Categories

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

Read More »

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

Read More »

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

Read More »

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

Read More »

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

Read More »

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 –

Read More »

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

Read More »

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

Some of us are great story tellers, and then some of us are better on paper. But for most of us, our stories play out on a never-ending tape stuck in our heads. Sometimes we feel them in our heart or gut. Author Don Miguel Ruiz says it this way, “You create an entire picture or movie in your mind, and in that picture you are the director, you are the producer, you’re the main actor or actress. Everyone else is a secondary actor or actress. It’s your movie. Every movie has a script. That script is your life story."
FROM
THE GIFT OF GIVING

One Story Across Generations

Golda, matriarch of a generous family, modeled a legacy story for her granddaughter, Sharon, and her community. Sharon learned about giving, watching and talking to her grandmother. When the young and curious Sharon asked Golda why wheelchairs were hanging from the basement rafters, she learned that her grandmother believed it was a community’s responsibility to care for those in need. As a result, Golda had prepared with wheelchairs, walkers, and dressing rolls ready for the future.
FROM
THE GIFT OF GIVING

Take a peek inside.

See what’s inside The Gift of Giving on book2look.

Kindle Edition

Digital Download

Gift of Giving Book

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

Submit info to receive Dawn’s
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