By HPK Provident Advisors
I recently had the opportunity to attend a two-day intensive seminar on Fundraising for Small Non-Profits, right here in Sarasota, Florida. The event was sponsored by the Patterson Foundation and featured curriculum from the Fund Raising School at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
The experience was not only rewarding—it was eye-opening.
A Personal Passion for History
As many of you know, I’m passionate about history and actively volunteer with the Friends of the Sarasota County History Center. On July 3, 2025, we celebrated a major milestone: the groundbreaking of the new History Center. It's an exciting step forward for our community.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to Collect, Preserve, and Share all things related to Sarasota County history. I walked away from the seminar more inspired than ever—not just to support this work, but to help others support the causes that matter most to them.
Americans Are Generous—Really Generous
Here’s a statistic that might surprise you: in 2023, Americans gave a staggering $557.16 billion to charitable causes. Even more notable, 64% of that came from individual donors.
And it's not just the ultra-wealthy. In fact, about 34% of households with less than $50,000 in net worth contributed to charity. The average donation? Just $121—a powerful reminder that even small gifts can collectively make a big impact.
From Billionaires to Bequests
On the other end of the giving spectrum are the philanthropists behind the Giving Pledge—a commitment by billionaires to donate up to 90% of their wealth. Launched in 2010 by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett, the initiative now includes over 250 donors across 30+ countries.
But giving takes many forms:
Foundations—mostly established by individuals—account for about 19% of all charitable contributions. They’re also required to distribute at least 5% of assets annually.
Bequests—affectionately referred to as gifts from those who’ve reached their “philanthropic maturity”—make up 8%.
Corporations contribute another 6%.
Fundraising Is a Process—Not Just an Ask
One of the biggest lessons I took from the seminar was this: fundraising is a process, not just an appeal. We explored the Fundraising Cycle, a 14-step process—and surprisingly, the actual "ask" doesn’t happen until Step 13!
Equally important are the Six Rights of Giving:
The Right person(s) asking the Right prospective donor for the Right gift, for the Right program, at the Right time, in the Right way.
This thoughtful and strategic approach gave me a new appreciation for the skill, planning, and care behind every successful fundraising campaign.
Passion Creates Impact
Want proof that one person can make a difference? Look no further than Penelope Bodry-Sanders, who founded the Lemur Conservation Foundation in 1996. Her vision created a safe haven for lemurs—native to Madagascar, and, surprisingly, now also living in Myakka City, FL.
Her story is just one example of how personal passion can drive global impact.
How You Can Give Back
Many of our clients already give their Time, Talent, and Treasure to the causes they care about—and we at HPK Provident Advisors applaud you for that. There are countless organizations doing meaningful work, and your support truly matters.
Here are a few ways to take your charitable giving to the next level:
Find causes that align with your values. Ask questions about their mission and how donations are used. Make sure it resonates with you.
Consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA or 401(k)—a tax-smart way to give while satisfying your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
Explore strategies like a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT). These can allow you to support the causes you love while potentially enhancing your financial plan.
Have questions about how to give more effectively? Reach out—we’re here to help you build a giving strategy that works for your goals, values, and long-term financial health.
Final Thought
Giving doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Whether you’re donating $100 or building a lasting legacy, what matters most is that your giving comes from the heart. Your generosity has the power to change lives—including your own.
— HPK Provident Advisors
Disclosures
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted.