According to Doug Haynes, there are many “talkers” and not enough “doers” in the field of philanthropy. In his estimation, true givers are rare. The hat sets him apart as an adviser and friend to executives who want to improve their image as charitable and compassionate human beings while strategically planning their future wealth and estate. In recent years, Doug Haynes has served as a counsellor to many high-profile executives, looking at the bigger picture and seeking counsel on how they can give back strategically to benefit them personally in terms of legacy, branding and tax implications. At the same time, they want to make sure that their generosity helps them maintain or build relationships with others and positively impact society at large.

The Importance of Being a Good Philanthropist

If you want your company to be successful, you cannot be a bad philanthropist. Being philanthropic is about more than just writing a check. It is about connecting with your employees, customers and the community so that philanthropy becomes one of the company’s core values. That is why companies like Amazon, Google and Starbucks have been so successful while also being philanthropic. It is also why many executives are looking to hire a philanthropic advisor to help them understand how to strategically give back while also making sure that they maximize the positive impact of their giving on their companies and themselves.

Finding the Right Cause for You

Finding the right cause is important. You don’t want to give away money because you think you have to. You want to give to something that you feel strongly about, something that you understand and something that you want to be associated with. This is also where many people don’t do a very good job because they don’t know how to find the right cause. The best way to find the right cause is by getting out of the office and talking to some of the non-profits in your area. Ask them what they need and why they are there. Then, when you find something that interests you, start to do some research on it. While you can give money to just about any cause, you want to ensure you get the most out of your generosity.