philanthropia magazine

TRUE FACE OF

PHILANTHROPY

CELEBRITY IMPACTON CHARITIES- KANU NWANKWO

TRAILBLAZERS

“while we do our good works let us not forget that the real solution lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary” ...Chinua Achebe

N1000 Monday 25 March, 2013 Vol 01

2 • Philanthropia Magazine • www.philanthropiamagazine.com

SPECIAL REPORT04 True Face of Philanthropy Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan

08 Celebrity Impact on Charities Kanu Nwankwo

FEATURES

10 Corporate Philanthropy Nigeria Philanthropic Summit 2013 SMEDAN MDGS

16 Giving While living Chuck Feeny

18 Volunteering Poems

19 Threshold of Transformation What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail 20 Pledge to Give Bill Gates and Warren Buffet

Philanthropia Magazine • www.philanthropiamagazine.com • 3

FROM THE EDITORThere’s something different about the Philanthropia magazine. From the strong messages contained within and the “can’t put it down” stories, to the overwhelming sense of feeling good, Philanthropia Magazine desires to make significant difference/impact in the lives of the people.While you are reading insightful

editorials, fresh and entertaining content and engaging expert advice, you can also take pleasure in knowing that part of your subscription is going to help those in need or less privileged. It’s a great way to give something back and learn along the way.Philanthropia Magazine is the only publication within Nigeria dedicated to both the non-profit sector and the donating public. It’s also the easiest way to make a difference in the world around you.Published once in two months, Philanthropia Magazine will provide a valuable communication service by keeping readers engaged and informed about the latest news and trends affecting the world of charity, emerging philanthropists and the non-profit sector. Packaged thoughtfully, artfully and in a user-friendly format, Philanthropia Magazine will be the leader and voice people turn to in Nigeria, Africa and the World at large.I saw a need for a magazine that could make a difference in the lives of Nigerians. Having worked professionally with charities around Nigeria and still serving as the Chairman, Centre for Transformation of the Underprivileged (CETRUP), a non governmental and nonprofit organization totally dedicated to charity, transforming lives and making visible impact across Nigeria and West Africa, I decided to launch Philanthropia Magazine, a magazine that gives back to those in need while providing readers and advertisers alike a compelling opportunity to share in a unique message.As the grandfather of African literature Chinua Achebe clearly stated “while we do our good works let us not forget that the real solution lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary”. Together we can achieve it.

Ebere Chidi - Philanthropist

Philanthropia magazine is a publication of Buwigz Limited.Suite D12 Danziyal Plaza, CBD Abuja. +234 803 734 3955email: [email protected]

Publisher/Editor In Chief Ebere Chidi Associate EditorBusola Solami

Contributing WriterOgaji Ocheja

Contributing WriterJim Pressman

Art DirectorNoble Nnaemeka

Graphic ArtistNoble Nnaemeka

Legal Consultant Igwe Uchenna AnayoKate Awara

Multimedia Marketing Consultant Segun Ologe

LogisticsEarnest Agbofode


Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan (First Lady, Nigeria) was born into the respectable Christian family of Chief Lazarus Iwari-Oba at Port Harcourt in Rivers state. After Primary and Secondary

education, she obtained the National Certificate of Education (NCE) in Mathematics/ Biology from Rivers State College of Education in 1989 and proceeded to University of Port Harcourt where she obtained her Bachelor of Education degree in Biology and Pschology.Patience Jonathan’s working experience spreads through Teaching, Banking, Sports Administration and Civil-Service and years later, she became the wife of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Bayelsa state Governor’s wife, wife of the Vice President and now wife of the President.She started her career as a teacher at Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt Sports Institute Isake. She then moved to the banking sector in 1997, where she established the first community bank in Port Harcourt

DAME PATIENCE GOODLUCK JONATHAN


She displays a mindset and commitment underlying her avowed mission to help the less privileged break from the shackles of poverty, disease and under development.”

called the Akpo Community Bank. She served as Marketing Manager of Imiete Community Bank. She returned to the class-room again briefly as a teacher. Eventually, she was transferred to the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, where she was until 29 May 1999 when her husband became the Deputy Governor of the Bayelsa State. On 12 July 2012, she became a Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State.As the First Lady of Nigeria, she has been associated with the socio-economic upliftment of youths and women of Nigeria. She is endeared to many people for her philanthropic and charity works. She has been recognized locally, nationally and interna-tionally for her philanthropic work

and political pragmatism. She has been described by many as a role model who has never stopped adding value to people’s lives with her charity work. She dis-plays a mindset and commitment underlying her avowed mission to help the less privileged break from the shackles of poverty, dis-ease and under development. She is a friend of the less privileged and a mother to the orphans who has never stopped supporting the poor through her soup kitchen largesse; scholarship awards and medical support and assistance to children with heart condition. She is the founder of many phil-anthropic and women empower-ment programs among them are A-Aruera Reachout Foundation (AARF) that has over the last eight

years trained over 4000 women in different skills to enable them take care of themselves and their families. She received the “Beyond the Tears” International Humanitarian Award New York, USA, in 2008, for her role in the global fight against HIV/AIDS; the African Goodwill Ambassador Award (Los Angeles, USA, 2008) and the recipient of the “Wind of Change” award from the south/south women’s organization.


She is a friend of the less privileged and a mother to the orphans who has never stopped supporting the poor.”


In attestation to her charitable, political and humane contri-bution to society, she has also received more many national and international accolades including but not limited to: Pro-Chancellor and Fellow, African Business School (Oct, 2008); A recipient of the International award for Excellency by the Yitzhak Rabin centre, Tell Aviv, Israel 2008. This is the first of such recognition by this famous Centre since its inception; the conferment of tra-ditional stool of Iyom “Ada di oha mma of Ukpo” by H.R.H Igwe Robert Eze. Recipient of ‘Defender of the Poor’ award by society St. Vincent de paul (Abuja Catholic Archdiocese); recipient of the award for Excellence from the Christian Women Fellowship for upholding the dignity and posi-tive projection of womanhood in our generation; among many other awards too numerous to mention.A lover of peace, a mother, she spends her leisure time reading, writing, swimming and travelling. She is happily married to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a man whose humane, consultative, prudent and vision-

ary intellect is unparalleled. The marriage is blessed with two chil-dren.Recently, at a thanksgiving ser-vice hosted by the First Lady at the State House Presidential Villa chapel Abuja, to celebrate her recovery, said like Lazarus in the bible, she literally came from the dead having been in coma for seven days. She told the gathering in an emotion-laden voice that her being alive today was a miracle. She said she went through hell while in the hospital and it was only God that brought her back to life.

TRUE FACEOF PHILANTHROPY!!!

ALL HAIL DAME PATIENCE GOODLUCK JONATHAN….THE TRUE FACE OF PHILANTHROPY!!!


igerian international footballer Kanu Nwankwo, alias Papillo, the moniker

supplied by his admiring team mates in the Nigerian National Team, is all set to launch his N50 billion Cardiac Centre in the City of Abuja, come March 14.Advertisements and promos are all over town in the multimedia world and the excitement is also running high among friends, family and his teeming fans and well-wishers worldwide.Kanu, readers would recall, almost

had his spiraling success in foot-balling cut down at midday when he was struck by an ailment which left him with a hole in the heart. Surgery came to the rescue far away from home and he soon resumed active kicking of the round leather ball and took his earlier threatened career to even higher levels. As a way of giving back to society what the Lord and the system has endowed him with, Kanu has resorted to Philanthropy big time, sponsoring the surgery undergone by other young people

who may not be as lucky as he was. Now to make it even more affordable and close home Kanu has decided to establish on Nigeria soil the magnificent and succor –providing edifice. This way the millions of naira gathered usually from donations and by individuals and organizations to support the laudable causes no longer need be squandered in other countries’ economies, as that constitutes a form of capital flight resulting from easily avoidable Medical/Health Tourism.

KANUNWANKWO

N

KANU NWANKWO’S N50BILLION CARDIAC (HEART) CENTRE DUE FOR COMMISSIONING MARCH 14, 2013CELEBRITY IMPACT ON CHARITIES


Governments, Nigerian leaders and other stake holders in Healthcare delivery can borrow a leaf from the celebrity international footballer and many times captain of the Eagles of Nigeria, to help curb the spate of unnecessary deaths, and enhance Human Resource base in our country while reducing undue capital flight to other lands. As part of our commendation for and support of the efforts

to rid our country of poverty, disease and avoidable deaths we at the Philanthropia Magazine congratulate Papillo and Kanu Heart Foundation on the launch of the N50billion Cardiac Centre. Please watch out for our interview with the ace footballer in the next edition of our publication.

