Protecting Your Legacy: A Wise Giver's Guide to Honoring and Preserving Donor Intent

The importance of respecting donor intent is frequently mentioned in discussions of philanthropic practice, but often misinterpreted or given only lip service. Wise donors, though, know that energetically guarding their gifts and their mission is the only way to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of personal giving. This comprehensive, easy-to-read book outlines with a clarity and authority never before achieved all of the vital steps needed to protect your giving legacy. It carefully avoids one-size-fits-all solutions, addresses the central matters in depth, and incorporates the wisdom of scores of donors, foundation leaders, and consultants who generously share their experiences, from horror stories to triumphs. No matter where you are in your philanthropic journey, you can take steps to avoid losing control of your charitable gifts. And you must. As this thorough and practical book demonstrates, there is a high likelihood of bitter disappointment if you don't act to enshrine your philanthropic principles in careful codes, staff choices, governance rules, and management procedures. Study this guide to make sure the fruits of your hard work and generosity actually go to the causes you hold dear.

Joanne Florino is vice president of philanthropic services for the Philanthropy Roundtable. She is also a consultant to the Atlantic Philanthropies Archives at Cornell University. Ms. Florino has worked in philanthropy for over 35 years. Previously, she was executive director of the Triad Foundation in Ithaca, New York, from April 2003 through March 2013. She was also executive director of the Park Foundation and a program associate at Atlantic Philanthropies. Ms. Florino was previously vice president of public policy for the Philanthropy Roundtable, served as a strategy committee member for the Alliance for Charitable Reform, chaired the public-policy committee of Grantmakers Forum of New York, and served as a member of the Ethics and Practices Committee of the Council on Foundations. She currently serves as a board member of the Legacy Foundation in Ithaca, New York, the Network of Enlightened Women, and the New York Council of Nonprofits. Ms. Florino earned a bachelor's degree in history from Georgetown University and a master's degree in American history from Cornell University.