Impermanence in Philanthropy: The Case for Giving Urgently
Impermanence in philanthropy asks an essential and urgent question: How might we solve today’s problems today?
Impermanence in Philanthropy: The Case for Giving Urgently makes the case that time-bound giving — whether through sunset models, spend-out strategies or other life-limited approaches — can unlock greater focus, bolder risk-taking and deeper community impact.
At Gary Community Ventures, we believe that perpetuity and impermanence are compatible approaches to giving. However, there are far fewer resources for adopting the latter. This report invites all asset holders to consider how impermanence might accelerate and strengthen their philanthropic strategy.
Short Film: The Power of Impermanence
In the midst of this movement, we asked a group of eight philanthropic leaders, all of whom are adopting this time-bound strategy, to discuss the philosophy, practice and promise of impermanence.
Contributors
This report is released by Gary, an impermanent philanthropic organization that will sunset in 2035, and shaped by the insights of 100 philanthropic leaders and asset holders who are either “sunset committed” or “sunset curious.” These leaders convened at ASSEMBLE100: Impermanence, one of the largest gatherings to explore time-bound approaches to giving, to explore how their insights and questions could spur innovation and action in the field.
The report also includes impermanent giving strategies from Gary as well as the strategies of Blue Meridian Partners, the Chorus Foundation, the Heron Foundation and the Stupski Foundation.
Join The Movement
For the Impermanence Curious: Explore & Define
If you oversee $50 million in philanthropic assets and are looking for resources by way of peers and advisors, we would be pleased to coordinate a private session on your behalf with expert members of the ASSEMBLE100 Impermanence cohort by contacting partnerships@garycommunity.org.
For the Impermanence Convinced: Share the Knowledge
Are you a practitioner already on this path? Join our Community of Practice by submitting your lessons learned and case studies to ewilliams@garycommunity.org.
“I have a conviction that we cannot pass on our responsibilities to future generations. The needs of the moment are great and the opportunities to support meaningful change have never been greater.”
Sam Gary,Gary Community Ventures Founder