I think now is the perfect time to start thinking about philanthropy in 2011.  As the year begins to wind down, thoughts of new year's resolutions hover. I want to publish this review of Kathy LeMay's 2009 book, The Generosity Plan, as my contribution and suggestion to help those of you who want to incorporate or redirect giving in 2011.   Millions of American donate their time and money, approximately 63.4 million of us to be blunt.  Are you one of them?  Are you happy with your giving?  Do you know what you're doing?

I'm one of these millions of volunteers.  Beginning in January 2009, I resolved to volunteer at a different non-profit every month and I decided to write about it as a way to hold myself accountable. (click here for links to the beginning January 2009 and the end February 2010).   At the time, I choose the random acts of kindness route as I yearned to find new outlets for my giving.  I felt that my previous charities and associates no longer fulfilled my needs for involvement - things had changed for me and for the NPOs.  I was in a rut and rather than stop volunteering completely and wait for a new, exciting, perfect opportunity to find me, I choose to go out and explore the possibilities.  I found so much joy during this process.  I decided to continue my life as a serial volunteer and here is the result, my alter-ego Curious Volunteer.  My purpose for volunteering and writing is to provide ideas and inspiration for others sitting on the sidelines, hesitant to get involved but still wanting to make a difference in someone's life.

Now, eighteen months later, I still explore and venture into new environs.  I still thrill and delight with each new adventure however, not each experience has been "most excellent."  A few have been really awful.  I wanted to skip over my APril 2010 stint but after weeks of delay I found myself unable to casually attribute that missing monthly report on forgetfulness and good intentions.  I published "Me, Tom Ridge, and the Next American Terrorist Attack" in June and I moved on.  Other articles prove how much fun and trouble one person can get in and out of.  Lots of fun to be sure.

As reported to the US IRS in 2007, there were over 1.5 million non-profit organizations in the United States; an average of over 30,000 in each state.   An NPO can be a public charity supporting the arts, culture, humanities, education, environmental concerns, animal rights, medical conditions and disciplines, civil rights, social action, science, research, religion-related spiritual development, international affairs, etc.  Generally, NPOs rely on individual contributions to fund their mission.  Volunteering isn't a measurement used in economics, meaning volunteer "work" doesn't contribute to national productivity in the form of GDP.  However, our economy benefits tremendously from this work, to the tune of 15.5 billion hours annually.  This translates into the equivalent of 7.7 million full time positions which, while vital to the smooth function of society, does not count toward any economic indicator. 

Americans are a very philanthropic bunch.  We lead the world in charitable giving.  So, when we think about generosity in our life, do we have a plan?  Typically not. 

The Generosity Plan is a tool for creating and following a plan of giving personalized for your interests, abilities and priorities.  While every hour and every dollar counts, it's probably in your best interest to focus on causes that hold personal importance to you.  While I volunteer for a large variety of disparate causes, typically a volunteer would want to become integral to an organization and work for one purpose - could be saving the whales, saving the children, saving the world from the threat of nuclear arms. 

The Generosity Plan helps identify causes near and dear to your heart by examining your giving roots, your vision, your priorities and your abilities.  The result is a tailored giving formula.  LeMay also advises how to avoid burnout and how to maintain energy and focus.  Let's face it - sometimes the world's problems can be overwhelming to a passionate, motivated world-changer.  Tips and tricks can make a difference in your philanthropic maintenance regimen.  The book is a quick read; the exercises well designed.  This book will help you configure the role generosity will play in your life. 

Highly recommend this for everyone considering volunteerism and charitable giving. 

The Generosity Plan, by Kathy LeMay.  2009 Beyond Words ISBN# 978-1-58270-234-6, 208 pages.