed over time? Not necessarily the causes you're supporting, but
maybe the way in which you give.
[00:25:57] Chris Manley: Well, the causes have, because I think when I
[00:26:00] first started, well, no, I guess at the beginning it was like at the
checkout line at, I'll use Publix as an example, and I always thank them for
doing that as a corporate donor, because when I worked at the Make A Wish
Foundation, a lot of national corporations were supporters of the Make A Wish
and many other charities.
[00:26:18] So, but, You know, that's probably when I started, and then Claus is
close to me, you know, I was married before, I have two 40 year old kids, we
have three grandkids and two great grandchildren now. So after my divorce, you
know, coming out as a bisexual man, there were a lot of issues I faced, and the
center was very supportive of, you know, they, they directed me in the ways,
directions that helped me.
[00:26:46] But since then, you know, we're a monthly supporter of the Second
Harvest Food Bank here in town. Habitat for Humanity is in our will. Health
issues, Make A Wish, Leukemia. So, Native American causes, [00:27:00] people
of color issues, women issues. So, I've diversified because it doesn't have to
impact me directly. If you see the need out there and you can help, I always say
do it.
[00:27:11] Laurie Crocker: And so would you say that it's from just your life
experience noticing the other issues that maybe don't directly affect you, but
you see them out there?
[00:27:20] Chris Manley: Yes, as my life, I don't know if I should say gotten
easier, you know, I'm 66, so I've weathered many storms and now, you know
It's, it's helped me not just focus on what affects me or people just like me, but
seeing all the needs out there.
[00:27:37] And I think that makes me feel better when I'm supporting a cause
that as of right now, I don't see anything that by supporting that cause is
benefiting me. It's just totally altruism. Is that the right word?
[00:27:51] Laurie Crocker: Sounds right.
[00:27:52] Chris Manley: Okay.
[00:27:53] Laurie Crocker: Nicole's nodding her head.
[00:27:54] Chris Manley: English is my second language, Southern's my first,
so.
[00:27:56] Laurie Crocker: You mentioned that giving when you mention
Publix, do you [00:28:00] mean like at the checkout? Yes. You give a dollar or
two?
[00:28:02] Chris Manley: Or when you walk in, sometimes they'll have non
profits set up right outside the front entrance, you know, by Girl Scout cookie or
to support this high school team.
[00:28:10] Laurie Crocker: And how, can you help? Let's dig into that a little
bit more if you don't mind. So you went from that, which I think a lot of people
do, and it feels you know, easy. Where have you gone from there? You
mentioned different causes that you support, but you're no longer seeing them at
a Publix and giving them a few dollars.
[00:28:29] Chris Manley: Well, I still do that.
[00:28:30] Laurie Crocker: You still do that. Okay.
[00:28:31] Chris Manley: But and I know that's one of the questions, so I don't
know if you want to save it for later. But the part about why do we give now?
You know, a lot of people and I was one of those type people that I, you know,
you thought about making your will. And I think we first did our first wheels 25
years ago, Tommy and I've been together 34 years.
[00:28:49] And at that it was all leaving things once we were gone. And I just
get so much enjoyment giving now, you know, we have a big chunk going,
probably only [00:29:00] 25 percent of our will is going to family or friends, the
rest will be going to the Central Florida Foundation for the Chris and Tommy
Manley Endowment Fund because y'all do such a great job too, and I've known
about y'all for 25 plus years, but, Now that I can see a difference, you know, and
we have the funds that we can give even before, you know, that the little bit
gave me as much satisfaction as of what amounts we give now.
[00:29:27] And I always. Hopefully promote people to give now if they can $5,
$50, $5,000 to causes that they believe in so they can see the differences now.
It'll be great after we're gone, but we won't, we won't enjoy it as much.
[00:29:42] Laurie Crocker: Yeah, yeah, there is something that you get. As a
donor as well as the giver. Yeah, I agree.
