Woman of the Year

The New Philanthropists

Writing a check is only part of the solution

By Patric Petrie

Many San Diegans are no longer content to leave money to favorite causes in their wills. Rather, their goal is to see change in their lifetimes. To do so, they create strategic plans for their money, to be carried out with their active participation and under their guidance. For them, it is not merely enough to write checks. Instead, they choose an issue, research how best to solve it and involve themselves deeply in the effort.

With this new heightened involvement, a new type of donor has emerged on the horizon: the new philanthropist. These philanthropists dive into charitable giving with the same passion and intensity they bring to all of their pursuits. They also bring real-life experiences and wisdom with them to their causes: They’ve found success in the business world and now they want to make an impact in another arena—and they expect results.

“I don’t give indiscriminately,” says Ruth Westreich, president of The Westreich Foundation, a major force in the effort to move nonprofits and their leaders forward to accomplish strategic missions—not just to give money. “I hold my organizations accountable, and when I have a problem I tell them.”

To many of these philanthropists, giving is something much too personal to delegate. “Donald and I both came from humble beginnings,” says Darlene Shiley, who, with husband Donald, has donated to numerous local organizations, including the UCSD Shiley Eye Center, KPBS, Scripps Clinic, the Old Globe Theatre and the University of San Diego. “Donald worked very hard to earn our money, and I work very hard to spend it!” she adds with a laugh.

Philanthropists are not just getting more involved; they’re also exploring new approaches to philanthropy. One such approach is venture philanthropy, which increases the capacity of nonprofit organizations to deliver their programs and services to more people. The motto of San Diego Social Venture Partners, a leading venture philanthropy organization, articulates it well: “Invest. Engage. Advance.” The group’s goal is to help create significant, long-term positive social change in its communities by educating individuals to be well-informed, effective and engaged philanthropists. The group also invests time, expertise and money in innovative nonprofits to strengthen the organizations.

Regardless of how these new philanthropists give, one thing is certain: They believe in helping others. Shiley is one such example of this. “My mother and my grandmother were instrumental in teaching me that you can always spare something for others,” she says.