Giving Compass' Take:

• Lamar Mickens discusses hypocrisy in the philanthropic world where grants rarely impact real global issues and instead are "image based." 

• How can we ensure the money being donated is being put to good use? How can donors be held accountable to the communities they aim to help? 

• Read about why the way we do philanthropy is deeply flawed.

So, I’ve been reading the website on the “Giving Pledge” where the “wealthy” intend, claim or “promise” to give away half of their fortune between now — or when they die….

Really?….

Now, before you get “all teary eyed” while clutching year chest and sighing in great amazement or relief — thinking “what a wonderful gesture”! Think about this:

That announcement was some eight years ago — and I am still wondering just who and how much have any of them actually given away so far?

I also know that a few of the signatory have already passed away — Like Paul Allen; co-founder of Microsoft; who I believed was a signatory. And if so, I wonder what happened to his fortune? Did he give as he promised?

Read the full article about hypocrisy in philanthropy by Lamar Mickens at Medium.