Frequently Asked Questions
How many members are there?
- Initial invitations went out in January 2005; by early 2006 there are 57 members.
- It is spreading by word of mouth until we have critical mass and a few willing and skillful spokespeople for a public launch.
If I join, what's the time commitment? (I don't have time to join anything else.)
- Members' only commitment is to contribute a one-paragraph blurb for the website (which can be anonymous.) You may participate more but nothing is required.
Say I want to do more. What are my options?
- Anything that uses your experience to encourage other givers.
- Contact us to: speak on a panel at a donor's event; write for your alumnae journal; give personal support to an “exploring member;" attend a members' gathering; respond to media requests; and to offer other ideas.
Why use a 50% benchmark, when giving anything over 3% is beyond the norm?
- 50% is clear and catchy, don't you think?
- Full members meet the 50% mark. Exploring members can get support to investigate their full giving potential at whatever level that may be.
Do you have to be wealthy to join?
- People of all income levels who give 50% or more of their income may join and share their stories. We chose to launch the Club with 50 people who have given at least 50% of a million dollars because we especially want to encourage people with wealth to give more.
- We salute all people who give what they can. See www.thrillionaires.org.
Why focus on the amount of money, rather than on what the money is for?
- Of course, the results of the giving are what really matters.
- Many resources help people determine where to give but few help them figure out how much to give.
Don't you want to encourage giving wisely, not just giving a lot?
- Absolutely, although that is not the Club's main purpose. If members request assistance, we can connect them to a variety of resources on philanthropic education and guidance.
- We will invite members to share what they are passionate about and what strategies they have been most excited about, as well as important mistakes and lessons learned.