Check out Dr. Gray Keller’s recent blog post on spontaneous giving.

http://tinyurl.com/mkescph

Gray reminds us about the importance of being thoughtful and prepared before an opportunity presents itself.  There are many ways to do this, but I always recommend sitting down with a trusted advisor who understands a good deal about your values and beliefs first.  Seek out someone who has insight into your assets (tangible and intangible).  This person should, above all,  be able to detach his / her own agenda from the conversation and truly listen to you and what you desire for yourself, your family and your community.

The process of purposeful planning forces us into a place of greater clarity.  When we figure out how to connect our assets with something higher, we gain feelings of success, significance and satisfaction.

The big step is making sure that our loved ones know and understand the “why” behind the “what” in our lifetime and legacy giving.  The sharing process serves as a gateway to conversations that build and sustain wonderfully fulfilling relationships.

So – gain clarity for yourself and make a plan.  Even if you don’t know exactly what cause may be coming down the pike, you’ll be ready to respond with purpose when the time comes.  If you know ahead of time that you have a philanthropy account at the ready for causes that connect with your true values, you don’t have to live with regrets later on.