Geography An initial matter of interest to many people seeking to collaborate with members of this group is whether they prefer to support causes and organizations in the U.S. or in the country of their birth or heritage. For the participants in this study, the answer differed depending on where they were born and how long they had lived there. All donors in this study directed at least some portion of their giving to causes in the Bay Area. Donors born in Mainland China also tended to be involved in projects there. They spoke of understanding the many needs that still exist in China, and of the importance of supporting development efforts there. Educational projects were seen as particularly powerful in helping people there to overcome poverty. This, however, did not preclude their giving to projects in the U.S. and elsewhere. Those born in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau tended to focus their giving in the U.S. However, those who spent longer in their birth country tended to share some portion of their giving with their home country. Those who left when younger were likely to direct more of their giving to activities in the U.S. Participants born in the U.S. showed a clear preference for giving in the U.S. Few distinctions were noted overall among age groups in their giving other than in the amount of funds that were available to be devoted to philanthropy. Participants noted that they were able to give as they grew older. This increased wealth with age was seen as providing more flexibility with resources and so more potential engagement in philanthropy, as well as the possibility for more significant gifts. Increasing the amount of financial contributions was also noted as a way to make up for the reduced amount of time available for volunteering. This distinction may only be important for those with individually acquired wealth; those who inherited the largest part of their wealth may show a different pattern. Some donors with children still at home described setting an example by creating a tradition of giving for them early in life, encouraging them to give as appropriate to their means and to volunteer their time. Parents expect that as their children grow older, they will redirect their efforts to issues and organizations of special interest to them. Gender Seventy-three percent of the participants were men and twenty-seven percent were women. The sample was generated through personal networks and individuals were invited to participate, so the relative numbers do not necessarily represent the proportions of men and women involved in philanthropy. Women in the study trended a bit older than their male counterparts. The majority of women participants are highly involved donors and were clear and focused about causes, organizations and due diligence. The increasing number of women in business and finance suggests that women may be an important focus for future donor development. Demographics Age The study included a wide range of ages, as shown in the graphic below. AGE OF PARTICIPANTS 60s 33% 50s 24% Over 70 10% Under 50 33% GENDER OF PARTICIPANTS 73% 27% MEN WOMEN 4 SILICON VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SILICON VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 5