The Heart of Philanthropy: Values, Motivation & Impact
What drives families to give? In a recent conversation, tax and wealth expert Tim Cestnick referenced Russ Allen Prince’s “Seven Faces of Philanthropy,” a framework that identifies core motivations:
Devout: Giving driven by faith and spiritual values.
Investor: Philanthropy as a way to advance business reputation.
Dynast: Family legacy and tradition of giving.
Repayer: Giving back due to personal benefit or recovery.
Altruist: Pure desire to help others.
Communitarian: Supporting the community that supports them.
Impact-oriented: Focus on tangible, measurable change.
Understanding one’s “face” of philanthropy guides strategic giving, helping families align their contributions with core motivations.
Why it Matters: When families understand what compels their giving, they can craft more meaningful, sustained impact rather than ad hoc donations.
Applying the Framework: Tim advises that conversations about values and motivations should precede any donation decisions, fostering consistent giving aligned with core beliefs.
Takeaway: Clarifying your motivation behind giving leads to more focused, impactful philanthropy.
Dave Hutchinson recently spoke with Tim Cestnick—one of Canada’s leading voices in tax and personal finance—who shares his insights on strategic philanthropy...