As a way of giving back to society what the Lord and the system has endowed him with, Kanu has resorted to Philanthropy big time.”


NIGERIA PHILANTHROPIC SUMMIT 2013

Abuja, Nigeria, 18 March 2013 – To maximize the benefits

of their generosity, wealthy Nigerians need to be more

strategic in their giving, to create a bigger impact and

leave a lasting legacy.

This was the view of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy

and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the inaugu-

ral Nigeria Philanthropy Summit which she co-hosted with the

Tony Elumelu Foundation. The summit was attended by high

net worth individuals (HNIs) from around the world who were

there to discuss philanthropy as a strategic tool for sustainable

development.

Guests included Christopher Chandler, CEO, Legatum Group; Jane

Wales, President and CEO, Global Philanthropy Forum; Cosmos

Maduka, President and CEO, Coscharis Motors; and Uche Orji,

CEO, Sovereign Wealth Fund.

The summit, which took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in

Abuja, is the first of its kind to be organized in Nigeria, highlight-

ing the rising importance of philanthropic engagement that cre-

ates effective long term solutions to social issues.

Vice President Namadi Sambo, who opened the summit said,

“This event is a critical step in the process that will help define

a strategy for philanthropy in Nigeria. Today, we will begin to

CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY


it’s important to give in a strategic way that not only delivers positive impact, but is also sustainable. ”

develop a future that signals a new era

where philanthropy becomes an intrinsic

part of this country’s transformation.”

“Nigerians are a generous people. Giving

is part of our culture and intrinsic to our

religious beliefs,” said Dr. Okonjo-Iweala.

“But it’s important to give in a strate-

gic way that not only delivers positive

impact, but is also sustainable. Today is

about starting an important conversation

with high net worth Nigerians which will

lead to a better way of giving, to improve

our collective welfare.”

Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CON, whose founda-

tion has been engaged in strategic phi-

lanthropy since its inception three years

ago, has partnered with the minister in

this initiative. His aim is to educate and

promote strategic philanthropic interven-

tions.

Mr. Elumelu said, “Catalytic philanthropy

requires us to think more strategically

about applying personal wealth. Wealthy

Nigerians should move beyond tradition-

al forms of philanthropy to one where

our interventions have a significant and

long term impact. This is what will create

social wealth and economic prosperity

for all Nigerians.”

Furthermore, to achieve peak perfor-

mance especially in the area of phi-

lanthropy, initiatives that could help in

improving the quality of life of the peo-

ple should be put in place. This can be

possible by taking proactive steps that

will yield the desired results. The Nigeria

philanthropic Summit is an idea whose

time has come. The solution to some

and all of the problems/ills bedeviling

Nigeria might just be found here.

MR. ELUMELU SAID, “CATALYTIC PHILANTHROPY REQUIRES US TO THINK MORE STRATEGICALLY ABOUT APPLYING PERSONAL WEALTH. WEALTHY NIGERIANS SHOULD MOVE BEYOND TRADITIONAL FORMS OF PHILANTHROPY TO ONE WHERE OUR INTERVENTIONS HAVE A SIGNIFICANT AND LONG TERM IMPACT. THIS IS WHAT WILL CREATE SOCIAL WEALTH AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY FOR ALL NIGERIANS.”


Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship is simultaneously

exhilarating and paralyzing. If you’re like most

entrepreneurs you’ve been living and breathing your

business idea for what feels like forever, growing its potential

in your head with each passing moment. And despite the

anticipation and excitement, when the time comes for action,

you feel stuck. Where do you even begin? How do you go about

building an empire, changing an industry, or creating a legend.

The key to success for most

entrepreneurs is learning to toggle back

and forth between thinking big and

moving things forward, which often

requires taking small manageable steps.

Here are three ways to make some

progress.

•Get in the right frame of mind.•Do not be afraid to experiment.•Brush up on your history lessons.

Do you know that some of the best

sandals Nigerians wear today are made in Nigeria? Certainly,

one can draw up a big business plan about supplying the shoes

Nigerians step out in or any other business ideal. Whatever

your business ideals are, the Small and Medium Enterprises

Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) can provide you with

the business planning and development information and advice

that place your business on a sure confident footing.

SMEDAN is set out to establish a structured and efficient

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Sector that will enhance

sustainable economic development of Nigeria by facilitating

the access of Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs to all

resources required for their development.