[00:29:48] And then as, a donor, giver, whichever term you'd like do you find it
more rewarding when you're personally, if you are connected to that nonprofit
in some way, versus [00:30:00] being a little bit more detached at a grocery
store or something like that, do you find that you are looking to be more
connected to the nonprofits that you give to?
[00:30:08] Chris Manley: I would say, probably. More happiness if I can be
involved, because that's when I can see the changes and the impact that are
giving is supporting, but, you know, I can't be at every one and some of ours are
out of state even so just knowing that, you know, I look at the governmental
reports on that nonprofit to make sure they're above board, you know, having
worked in the nonprofit field myself, you know, I know money can be wasted,
But, you know, there's always the, the administrative cost that has to be there,
but making sure it is doing a good cause.
[00:30:41] Laurie Crocker: Have you ever used non profit search?
[00:30:43] Chris Manley: I have.
[00:30:44] Laurie Crocker: Ok, Yes!
[00:30:45] Chris Manley: Actually, as I said, you know, after, you know, I
divorced and everything, I went to I guess a rally down at one of the parks in
downtown Orlando and I wasn't really out yet. I had a big hat on and sunglasses
and the director at the center at the time came up [00:31:00] to me afterwards
and he said, you know, Hey, we're having, it was a Saturday, we're having a
picnic at the center later, stop on by.
[00:31:05] And I was, I don't know if I'm going to do that. You know, I had I
was, Doing catering on the side to help pay my child support. I worked at the
city of Orlando full time, but I did stop in and that just opened my eyes to what
the services that organization provides the community and then those services
helped me as well.
[00:31:24] Again, I jump around. But I believe getting involved, even if it's not
something you think you need right now, the Russell home, Russell children's
home when my kids were probably in their teens, I would, you know, go to their
mother's house and pick them up at Christmas and they'd have 25 gifts, you
know, opening up or their birthdays.
[00:31:43] And I, you know, that always has been Driven me crazy on by the
time they get to the last one. They don't even remember the first one, So, I
started I guess when they were about 11 and 12 that I said you have this much
budget You're not getting a gift this year. We're gonna go to the russell
[00:32:00] children's home get the list for a boy and a girl and we're going to go
shopping and the first year they, you know, before we got to the store, they
didn't seem real happy about that.
[00:32:10] But after numerous years of doing that, they looked forward to it. So
again, that wasn't any, that wasn't an organization that we needed their services,
but we saw the need in the community and the kids, I think my children saw
how important that was. So I'm hoping they're teaching my grandkids and great
grandkids that.
[00:32:28] Laurie Crocker: Yeah. I guess that, that led me to a question that I
didn't share with you ahead of time, so I'm kind of throwing something at you,
but it's related. For somebody who is maybe at your stage in life and looking at
their children or grandchildren, what. Maybe you don't have something off the
top of your head right now, but what advice might you give for ways to pass
along your generosity to your future, to the future?
[00:32:52] Chris Manley: I thought about that on the way over here, is that get
them involved in your annual giving, or every time you give, you know, sit
them [00:33:00] down if you have dinner together or, and share. You know, I'm
thinking about making a donation to this cause. Do you, do you know about it?
You know, save them. Habitat for Humanity.
[00:33:09] You know that we have a roof over our head. There's many families
that don't. They're living out of their cars. So there's the need out there. And if
they can see how it impacts someone of their age, then and and have a voice in,
okay, maybe put 10 Nonprofits out there that I'd like to donate to this year and
let them choose one each of the 10 or choose a whole different one.
[00:33:35] And that I think would help them get involved early.
[00:33:38] Laurie Crocker: I think my last question, because we've kind of
jumped around, I think we covered most of what I had sent to you, but I'd love
to hear your response to if somebody is just wondering if they're a
philanthropist, you know, we say that word philanthropist.
[00:33:50] Some people think of the big hitters. You know, that are Bill Gates
and, you know, those sort of people what do you think? How would you define
a philanthropist? [00:34:00] And do you think the average person can identify
them?
[00:34:02] Chris Manley: I think anybody can. As I said, dropping a quarter
into that little bucket at the entrance to Publix, you know, if there's a charity
sitting there giving a dollar at the checkout, you know, if you're giving any
amount of money, you're, you're a philanthropist.
[00:34:17] You are giving. I hope someday if the stock market keeps going well,
Tommy invested wisely that I can be a Mackenzie Scott, you know, but we all
can be a Mackenzie Scott, whether it's a dollar or a billion dollars, you're giving
every bit of that helps and a million one dollar givers. That's. A million dollars.
[00:34:37] Laurie Crocker: Do you feel like you're a philanthropist? Do you
feel like that word describes you?
[00:34:40] Chris Manley: I do now as we're getting on, something I'm very
proud of and last year I graduated from Evans High School over in Pine Hills
and next year will be my 50th anniversary graduating. I graduated in 1975 and
last year we funded a scholarship, last year from there.
[00:34:57] This year we're doing another one and I hope to do maybe three
[00:35:00] next year. So, meeting that young lady who And, I let them choose
who needed it. And she would not have been able to go if we had not made our
last minute donation. And I had been thinking of that for a few years. I stopped
in and finally saw the woman in charge of that program.
[00:35:18] And she said, Oh my God, your timing is perfect. We're having the
award ceremony in two days. So if I wouldn't have finally said, I'm going to
pull into Evans High School. And so she said, you're invited to come and
actually speak to me. from the stage and the young lady came up and, you
know, she's like 18 and she was crying.
[00:35:35] So, you know, the impact we can have on anybody's life and so sorry
about that, but it does get emotional and that's what I love when I can see. How
much they appreciate it. And by giving a check through the mail or online, you
don't always experience that. So, you know, I haven't done it yet, but I always
love seeing like at Thanksgiving or the holidays when you go and work a food
[00:36:00] line, you know, so you could see face to face who you're helping.
[00:36:04] So, yeah.
[00:36:05] Laurie Crocker: Did you really just pull into Evans High School?
[00:36:08] Chris Manley: I did. Yeah. Because I've been in my head. Gosh, I've
been saying I'm going to do this. Or at least. Research what's available for a few
years and I did and went into the office and they're all like straight staring at me
and I said, well, I'm a graduate of here and oh, and then I said, we're thinking
about, you know, donating to scholarship.
[00:36:26] If there's something like that that y'all do. Yes. Let me call who's in
charge. So, yeah, so that's a word of advice that if you've been thinking about
something, take the next step, you know, don't keep waiting as long as I did.
[00:36:39] Laurie Crocker: I mean, that was a great conversation, right?
Thanks, Chris. For being the caring human being you are.
[00:36:45] Let's take on just a couple more topics today from our CFF team,
mark and Nicole. What if you can't give back now because it's just not
financially feasible?
[00:36:55] Mark Brewer: You, you know, I actually think that that's about
[00:37:00] thinking through what moves you or what you think, you could make
a difference in, and then forgetting the amount.
[00:37:10] Right? So it's just I could make a gift of a thousand dollars, and that
isn't the biggest number in the world, but it's what I can give and if I give it
strategically and appropriately, Then the outcomes are going to be great and it's
going to work out well.
[00:37:27] Nicole Donelson: I think too, at any age, you can take an
opportunity to just intentionally set aside a little bit of time to think about what
is it that you like, what is it that you care about, what are some of your most
important values.
[00:37:46] And how do you want to show up as a philanthropist? Is it in, do you
have the time to give? If not, do you have a way to create meaningful
connections? Can you give in a way that may [00:38:00] not be big, but is big
for you? And I think over You know, again, as a mom, maybe that's giving to
your school. Maybe that's being in that phase of time.
