Giving Compass' Take:

• Forbes examines the role crowdfunding plays in the role of local generosity and interviews philanthropist Sophie Azouaou, who reflects on two decades of giving in San Francisco.

• What can we learn from "quiet" givers such as Azouaou? She talks about how important accountability is in the sector and urges people to do their homework.

• Here's how to make the biggest impact with your charitable giving.

Philanthropy used to be the domain of Rockefellers, Guggenheims and other grand American dynasties. Now, more people are engaged in crowdfunding than ever in the history of humankind with over 16.2 billion raised. From PayPal’s Giving Tuesday campaign to Bernie Sanders’ presidential run, the fundraising records are being regularly reset.

Digital philanthropy is one of the hottest tech markets with multiple platforms from Kiva to Womentum vying for attention and prominence. “Making a difference” has never been easier. However, the role, profile and impact of local givers has also increased. They exemplify the traditions of charity and trail-blaze community engagement for future generations.

I sat down with Sophie Azouaou, the beloved designer of SophiSticate Interiors and one of the Bay Area’s most beloved quiet givers. Since her arrival in the city in 1988, she has been deeply involved in a number of local causes. Azouaou is particularly known for her contributions to combating homelessness. She has been a board member at  Raphael House, the oldest homeless shelter in San Francisco, where she redesigned multiple spaces ensuring long-term comfort of the children in its care. Her now legendary fundraiser ShowRise had set the bar for similar events. It raised enough money in one evening to allow the San Francisco Lighthouse Church to buy a mobile kitchen for its “Meals on Heels” program.

We talked about the best-case and worst-case scenarios of “getting involved” in the first place as well as what keeps her committed nearly two decades of giving.

Read the full article about Sophie Azouaou's advice on giving by Stephan Rabimov at Forbes.