Business information servicesProvision of information on Raw materials; Production machinery

and equipment; Markets, supply, demand, prices, competition

and entry requirements; Product standard and registration

requirements by NAFDAC, SON,

CAC etc; Government economic

policies, legislation and

regulations, including existing

incentives.

Information dissemination

through print and electronic

devices including SMEDAN’s

website.

Business support servicesBasic training in Business management; Book-keeping and

accounts; Marketing; Preparation of business plans/ feasibility

reports; Computer appreciation and utilization; Utilizing

government incentives.

Access to financeThis is done through –Assistance to MSMEs to prepare bankable

business plans; Appraisal and recommendation of project

proposals from MSMEs to partner-financial institutions;


SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF NIGERIA (SMEDAN)


Collaboration with promoters of specialized (micro) finance

schemes for the benefit of MSMEs.

Improvement of economic environment for MSME operations through:Advocacy of MSME interests; Facilitation of access to workspace

for profitable operations; Promotion of corporation among

enterprises.

SMEDAN also conducts the following business support services:

Business Clinics and counseling services:

For problem diagnosis and prescription of feasible solution;

Legal, taxation, technical and other advisory services.

Mentoring:Facilitation of learning contacts between experienced industry

leaders and budding entrepreneurs.

Promotion of business Opportunities:

MSME networking through trade and technology fairs and

expositions.

You may wish to visit SMEDAN today for more information.

No 35, Port Harcourt Crescent, off Gimbiya Street, Area II Garki

Abuja or log on to www.smedan.gov.ng

THINK BIG START SMALL

The key to success for most entrepreneurs is learning to toggle back and forth between thinking big and moving things forward.”


MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS

The Millennium Development Goals are eight time-

bound interdependent development goals which world

leaders endorsed at the UN Millennium Summit held

in September 2000.The are a set of eight inter-related and

inter-dependent goals that countries agreed to improve the

lives of the poor and most disadvantaged people of the world.

The Millennium Declaration takes cognizance of the need

to address inequality for inclusive growth and a balanced

society. It challenges governments at the centre to meet basic

local needs primarily in the healthcare, education, water and

sanitation sectors. The MDGs represent an agenda-setting for

transforming the living conditions of all peoples at the turn of

the third millennium. They also translate into a bold initiative

through which world leaders hope to bridge the gulf between

the rich and poor nations of the world thereby creating a new

order of global partnership, development and prosperity. In

effect, the MDGs seek to address issues of poverty, education,

gender equality, health, environment and global partnerships

for development to be achieved by the year 2015. These

developmental goals are laid out with twenty-one quantifiable

targets and sixty indicators.

When Nigeria signed on to the Millennium declaration, the

domestication of the MDGs was a big challenge thrown to the

government and people of Nigeria. Although government had

been working on issues that form vital components of the eight

MDGs prior to the UN declaration of the MDGs, the complex



The MDGs provide a framework for solutions that are tuned to local priorities and constraints. ”

issues of the three tiers of government,

accountability, weak institutions and

systems that have deteriorated over

the years, presents its own unique

challenges to the implementation. With

due consideration that Nigeria is blessed

with great diversity combined with a wide

variation in the coverage and quality

of basic services, the MDGs provide a

framework for solutions that are tuned to

local priorities and constraints.

Following debt relief granted Nigeria in

2005, the Office of the Senior Special

Assistance to the President (OSSAP-

MDGs) was established to coordinate

Nigeria’s efforts in the quest to attain the

MDGs by 2015.The mandate of OSSAP-

MDGs involves the design of a coherent

approach to fast-track the attainment

of the MDGs by evolving a consultative

process meant to identify key strategic

areas likely to have the greatest

impact on progress against the MDGs.

It encourages the deployment of high

impact evidence-based interventions

as integrated investments that have

high returns are made since resources

are scarce. In a show of unwavering

commitment, the Federal Government

of Nigeria continues to dedicate the

entirety of the Debt Relief Gains to fund

MDGs interventions in Nigeria.

The MDGs are a global compact between

developing and developed countries and

have become the fulcrum for engagement

of the international community.

The 8 MDGs include;Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger Achieve Universal Primary EducationPromote gender equality and empower womenReduce Child MortalityImprove Maternal HealthCombat HIV, Malaria and Other DiseasesEnsure Environmental SustainabilityDevelop a Global Partnership for Development


The philanthropist who set the

standard for giving while living.

