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Why the Holidays Are the Best Time to Model Giving
I’ve shared this story before, but the message remains important to the heart of giving. Take a moment to learn why ladders matter on Christmas morning and all year round. At six years old, I was sure I needed one, and today, I’m as committed as ever to working my

How Hidden Risks Can Make Giving Decisions a Challenge
When I was about three or so years old, my family went for a drive in the Colorado mountains. I think we went for a picnic, but what I remember is jumping out of the car, barefooted, heading for a patch of wildflowers. My mother called out to stop, but

Five Questions That Will Make Your Giving Meaningful
Why should you give philanthropically and strive to make a difference? The answer goes beyond different vehicles for giving, choosing the right organizations, and even knowing your giving style. Here’s a hint: you need to know your Why. Some years ago, Curtis Meadow, past president of the Meadows Foundation, dove

One of Our Greatest Gifts — Our Time!
Dawn Franks has significantly impacted my thinking (and acting) about the ideas of legacy and generosity. When she asked me to consider writing some personal thoughts about these things, I saw it as a great opportunity for reflection. The concept of “legacy” always seemed intimidating, reserved for people with greater

Learning to Honor Lessons From Our Grandparents
Why do we celebrate Grandparents Day? Grandparents are cool. I vote we celebrate all month long! Originally established by presidential decree in 1978, it is intended as a day to honor grandparents for the contributions they make in our lives. It set me thinking about the contributions of my grandparents. I was fortunate

Three Ways to Ask Questions and Make Your Giving Powerful
The school zones are back, so slowing down should be top of my mind as I head for work every morning. After less than a week of blinking lights, something finally clicked, and I realized as I got to the end of the zone I should have slowed way down. You

How Did Paul Revere Make Being a Hero so Easy?
On a work trip, I made time for the American Freedom Trail in Boston with a guide dressed as Elizabeth Foster Goose. Along for the history were travelers from Australia, Mexico, England and half a dozen states, plus a mini/petite golden doodle tagging along. Mrs. Goose led us along the Trail

Turn Special Event Fundraising Into Philanthropy Networking
It’s always a lift when someone says one of these articles impacted their thinking. That happened recently at a local restaurant when a reader stopped by our table to tell me an article changed his thinking. So, it’s worth sharing again. How many special event fundraisers have you attended –

Grandparents Teach Giving Thru Action
While exiting my car, I noticed a young teenager, phone in hand, sitting in the front seat of a truck. Her glance revealed an unhappy face as she returned to her phone. Once inside to pick up our corgi from a grooming session, I heard about the unhappy face. Grandmother
The Gift of Giving
The Gift of Giving is a journey into a donor’s personal legacy—the one they’ve been living every single day. It started the day they were born, a story only they can live and share. Their story is their legacy.
The Gift of Giving is not just a book, it is a valuable resource, guide, and tool for givers of all ages at all stages to tell their legacy story. Throughout this book they will find short exercises to help them understand and convey their legacy, in essence, write their legacy.
While the story they’ve already lived will not change, donors can do something about tomorrow by becoming a more intentional giver today!
Available in Kindle, digital download or paper edition.
Your Legacy, Your Story
THE GIFT OF GIVING
One Story Across Generations
THE GIFT OF GIVING
Take a peek inside.
See what’s inside The Gift of Giving on book2look.

Giving Fingerprints
Sign up to receive Dawn’s FREE e-book, Giving Fingerprints, designed to help you be the unique giver you were meant to be.
FREE E-BOOK
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FREE e-book, Giving Fingerprints.
SPEAKER REQUEST
Request A Speaker
Dawn Franks is available to speak on a wide variety of topics to philanthropic organizations, professional associations and community groups. Topics include:
- Giving Fingerprints
- How Your Philanthropy Impacts the Next Generation
- What Story Does Your Foundation Tell?
- Family Foundations: Starting from Scratch