A Generous Life

""As I paged through A Generous Life, I felt the extraordinary comfort of being in conversation with Peter once again. What a gift--in each chapter of this book, I found myself smiling and nodding, saying to myself, 'Yes! Absolutely!' I particularly love the practical bulleted lists, reflection questions, how-tos, and self-assessments. It gives me comfort that future generations of philanthropic advisors will benefit from a grounding in Peter's influence. His words serve as a reminder that rooting in love and responsibility, centering justice and generosity, and having meaningful conversations are signposts that they are on the right path."" --Elaine Martyn, Senior Vice President at Fidelity Charitable ""I am one of the lucky ones: those who were mentored by and simultaneously worked with Peter Karoff. And those actions were inseparable to Peter--he mentored everyone he worked with, and everyone he consulted he also mentored. How grateful I am that Peter's voice and wisdom are now available to all. How much we, as one human family, need his reflections on the joy of generosity. Giving isn't only about impact, metrics, and results. Giving is more--it is the root to our finding purpose, joy, and identity in our time on this earth. There is no wiser guide I know of than Peter Karoff. My gratitude to those closest to him for bringing his writings together in a cohesive and approachable way. This gives those readers who weren't blessed to know Peter a chance to encounter him through this book and have his wisdom push them forward. Peter made me better. Anyone who reads A Generous Life will have the chance to be better too."" --Amy Goldman, CEO and Chair of GHR Foundation ""Peter's sage words remind us that individual giving is meant to be a deeply personal, heartfelt, and joyful journey--not simply a strategic exercise fueled by impartial metrics and PowerPoint presentations. In philanthropy, getting the balance right between one's brain and one's heart truly matters; if we are thoughtful, our giving can both make a substantive difference in the world and help us become a better version of ourselves."" --Thomas Tierney, Cofounder of the Bridgespan Group ""This compendium is a tribute to Peter and his exceptional humanness, and I am struck by how incredibly relevant his writings are for society today. To understand Peter and his work, begin your journey reading the wonderful tribute by Melinda Marble, and then peruse the topical chapters laid out thematically. And don't miss the first chapter's quote that conveys the 'essence' of Peter's beliefs: 'The potential for creative and original thinking and action is all around us. It often lives just below the surface of the everyday and with the right support can be stimulated, nurtured, mentored.' Peter always hoped to spark your creativity and to have you enjoy your journey!"" --Sara Hamilton, Founder of Family Office Exchange ""A Generous Life offers an inside look at philanthropy from a man who helped shape it. Peter Karoff's personal reflections reveal how the field has evolved during the last three decades, and will inspire funders and advisors alike to think more deeply about how we give."" --Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation ""If you were fortunate enough to have known Peter Karoff, to read this wonderful collection of his essays on giving is like reopening a conversation that was never quite finished. If you do not yet know Peter's work, you now have a ready access point. For all who love philanthropy, poetry, democracy, or just downright civic conviviality, this book will inspire you and challenge you to keep what matters alive."" --Phil Cubeta, former Director of Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy(R) (CAP(R)) Program at The American College of Financial Services ""Peter taught us philanthropy is the gift of who you are. It is a state of being that calls on our bravest and most authentic selves as we practice the art of giving. The lessons he imparted continue to resonate: to begin with the end in mind; to swing for the fences with big, hairy, audacious goals; to imagine the world we want through a lens of generosity. Wherever you are on the philanthropic curve, Peter's presumption of hope in the 'great percussion of philanthropic possibilities' provides inspiration for the lifelong journey of becoming our best selves."" --Angelica Berrie, president of the Russell Berrie Foundation and coauthor of A Passion for Giving: Tools and Inspiration for Creating a Charitable Foundation ""It was among the greatest gifts of my life to be Peter's friend. We walked and talked all over the country as he imagined how donors could be more strategic in their giving. Why wealth with responsibility is the only path to wealth as well-being. He tried out his poems on me and they always sang. Now, in A Generous Life, you can hear Peter's voice as he sings out his love for his fellow humans--the essence of philanthropy."" --James (Jay) E. Hughes Jr., author of Family Wealth: Keeping it in the Family and coauthor of The Cycle of the Gift: Family Wealth and Wisdom