Former Citigroup Chair Offers Advice for Aspiring Donors

As chairman of Citigroup, Sanford (Sandy) I. Weill managed to achieve great wealth. But from the title of his new book, The Real Deal – My Life in Business and Philanthropy (Warner Books, October, 2006) his career success stands on equal par with his commitment to making the world better.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy (October 12, 2006) provides strong coverage of how he and his wife Joan have actively served as donors and chairpersons for major charities over the past 25 years. It includes an excerpt from the book called “Advice to Aspiring Philanthropists.” In it, Weill encourages donors to:

* Make long-term commitments where passion will last
* Invest in organizations that can benefit from your business expertise and that are led by those who “inspire confidence” and are “…open to strong cooperative partnerships with board members.
* Resist the urge to spread yourself to thin because both you and the chosen institution will suffer as a result.

Susan Herr