There’s just a month left to submit applications for the 2016 GiveWisely program sponsored by Communities Foundation of Texas. No, it’s not a study on the three wise men. The five-class series provides information for “a relatively small group of donors to sharpen their goals and strategies toward giving.”
The following schedule calls for the classes to run from 7 to 9 p.m.:
- Session #1 (Wednesday, January 20): Identifying Your Values — What are your core values? How do they show up in your giving- or do they? Discussing values, personal giving statements and charitable budgets.
- Session #2 (Wednesday, February 17): Pinpointing Your — This session will guide you through further identifying your philanthropic values, goals and legacy- and effectively communicating your giving philosophy with family, friends and the nonprofit community.
- Session #3 (Wednesday, March 23): Evaluating Effectiveness— Understanding community needs and assessing nonprofits to bring your personal perspective to bear on solving community problems. This session is complemented by the special off-site session, “How to Conduct a Site Visit” on Saturday, April 9.
- Session #4 (Wednesday, April 13): Philanthropist Panel — Hear from a panel of philanthropists and discuss the challenges, successes and impact of giving.
- Session #5 (Wednesday, April 29): Beyond the Class: Keeping Focus and Impact in Your Giving — Finalize your personal giving statements and your charitable budget for the year ahead in this workshop session.
According to last year’s GiveWisely participant Christine Allen, “I high recommend this class to anyone who has a heart to make the world a better place, but isn’t sure about the best way to make a personal impact. It’s an exceptional class, extremely well-organized, and every topic leads to valuable discussion. GiveWisely truly helps people hone in on their passions and apply their resources.”
While the series is free, “each member (or participating couple) will make a tax deductible $500 gift to Communities Foundation of Texas, to be directed to the nonprofit of their choosing at the end of the class.”
The deadline for applications is Friday, December 18.