Strategic Approaches to Private Philanthropy

Monday, October 10, 2011, 14.00–15.30, Goethe-Institut

 

Stephanie Shirley, British Government's Founding Ambassador for Philanthropy, United Kingdom

Jerry Hirsch, Philanthropist, Chairman and Founder, The Lodestar Foundation, USA

Karel Janeček, Mathematician, CEO, RSJ Algorithmic Trading, Czech Republic

 

 

The focus of the panel was the strategies of private philanthropy. Jiří Bárta began optimistically by stating the increase of donations within the Czech Republic in 2010. He stressed that although the corporate giving is still declining, the Czech individuals drive the rise.

 

The first panelist, Stephanie Shirley, indicated three phases of her life: learning, earning and returning. Referring to her traumatic experiences from early childhood, she described her motivation as a philanthropist: “I give much because I've been given so much”'. She stressed the importance of focus on particular areas and of personal motivation as means of strategic approach towards philanthropy. In order to effectively allocate her resources she created a foundation that ensures the evaluation and measurement.

 

Jerry Hirsch indicated two philanthropic strategies: to encourage others to be more giving, and to encourage effectiveness and cooperation of NGOs. He claimed his motivational force is his selfishness and need of satisfaction, as is Karel Janecek's. The latter, referring to the problem of the economic debt, believes that a solution is to increase public awareness of both what gives a personal satisfaction and what is objectively relevant for society. He noted: “You can be selfish, but in the right way”. During the discussion, all panelists agreed on the necessity of a more active participation in both philanthropy and giving on a small-scale in the Czech Republic.