I had the privilege of hearing Tom Jackson and his wife Alison speak at the Calgary Social Venture Partners AGM last week.  Aside from being an amazing actor and singer, Tom started a foundation called, Singing for Supper, in support of Canada's Homeless. 

Tom was asked how he decided to start this Foundation and he gave a very clear answer.  He said there are three things that you need to consider when reviewing your philanthropy:

1. Is the organization you are supporting Good Business.
2. Have a clear understanding as to how you will manage the relationship between you and the recipients, AND have a partner who will go on the journey with you
3. Love what you do

He went on to say that Good Business is not only that the organization is run well, but that the process that you undertake to fund that agency is good business. It is understood that you cannot change a social system or an organization without economic stimulus.  As community investors, you are that economic stimulus.

By making a case for what's in it for EVERYBODY your philanthropy will go further because people will want to engage with you on a higher level.

The last point he made for Good Business is that what you are doing can be leveraged.  It might be leveraged by other businesses getting involved, or it might be leveraged by the organization generating a new revenue stream, or it might be leveraged by integrating clients with donors and creating a stronger social impact.  Whatever it is, looking beyond the immediate recipient is leveraging.

Emotions are built on two things - Love and Fear.  It is fear that holds us back as a species and love that allows us to make decisions that strengthen the world in which we live.  This may sound hokey, but all other emotions, hatred, joy, angst, elation stem from the two basics - fear & love.  Your philanthropic strategy is a reflection of these two emotions, so loving what you do is just as critical as your desire to address a cause.

Alison also shared a couple insights on how she manages her part of the Foundation.  They used to work from home, and learned several life lessons about working from home with your partner.

1. Don't work out of the bedroom
2. 8 o'clock rule - all work must stop and cleared away
3. Pay yourself first - this is not necessarily financial, but make sure that you are taking time for yourself, because if you aren't then your efforts will be lost due to exhaustion
4. Stick to what you know - you can always surround yourself with people who know more about specific areas.  Your most effective impact will be achieved because you have taken your knowledge and applied it to your philanthropy

It was truly inspiring to hear Mr. & Mrs. Jackson speak about how they got started and where they are taking this foundation. 

A quick note about SVP Calgary - if you are just thinking about starting your involvement as a major contributor to the charitable sector, this organization is a great introduction to the process.