His mission to give his fortune

to worthwhile causes is moving to

completion. He had absorbed Andrew

Carnegie’s advice in his essay, The

Gospel of Wealth, that the man who

dies leaving millions behind would pass

away “unwept, unhonoured and unsung”.

He believes that people of substantial

wealth potentially create problems

for future generations unless they

themselves accept responsibility to use

their wealth during their lifetime to help

worthwhile causes.

Feeney had come to the view that

perpetual foundations can never be

as flexible, fluid, opportunistic and

entrepreneurial as those with a limited

lifespan. They are mostly restricted to

a five percent benchmark to maintain

the endowment while guarding against

inflation. Also, when the donor is no

longer around, the foundation could be

doing things he might not approve of.

There was the danger, too, as then-

foundation chairman Frank Rhodes put

it, that staff and directors of long- lived

foundations might come to feel they

owned the money.

And there was the sheer joy of giving

it all away which Feeney constantly

emphasizes. He hates taking credit.

When a hospital director in Da Nang in

Vietnam began thanking him for funding

a paediatric centre, Feeney said,” I should

thank you. You are the person doing good

things with the money”.

Chuck submitted a 200-word

memorandum on the legacy of his

foundation (Atlantic Philanthropies) in

which he recommended a total lifespan

of 20 – 30 years. In it, He noted that

most foundations were making gifts of

a fraction of their assets and this might


it is great to have such a tangible source for philanthropists to learn from his story and understand his philosophy of giving.”

CHUCK FEENEYGIVING WHILE LIVING

account for the slow pace in the fight

against cancer and other diseases.

Feeney has helped it along with recent

gifts –enormous by any standards – of

$350 million to develop a silicon valley-

type technology park in New York and

$270 million to create the most important

new medical centre in the US at Mission

Bay in San Francisco. These and scores

of medical buildings and Universities

in Ireland, Vietnam, Australia and South

Africa will be his foundations legacy.

Chuck Feeney has now achieved his two

main goals; divesting himself of the

fortune that made him so uncomfortable

and allowing his giving to serve as a

model for other billionaires.

When Bill Gates and Warren Buffet

launched a campaign in 2010 to

encourage the mega- rich to sign a giving

pledge, they declared they had been

inspired by Feeney’s life work.

Chuck has accomplished so much with

Atlantic Philanthropies – in everything

from education to medicine and in so

many countries throughout the world.

Gates said “it is great to have such a

tangible source for philanthropists to

learn from his story and understand his

philosophy of giving”.

Buffet described Feeney as their “spiritual

leader”. He said with some awe, after

meeting him at a session in Tucson,

Arizona, recently with several other

persons of great wealth who had signed

the pledge: “he wants his last cheque to

bounce.”

“I had one idea that never changed in my

mind – that you should use your wealth

to help people.” – Chuck Feeney.


VOLUNTEERISM

EVERYDAY HEROES

SHAKE A VOLUNTEER’S HAND

THANKS FOR THE DIFFERENCE

YOU’VE MADE

Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote good or improve human quality of life. In return, this activity

produces a feeling of self-worth and respect; however, there is no financial gain. Volunteering is also renowned for skill development, socialization, and fun. It is also intended to make contacts for possible employment. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve on an as-needed basis, such as in response to a natural disaster.Volunteerism is the policy or practice of volunteering one’s time or talents for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities, especially in one’s community.It is the principle of donating time and energy for the benefit of other people in the community as a social responsibility rather than for any financial reward

Here’s to the everyday heroes,The volunteers who do what they can,To ease the suffering of others,And be of service to their fellow man.

May they know the true satisfactionThat comes from helping othersLess fortunate than themselves,But no less their sisters and brothers.

May they feel the gratitude in our heartsFor all of the good that they’ve done.The appreciation that we all feel for themIs truly second to none.

Volunteers are a very special breed.They’re not afraid to step in when they see the need.

They’re always willing to lend a hand,To lift someone up who’s sinking in quicksand.

They always have something encouraging to say,And they manage to say it in the kindest way.

They share their skills, talents and time.And in return, they don’t ask for a dime.

So the next time you meet with some volunteers,Shake their hands, and let them know you’re happy they’re here.

Because of you... Someone will have enough to eat tonight.Someone will have decent clothes to wear.Someone will have shelter.Someone will receive medical care.Someone will learn the skills they need to survive and succeed.Someone knows there’s at least one person in this world who cares.

This world is a better place because you volunteered, and we thank you for it.


THRESHOLD OF TRANSFORMATION

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?

