For Generations to Come: Chinese American Philanthropy in the Bay Area Page 12

Uses. Some donors provide unrestricted funds to the organizations they support, while others favor contributing
to specific initiatives, such as youth programs. Scholarships are a very popular means for assisting both individual
students and educational institutions. A few donors with considerable financial resources or specialized expertise
in capital improvements supported capital campaigns and projects to provide new or expanded facilities for an
organization. But many participants saw no need to "micromanage" their contributions, especially when supporting
organizations they know are well managed and will spend the money effectively.

We're generally of the belief that people who are working on these programs hands on, day

in and day out know better about the day to day needs than we do. So we don't necessarily
direct our giving. We leave it to the discretion of the specific individuals at the schools.

In general, if I'm going to support an organization it's because I support the core mission,

core work, of the organization, and very seldom then do I designate that it go towards a
specific project. Either endowment or operating funds, I'm generally inclined to give to
the core budget, the core purpose of an organization as opposed to a special project.

Entities. Most participants contribute to multiple organizations of different types and sizes, including universities
and schools, historical and cultural groups, environmental groups, religious institutions, relief and development
organizations, and traditional charities. An efficient, well-run organization that manages its funds honestly and
ethically is of primary importance. Personal experience with an organization and a belief in its mission is frequently
the determining factor in deciding where to direct funds, time, and energy.

I guess it starts with believing in the purpose of the organization, its mission. It would follow

that I would want to believe in its leadership and its effectiveness. Not all non-profits are
well-managed. They may have the motivation, they may have the mission, but they might
not be effective at the change that they seek in their mission.

Criteria. When donors are considering supporting a new organization, they see exercising due diligence as very
important. Assessing the organization's program effectiveness, efficient use of funds, quality of leadership, and
transparency of accountability is the first step towards gaining confidence in it. Given the type of work done by many
of these organizations, as noted by one participant, it is not always reasonable to expect "measureable outcomes."
Sustainability and the ability to leverage funds for future expansion are also considered when selecting recipients.

First and foremost is, is the organization effective? I probably gauge that through

reputation, through who else is involved in it, through word of mouth, and then also through
the actual financials of the organization in terms of percentage of dollars that go to the actual
beneficiaries.

I want to pick projects that can leverage much more to the community or to the future than

what my donation would count for.

Changes. Participants noted that changes in their giving practices over time were mostly influenced by changes
in their own personal circumstances, and their own increased ability to make informed philanthropic decisions.

It has not changed in the sense of who I give to, but only that the dollar amounts have

gotten larger as I've been able to afford it. The recipients and how I give is the same,
as well as my reasons for giving.

We certainly have increased the amount of giving as we've gotten older. We figure, hey,

we're not going to spend this all, so we might as well give some of it away. Also, I think we're
becoming more aware of the situations that are in need.

Traditional Chinese culture supports giving that
is directed inward, towards one's own family,
rather than outward towards the community.

SILICON VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION