Giving Done Right
Effective Philanthropy and Making Every Dollar Count

Quotes

"In Giving Done Right, Buchanan advises grant makers to exercise more humility in their giving. Coming amid grandiose claims that if only it were managed in more businesslike ways, philanthropy could do more (or exaggerated criticisms about the harms such approaches might cause), that is a welcome message, especially from a longtime proponent of effective philanthropy."—Leslie Lenkowski, Chronicle of Philanthropy

"[Buchanan] lays out a framework that can help anyone engaged in philanthropy to be more thoughtful, open-minded, and willing to learn, adapt, and keep trying."—Philanthropy News Digest

"Thoughtful and articulate in supporting not only the principles of effective giving but the value and contribution of effective non-profits in our history and future as a country...For me, it is his insistence that we focus on the best that each has to offer in our pursuit of working together toward a common purpose that makes this book so valuable. It is about the genuine friendship that is possible."—Fred Smith, The Gathering

"Overall, for any type of giver-of any size, or ideology-Buchanan's advice is refreshingly measured. With notable discipline, it is almost always properly qualified with realistic, everyday practicalities... Buchanan has written a good book with good ideas to improve philanthropy. He and others are now having to defend philanthropy itself against overstated attacks on those who made, and how they made, the fortunes creating it. This is unfortunate."—Michael E. Hartmann, Philanthropy Digest

"Giving Done Right punctures myths and provides helpful guidance about the complexities and joys of philanthropy. Buchanan makes a persuasive and always practical case for why non-profits are not like businesses, why giving is not like investing, and how readers can find their own satisfying path to doing great good."—Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Arbuckle Professor, Harvard Business School and Founder, Harvard University Advanced Leadership Initiative

"A thoughtful, engaging read with important insights and valuable analysis to help donors and philanthropists be more effective with their giving. A must read for those who really want to make a difference when supporting non-profits."—Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, author of Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

"For any philanthropist-whether you give large amounts or small-your money will go much further and your impact will be much deeper if you understand the insights and advice offered in this book. It is the essential guide to effective giving in the 21st century, so you can play your part in the great American tradition of giving back. Don't donate without it."—Henry Timms, Co-founder of #Giving Tuesday, President and CEO, 92nd Street Y

"Phil Buchanan is arguably the best informed and most insightful thought leader in philanthropy today, and this book shows him at his best: Like its author, Giving Done Right is grounded in data, animated by real stories well told, and provocative in ways that shed more light than heat. An essential and highly readable guide for foundations and donors ready to move beyond feeling good to doing good."—Richard Ober, President & CEO, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation

"Giving is easy. Giving with real impact is anything but. In this go-to primer, Phil Buchanan offers invaluable insights about the art and practice of strategic philanthropy."—Stephen Heintz, President, Rockefeller Brothers Fund

"Giving Done Right should be required reading for anyone looking to better understand how to achieve more effectiveness in their giving. Phil Buchanan's research, data and storytelling make clear the challenges with bringing a business mindset to solving social problems. This book provides a thorough overview of the change in mindset necessary to attain more satisfaction with your giving."—Pamela Norley, President, Fidelity Charitable