Over the past thirty years, I’ve worn many hats—nonprofit leader, fundraiser, advisor, board member, writer, and advocate. But no matter what title I’ve held or what cause I’ve championed, the foundation of my work has always been built on three things: faith, compassion, and community. These aren’t just ideals I talk about—they’re the principles I live by, and the cornerstones that have shaped my approach to effective philanthropy.
Faith as a Guiding Light
Faith, for me, isn’t just about religion—it’s about trust. It’s about believing that even in the hardest seasons, there’s a greater purpose at work. Throughout my career, I’ve faced challenges that felt overwhelming—grants falling through, community crises, donor fatigue, leadership transitions. But in each of those moments, my faith reminded me to keep going. It reminded me that this work isn’t about me—it’s about serving something bigger.
When I served with organizations in Central America, where poverty and pain were part of daily life, faith gave me the courage to stay present. It gave me the hope that things could change. I remember looking into the eyes of mothers who had nothing—but still managed to smile with gratitude. I saw faith in them too. And that’s when I realized: faith is often the starting point of every meaningful act of generosity.
As a leader, faith also means trusting your team, trusting the process, and trusting the people you serve. It’s what keeps us grounded when the results aren’t immediate and the needs feel never-ending.
Compassion Is the Engine
Compassion is what fuels everything. Without it, philanthropy becomes a checklist. With it, it becomes a movement.
True compassion isn’t just feeling sorry for someone. It’s feeling with them. It’s stepping into their shoes, listening to their stories, and recognizing their humanity. It’s about seeing people not as problems to be solved, but as lives to be valued.
When I helped develop hunger relief programs in rural America, I sat at kitchen tables with families who were doing everything right—but still couldn’t make ends meet. Compassion pushed me to do more than just drop off food. It made me ask deeper questions: Why is this happening? How can we advocate for long-term change? What else can we do to restore dignity and hope?
In today’s fast-paced, results-driven culture, it’s easy to forget the human side of philanthropy. But compassion reminds us that success isn’t measured only in metrics—it’s measured in smiles, in stories, in the quiet victories that happen one person at a time.
Community Is Where It All Comes Together
You can have all the resources and strategies in the world, but without community, philanthropy falls flat.
I’ve always believed that we’re stronger together. When people unite around a shared mission, they can move mountains. Whether it’s a church congregation raising money for clean water, a local Rotary Club volunteering at a shelter, or neighbors starting a grassroots nonprofit—community is where generosity becomes action.
At Birmingham Green, where I now serve as Chief Advancement Officer, I see community in motion every single day. From our dedicated staff to our volunteers and partners, everyone plays a role. And that’s what makes our work sustainable. It’s not just one person doing everything—it’s everyone doing something.
Building community means showing up, listening well, and creating space for others to contribute. It means lifting as you climb and making sure everyone has a seat at the table. I’ve served on boards across the country, and the most impactful organizations are always the ones that understand this truth: community isn’t just a part of the mission—it is the mission.
The Heart of Effective Philanthropy
When faith, compassion, and community come together, philanthropy transforms from an activity into a way of life. It becomes more than giving—it becomes belonging. It creates spaces where people are known, valued, and empowered.
To anyone looking to get involved in nonprofit work or give back to their community, my advice is simple: Start with your heart. Ask yourself what breaks your heart—and then do something about it. Find the people who share your vision, and get to work together. Be consistent. Be curious. And above all, stay rooted in your “why.”
Effective philanthropy isn’t about having the biggest budget—it’s about having the biggest heart. It’s about showing up when no one’s watching, doing the right thing even when it’s hard, and believing in the ripple effect of kindness.
Living It Out
My life has taken me from the neighborhoods of Long Island to the hills of Honduras, and every step of the way, faith, compassion, and community have been my compass. Whether I’m writing an article, sitting on a board, mentoring a young leader, or raising funds for a new initiative, these values guide me.
They remind me that every person has a story. Every gift has impact. And every act of love—no matter how small—has the power to change the world.
Let’s not just do philanthropy. Let’s live it.
And let’s do it together.