What would you do if anything you set your mind to would come true? What would you do if you never had a

single doubt whatsoever regarding any endeavor, if all your beliefs and aspirations were not caught in a box locked by grief from hesitation? What would you do if every idea you ever released into the seas of your imagination always reached its destination, never sinking, unseen from memory, beat and worn from sleet and storms of hate’s hail? What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?

Who would you tell that you knew you couldn’t fail?

Who would you tell, confide in, share this deep revelation and shine with? Who would you tell that would understand how you felt, and pay attention with concentration without trying to take advantage of your situation? Who would you tell that would help support your ambition, that would listen to this wisdom born from intuition and limitless visions, what may seem like fantasy but in reality is the truest tale? Who would you tell that you knew you couldn’t fail?

Where would you go if you knew you couldn’t fail?

Where would you go if your thoughts stopped over-counting costs and rather sought to hop over mountaintops? Where would you go if touching a cloud was as close as a blink and a smile if only you took a second to think for a while? Where would you go if distances were as diminished as if you were part of a star fleet, if belief in your heart’s beat brought your dreams within arm’s reach? Where would you go if you could dig to the centre of the earth with your fingernails, roam oceans with hope’s motions exploding as bigger sails? Where would you go if you knew you couldn’t fail?

When would you realize that you knew you couldn’t fail?

When would you realize that all the time you spent waiting was the same as debating whether or not we should listen to fate sing? When would you realize that all the strength you lost in stride was waiting to be refined inside your mind’s eye, that how much you believe is directly proportionate to what you achieve? When would you realize that your life’s mission was equivalent to combining an infinite glisten with a bright swell, and that you controlled the length and strength of the light trails? When would you realize that you knew you couldn’t fail?

But why would you believe that you knew you couldn’t fail?

Why would you believe that stress and apathy are actually the cause of all battles and casualties? Why would you believe that chance and letting it be are like letting your enemy step in between you and your dance with destiny? Why would you believe life is worth the fight, in spite of all the songs we write about the hurt and strife that wrong our rights? Why would you believe that all limits are self-conceived, born as the dreams we grieve in beds of self-deceit?

Why would you believe we have everything we need, that when we breathe our health reveals that true wealth hides concealed within a frame both real and frail?

So what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?

The Giving Pledge is an effort to invite the wealthiest

individuals and families in America to commit to giving

the majority of their wealth to the philanthropic causes

and charitable organizations of their choice either during their

lifetime or after their death.

Each person who chooses to give will make this statement

publicly, along with a letter explaining their decision to give. At

an annual event, those who take the pledge will come together

to share ideas and learn from each other.

The Pledge is a moral commitment to give, not a legal contract.

It does not involve pooling money or supporting a particular set

of causes or organization.

While the Giving Pledge is specifically focused on billionaires,

the idea takes it inspiration from efforts in the past and at

present that encourage and recognize givers of all financial

means and backgrounds. We are inspired by the examples set

by millions of Americans who give generously (and often at a

personal sacrifice) to make the world a better place.

In 2006 before the Pledge began, Buffet had committed much of

his wealth to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The fact of the meeting was leaked to the media creating

curiosity about the nature of the meeting.

Two related subsequent dinners was organized by Gates and

Buffet. The second dinner was at the New York Public Library

in November 2009 and was attended by Kenneth and Elaine

Langone and Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest among others. It was

at this meeting that Marguerite proposed that “the rich should

sit down, decide how much they and their progeny need, and

figure out what to do with the rest of it.”

In June 2010, the campaign for the Giving Pledge was formally

announced, and Gates and Buffet gave notice that eligible

pledges were been contacted to join.

Buffet said that he would meet wealthy individuals from other

countries to talk about philanthropy and stated that they hope

the idea of generosity will spread across the globe.

The goal of this pledge is to talk about giving in an open way

and create an atmosphere that can draw more people into

philanthropy.

The Pledge hopes that a group coming forward to be explicit

about their intentions for giving the majority of their wealth

away will help inspire conversations, discussions and actions,

not just about how much but also for what purposes/ to what

end; and bring together those committed to this kind of giving

to exchange knowledge. Grassroots movements are proving

everyday how a single individual regardless of wealth can make

a lasting impact on others.


BILL GATESWARREN BUFFETPLEDGE TO GIVE

The Pledge is a moral commitment to give, not a legal contract. It does not involve pooling money or supporting a particular set of causes or organization.”

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