1. Respect: Of course, this includes respect for grantees and prospective grantees, but it also includes respect for the communities where you want to work – communities of people and communities of concern.
  2. Integrity: It can be very difficult to be candid in the power-based world that is grantmaking and grantseeking, but openness about your goals and process can enhance that relationship and ease the difficulty.
  3. Discipline: While giving may be driven by the heart, there is a rigor imposed by the stewardship of such a valued resource and public trust.
  4. Flexibility: Now this might seem like a complete contradiction to #3, but I believe having basic discipline gives you the knowledge and freedom to be flexible when that is called for.
  5. Curiosity: Philanthropy is a huge adventure and it is always a learning opportunity.
  6. Courage: Sometimes those uncharted waters give you the chance to take the occasional, gratifying trip outside your comfort zone.
  7. Sensitivity: Sensitivity to others and other situations is critical to forming solid partnerships within those communities.
  8. Pride: Be proud of that work and, for many, be proud of your family legacy of giving.
  9. Humility: It is humbling to know that you share this experience with so many other generous families.
  10. Joy: Have fun.

Read the full article on tips for donors by Virginia Esposito at National Center for Family Philanthropy