How To Give to Charity No Matter How Much You Make

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We read an article recently that mentioned a man named Chuck Feeney, an Irishman that made his fortune in cognac, perfume and cigarettes sold from duty-free shops. He then made it his life’s mission to give away his entire $7.5 billion fortune while he was still living—a commitment that earned him the nickname the “James Bond of Philanthropy.”

Forbes published an article about Mr. Feeney in 2012 that is well worth the read entitled Chuck Feeney: The Billionaire Who is Trying to Go Broke.

glass half full, half emptyHe gave away his last $7 million in 2016 to Cornell University, leaving him a paltry $2 million to live on. Musing about Mr. Feeney, we found an article written in 2018 by Philip Taylor; we felt it was well worth sharing with our loyal readers.

Mr. Taylor notes that “the average American that makes $1 to $2 million only contributes about 3.2% to charity” but goes on to muse that he rarely gives much over 10% and admits why. You may relate.

He also has some sage but simple advice on how you can give to charity no matter how much you make. There are only 2 steps. It’s a good article.
Here it is.

On behalf of the Stewardship Foundation, it is our great pleasure to wish our friends, clients and mission-oriented non-profits, and all our “neighbors” a Happy New Year. Always know that we are here to serve your charitable giving and gift planning needs, and please refer us to a friend, non-profit or family member whom you think might benefit from our services.

More about Chuck Feeney »

Blind Obedience

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In December, our thoughts are drawn to the event in Bethlehem that occurred over 2,000 years ago. We think about a virgin named Mary and how she gave birth to a child and laid him not in a warm incubator in a spotless maternity ward, but in a trough used for hay in a barn with no heat.

Christmas in the stableWe know this is the promised Redeemer, because we’ve been taught and because as believers we have faith that the story, while perhaps not newspaper reporter accurate, is true. But we’ve had years to figure this out. His first visitors were less informed, but were obedient to God’s word, and this is our lesson.

We recall and are humbled by who the Father chose to be his Son’s first visitors. Simple sheep herders, probably with their dogs and of course the new-born lambs that could not be left behind should wolves appear. They came because the angels told them to go—blind obedience to something they could not have understood.

Later, this stable-born Child and his Mother were visited by three kings who on another mission of blind obedience were seeking a royal child—the “king of the Jews.” Instead, on their knees they paid homage to a boy child born in a barn to parents who were obviously poor. And afterwards, refused to tell King Herod anything. Once again, obedient to a dream, they left for home by another path.

Can we be challenged by the shepherds and kings to say “yes” to God’s plan even though we do not understand fully the result of our obedience? At the Stewardship Foundation, we commit once again to be obedient to our charter in the coming year. Considering the state of the markets this month, it will take diligence and optimism. We are up to the task!

On behalf of staff and board, we pray that 2019 is a happy and rewarding year for you and your families. Peace and blessings from The Stewardship Foundation.

Stewardship is Our Journey

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At the core of The Stewardship Foundation’s core beliefs is the biblical story of the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) where Christ teaches that to those who are entrusted with much, whether it be money, assets or non-financial riches, much is expected.

As stewards of our clients’ investment choices, we often reflect on our mission and how well we communicate this to our friends, family, and the clients who entrust us with their financial future everyday.

all saintsAs Peter preached to the early Christians, and what is still our personal challenge today, “Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet 4:8-11)

Yes, our vocation is to be “good stewards” of other people’s money, and we certainly try hard to do that with strength and without complaining, though since October we’ve been tempted to throw darts at a photo of the Merrill Lynch bull.

According the U.S. Bishop’s Pastoral Letter on Stewardship, under Obstacles to Stewardship, we read…

At times, we can find it far too easy to ignore spiritual realities and to deny religion a role in shaping human and social values. As Catholics who have entered into the mainstream of American society and experienced its advantages, many of us also have been adversely influenced by this secular culture. We know what it is to struggle against selfishness and greed, and we realize that it is harder for many today to accept the challenge of being a Christian steward. It is essential, therefore, that we make a special effort to understand the true meaning of stewardship and live accordingly.

As Christmas approaches, let us be reminded to review our roles of Christian Stewardship, and as the Bishops suggest, look to Mary as the ideal steward, living her life in a spirit of fidelity and service.