[00:38:14] And then as your kids grow up, then maybe it's the next thing that's
in line and just setting aside that intentional time to do that. We do that in all
other facets of our life, but it's probably the one space that we really don't take
some intention around.
[00:38:30] Mark Brewer: When you hit on one that came up in a discussion we
were in yesterday, and there's a big gap between your 20s and your 30s, a lot
can happen in your life in that period of time.
[00:38:41] But if you make it through your 20s with no volunteer experience,
and then in your 30s you have some liquidity incident, you've got a lot of
money, that doesn't mean you're going to be a philanthropist. It doesn't mean
you're going to do anything without that volunteer experience. So I think a lot of
people may not think that if that's your first step.[00:39:00]
[00:39:00] That's okay.
[00:39:01] Nicole Donelson: I agree. Not everybody who has a lot of money
wants to give back to the community.
[00:39:06] Laurie Crocker: As we wrap up our conversation on are you a
philanthropist? Let's go ahead and review three key points that you can take
with you into your day. Number one, the giving continuum is a model showing
how people give from retail or transactional giving all the way to strategic
giving on the other end.
[00:39:26] Examples of retail giving would be at the supermarket checkout or at
an event, and an example of strategic giving would be you researching non
profits and then paying attention to the outcomes. It's important to note that this
isn't an either or situation. People who give back could be at multiple points on
the continuum at once, as we saw with Chris Manley, or could gradually move
their way from retail to strategic over time.
[00:39:51] Number 2. A giving circle is a model for collective impact that often
attracts female philanthropists. Giving circles can be retail in nature or
[00:40:00] strategic, with CFF's 100 Women Strong falling on the strategic end
of the giving continuum. But as we learned with Renuka, being a member
doesn't necessarily mean you have to be involved with everything.
[00:40:11] But the outcomes do come from a strategic, thoughtful process.
Number 3. Philanthropists all have autonomy to define their own lives. I'm
going to be talking about how to get started with your own personal giving,
whether it works for you to get back at the checkout, establish a charitable fund
at a community foundation, join a giving circle to experience that collective
impact we talked about earlier, or just donating your time and resources to
causes.
[00:40:35] These are all ways that caring people give back to the community.
And yes, they're all philanthropists. So, are you a philanthropist?
[00:40:43] Renuka Sastri: I've learned over the last several years. Four years,
and this is true whether in the corporate world or the nonprofit world, you need
to have the, the representation of the people that you are serving in, in designing
the solutions that you are creating. Otherwise, you end up doing more harm
[00:41:00] than good.
[00:41:00] Mark Brewer: I think that's one of the things we started the
discussion about what people think a philanthropist is, and I still think a lot of
people think that.
[00:41:08] Their philanthropy will be judged by other people. And that's a
mistake.
[00:41:12] Nicole Donelson: There are quite a few people who are actually
really afraid of making a mistake in their giving. And that almost holds them
back from taking any action. Or it limits the action that they take because
they're afraid of either unintended consequences or mistrust.
[00:41:33] Laurie Crocker: Not ready for the conversation to be over? Neither
are we. Connect with us on Instagram at CFFound, LinkedIn at Central Florida
Foundation, or fill out the form at the bottom of our podcast website. You can
find all of this information in our show notes.
[00:41:48] Mark Brewer: Thank you for listening to the podcast, First You
Talk. As an engaged listener of this show, we encourage you to check out our
podcast website at [00:42:00] cffound. org slash podcast to learn more about the
complex issue. There you'll find more context to the voices that you've heard
today, links to any supporting materials mentioned during the episode, and
resources to help you explore additional perspectives.
[00:42:15] To draw a fuller picture of the issue at hand, through curiosity and
collaboration, we can all make our community an even better place to call
home.
[00:42:23] Laurie Crocker: A special thank you to our guests, Renika Sastri
and Chris Manley. This episode of the First You Talk podcast was recorded in
the Winter Park Library and edited by Diligent Mixing and Media.