A Generous Life: Reflections on Inspired Giving
A bold and imaginative guide for donors who want to make their giving more meaningful, from a pioneering thinker in the field of philanthropy.
In 1989, Peter Karoff, a businessman with a passion for social justice, had an idea that would fuse his financial expertise with his drive for doing good. He would found a nonprofit consulting firm, among the first of its kind in the country, to help donors decide where and how to direct their giving.
The Philanthropic Initiative soon became a leader in the emerging field of strategic philanthropy. Since then, TPI has influenced the direction and focus of billions of dollars in philanthropy.
Peter died in 2017. A Generous Life compiles Peter’s reflections throughout this remarkable second act – lessons learned, provocative ideas, and stories about the power and potential of philanthropy. Through speeches, essays, and blog posts spanning decades, Peter presents giving as a journey, acknowledging the challenges and celebrating what he calls “coming ’round right”, finding the true philanthropic connections that add value to society and contribute to a just world.
About the authors
Peter Karoff was a champion of civil rights and social justice, a published poet, and a pioneering leader in the field of strategic philanthropy and philanthropic advising. He founded The Philanthropic Initiative, a Boston-based nonprofit philanthropic advising firm that designs transformative giving solutions at the local, national, and global level.
In 2006, Peter was named a Purpose Prize Fellow in celebration of his visionary ideas and profound impact on the field of philanthropy. He was the author of The World We Want: New Dimensions in Philanthropy and Social Change and Parable, a book of poetry, and was the editor of Just Money: A Critique of Contemporary American Philanthropy. He died in March 2017.
Melinda Marble is a consultant and philanthropic advisor who has spent her career in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. In addition to heading or directing giving at three family foundations, including the Barr Foundation and the Paul and Phyllis Fireman Family Foundation, she has served at community foundations and led a regional association of grantmakers.
She has been a consultant to more than a hundred donors and philanthropic enterprises ranging in size from neighbourhood-based grassroots groups to major national foundations and universities. She is a former TPI staff and board member.
Reviews
“How grateful I am that Peter’s voice and wisdom are now available to all. How much we, as one human family, need his reflections on the joy of generosity. Giving isn’t only about impact, metrics, and results. Giving is more – it is the root to our finding purpose, joy, and identity in our time on this earth. There is no wiser guide I know of than Peter Karoff. My gratitude to those closest to him for bringing his writings together in a cohesive and approachable way. This gives those readers who weren’t blessed to know Peter a chance to encounter him through this book and have his wisdom push them forward. Peter made me better. Anyone who reads A Generous Life will have the chance to be better too.”
Amy Goldman, CEO and Chair of GHR Foundation
“A Generous Life offers an inside look at philanthropy from a man who helped shape it. Peter Karoff’s personal reflections reveal how the field has evolved during the last three decades, and will inspire funders and advisors alike to think more deeply about how we give.”
Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation
