Background

The Philanthropist is a thrill-seeking, anything-is-possible story of redemption through spontaneous acts of extreme giving by a powerful billionaire playboy. Unlike some of the television hospital, crime-solving and legal dramas, which strive for realistic depictions of those fields, this show relies primarily on hyperbole for its entertainment value.

Talking points

• The show’s storyline bears little resemblance to the realities of carefully considered, long-term strategic investments that socially responsible individuals and institutions make – domestically and globally.

• While our foundation’s stories may not be quite as exhilarating as those in the TV show, our work and that of foundations’ across the globe is critical, poignant, effective and life-changing. Nationally, in 2008, foundations provided $45.6 billion in grants to aid families, deliver human services, assist low-income populations and support economic development. That funding represents an increase of $1.2 billion over 2007 despite the economic downturn.

• Statistic about financial benefit to local community of your foundation’s charitable giving, e.g., “…in 2008, our foundation contributed more than half a million dollars to help alleviate critical social needs in this city. That investment helped shelter 2,000 homeless families, prevent 175 home foreclosures and provide reading materials for 300 students in pre-K programs across the city…”

• Brief anecdote/story highlighting an aspect of your local work and its benefit to the community, e.g., “…our foundation supported a pilot program at the city art museum which fostered an appreciation of art among low-income teens through museum visits during the school year and classes in the summer…”

• I’d be happy to provide you with additional stories and statistics about the giving programs of our foundation.

• If you would like to learn more about genuine philanthropic activities outside of our local area, our national organization, the Council of Foundations, can provide you with contacts at other member foundations that are strengthening communities around the world. You can reach the Council’s VP of Communications and Marketing Beverly Barnes at beverly.barnes@cof.org or 703-879-0600.