When someone mentions “change,” what comes to mind?
For some, change is like a cool, fall breeze after a hot summer. It can feel really nice and full of promise. For others, change is like a strong, fast gust, which can feel like a storm is brewing.
If you are using a donor-advised fund or another charitable giving vehicle, you may already be thinking about how the winds of the future could change the way your philanthropy looks. We know that passing down philanthropy from generation to generation can present some unique challenges. It may be uncomfortable for some to embrace how the next generation of givers view the world as they have different interests, desires and experiences that define them and how they want to give back to the community.
Earlier this summer, we spoke to Danielle Oristian York, the Executive Director and President of 21/64, an organization serving multigenerational philanthropic families, about the concept of change. With decades of experience helping families, leaders, and communities have complicated conversations about change, identity and the future, Danielle’s insights inspired us to think about how philanthropists of all ages can learn to work together to discover the charitable impact they want to create for many years to come.
Here is what we learned:
Change is happening all around us
Change is inevitable, both worldwide and within our own families. Danielle believes the pace of change right now is extraordinary. While there are many positives to quick innovation and adaptation, there are also many challenges with the changes we are currently experiencing, like the epidemic of loneliness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created a lack of genuine connection.
Danielle emphasized the importance of families embracing changes together to drive impactful philanthropy in the future. To do so, she advocates for leaning into your motivational values to create common ground for understanding amongst various generations.
Leading with motivational values
Motivational values drive our decisions in all aspects of our lives, including philanthropy. Keeping motivational values at the forefront can help families stay connected and grounded despite differences they may have with each other. When defining your motivational values, Danielle finds they typically have these characteristics:
- They are personal
- They can be alike or different from those we care about
- They are dynamic
- They guide rather than constrain
- They can be observed
- When aligned with actions, we are most satisfied
Finding common ground for connection
Danielle recommends making a list of values that resonate with each family member and then discussing the reasoning behind everyone’s choices. To further explain the positive impact of values exercises, Danielle shared a quote from social psychologist Joshua Correll at the University of Chicago:
“A values-affirmation exercise allowed subjects to objectively evaluate information that would otherwise evoke a defensive reaction. The participants became less biased in favor of their own position and more discriminating in evaluating the strength or weakness of arguments made by others.”
As the quote highlights, Danielle says when people engage in values-based activities, they can have positive conversations that allow for less bias and an open mind. Rather than immediately reacting defensively to opposing views, individuals learn to understand different perspectives. Keeping values at the center helps guide purposeful conversations between generations, allowing them to find common ground to come together, even when there are differences.
Ready to explore what this means for you?
At Greater Horizons, we are here to help you and your loved ones embrace the winds of change to craft the future of your philanthropy. With professional certifications from 21/64, our philanthropic advisors can guide multiple generations to discuss values, change and charitable giving legacy planning. Contact us at info@greaterhorizons.org to connect with a philanthropic advisor.
Authored by: Nicole Stuke, Senior Philanthropic Advisor