Crowd Funding. Great projects and great ideas may not fit neatly into the focus areas identified by the participants. Providing a vehicle through which they can provide one-time support for a special project or particular need may draw in donors who could then be exposed to new issues, networks and ideas. On-line platforms, such as Kickstarter, that leverage direct support for various causes and projects have been successful in bringing exposure to particular needs and engaging individuals who may not have been previously engaged as donors. Individuals could be selectively engaged in a high-end group to which a project or idea is presented along with the total cost for funding on a private web page. Each donor could then decide whether the project is of interest and how much to commit. The web page would show the amount of total contributions leading to the total, creating additional stimulation to participate. Reporting back on the web page as to what the project achieved could create additional motivation for involvement in future crowd funding. Matching Grants. Developing matching grants for which a single donor commits to providing a portion of the cost of a project and then asks others to match the amount, or where each dollar is over matched, is an idea suggested by one of the participants. This idea has several features that could be very attractive to the Chinese American donors, based on participant responses. First, there would be a trusted Chinese American donor connected with a trusted organization to which he or she is prepared to provide funding. The matching donor’s participation may be as large or as small as desired, allowing people to engage without a large commitment. Participating in such a grant provides the new donor with the opportunity to learn about the organization and its activities, which may then lead to more and larger donations. Summary As seen by the participants in this study, philanthropy is broadly envisioned as the act of giving with engagement and commitment in ways that enhance society, support the community and help prepare the next generations of leaders and responsible citizens. Conscious engagement requires donors to expand their focus beyond the short-term results of their giving to include attention to the sustainability of the programs or organizations they are supporting. Whether or not participants felt that their Chinese American heritage influenced their own personal giving, they clearly recognized the influence of culture within the larger community. The effect of the deeply ingrained tradition of passing wealth to one’s children, especially on first generation Chinese Americans, was noted by most. While nearly everyone supports multiple organizations that serve Chinese populations, both in China and in the Bay Area, or that endeavor to preserve Chinese culture and heritage, a generational expansion in focus appeared in the conversations, looking outward from the immediate social circle to the community, and then to society at large. As succeeding generations become more secure in their situations and therefore have more to give, they are able to do more to make a difference on many levels. As noted by several participants in this study, the motives and goals of Chinese American donors are probably very similar to those of other ethnic communities, as well as the population in general: a desire to give back in appreciation of opportunities received, a felt obligation to assist others in achieving their own dreams, and a wish to make the world a better place for all. What does vary between groups is the historical and cultural context in which they are engaging in philanthropy. For the participants in this study, the focus on education, leadership development and Chinese American arts and history acknowledges the efforts of multiple generations of immigrants endeavoring to succeed and thrive in a new environment. By supporting activities in these areas, they are helping to pave the way to the same success for both future immigrants and the coming generations. Participants noted that the process for becoming involved in philanthropy needs to be made transparent. New donors would benefit from resources to guide them in identifying ways to support causes that resonate for them. Determining which organizations are accountable, effective and efficient can be challenging, as can navigating the variety of giving mechanisms and intermediaries through which donations can be channeled. As the population of Chinese Americans continues to grow, along with the number of those who are in a position to give, increasing their exposure to the many causes with which they might become involved is an important first step in expanding engagement of this group. Awareness of the needs in their communities can be created through education, mentoring or hands-on experience. If high-profile members of the community are willing to set aside their preference for giving anonymously, they could have significant influence as role models. Finally, capitalizing on the strengths of culture and focusing on the clear vision of issues that make a difference will also lead to more engagement. The participants in this study envision a future in which the opportunity to thrive exists for all members of society, and in which causes and organizations that enrich the community are sustainably supported. Actions such as endowing a scholarship, supporting a museum or funding a school in China help create an environment in which such a future is possible. The example set by the donors in this study has the potential for inspiring others to believe in that vision and do their part to bring it about. The ability to give back to the community, locally and globally, while honoring the past and shaping the future is both an opportunity and a gift. “ The ability to give back to the community… while honoring the past and shaping the future is both an opportunity and a gift. ” 14 SILICON VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SILICON VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 15