Giving Away 50 Cents on Every Dollar?

The March edition of Worth also (see March 14 blog) features Anne and Christopher Ellinger whose newly formed 50% League includes folks willing to give half of their net worth or income for three years. While that’s a pretty high bar, the League's founders go further, requiring members to publicize their personal stories (anonymously, if they prefer.) The website declares that, as of March, 2007, 80 League members have given a third of a billion dollars to good causes.

You may remember the Ellingers' previous endeavor to encourage philanthropy, an organization called More Than Money that, ironically, folded in June 2006 because of funding troubles.

This promoting of philanthropy, rather than money for a specific issue, is no easy row to hoe. Even more so, I'm inspired by the evangelism behind this effort that encourages wealthy donors to both give until it hurts, and to tell others how good it feels. I, for one, am glad to hear this couple is at it again after taking a year off. PhilanthroMedia will keep you posted as this effort unfolds.

Susan Herr