My background can help corporations and nonprofits develop stronger philanthropic programs. It is great to want to help people, but too often, the potential benefits aren’t maximized. 

1. Nonprofits - It starts at the top. The Board should be a combination of people well-connected in your field as well as generous towards the organization, either in time or financial contributions, preferably in both. There should be some minimum level of contribution agreed upon in order to serve on the Board; it should be viewed as a prestigious honor.It feeds over to the programs. Is the Board synced up with what you’re trying to accomplish? Is your leadership? 
2. Corporations - What is your philanthropic strategy? It should be more than just writing a check; you should mobilize the whole corporation, from encouraging individuals to serve on Boards to hosting events. Non-profits need more than just your money; they need your time as well. Plus, it maximizes your contribution and its value to your company.
3. Individuals - The same applies for corporations, only on a narrower scope. There’s a lot of worthy causes out there, but you should try to focus on one or two that make a difference to you. Whether it is fighting cancer or education, the charitable world benefits when you have a focused strategy. 

Please contact me at @redlegben for assistance; my niche is international affairs and veterans’ causes, but the same strategy applies for all charitable endeavors.