# Meaningful Philanthropy: The Person Behind the Giving

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/books/meaningful-philanthropy-the-person-behind-the-giving/
- Published: 2024-07-16T11:36:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**A groundbreaking exploration of what drives high-value philanthropists, and how
understanding the psychology behind giving can help fundraisers create more meaningful
experiences for their most significant donors.**

With unparalleled access to some of the world’s most reflective and thoughtful philanthropists,
this book explores the philanthropic journeys of 48 high net worth individuals and
ultra-high net worth individuals to uncover the person behind the giving.

Their stories reveal the difference between the meaning they experience and the 
impact their philanthropy makes. Through the lens of philanthropic psychology, the
authors examine how philanthropists experience their giving and the psychological
challenges they need to overcome. The book provides a unique guide for new and experienced
philanthropists and their trusted advisers and fundraisers in the creation of more
meaningful philanthropic experiences.

 * [**Buy the book**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1447371763?tag=219)

For major gifts fundraisers and philanthropy advisers, _Meaningful Philanthropy_
offers rare insight into what moves major donors — not just what they give, but 
who they are becoming through the act of giving.

## About Jen Shang and Adrian Sargeant

**Jen Shang** is Professor of Philanthropic Psychology and Co-Director of the Institute
for Sustainable Philanthropy. She is the world’s only philanthropic psychologist.

**Adrian Sargeant** is Professor of Fundraising and Co-Director of the [Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy](https://www.philanthropy-institute.org.uk/).
One of the sector’s most widely published academics, he is the author of numerous
works on fundraising management and donor behaviour.

## **Reviews**

“Delving into the complex motivations behind the diverse dreams and strategies that
animate the world of giving, this book is essential reading for anyone seeking to
understand and interact effectively with today’s biggest givers.”
**Peter Frumkin,
Gradel Institute of Charity, University of Oxford**

“We have long sought to understand the motivations of philanthropists. This book
introduces what should be at the root of philanthropy, with new concepts that critically
challenge our misconceptions.”
**Wendy Wong, The Archdiocese of Vancouver**