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Giving with Intention
Philanthropy is a powerful force — but only when it’s done with clarity, intention, and heart. This space explores how families and institutions give across generations and geographies. From cross-border giving structures to fundraising strategy and impact investing, I share insights, stories, and frameworks to help generosity become not just an act — but a legacy.
When Medicine Fails, She Doesn’t. Meet the Doctor Fighting to Save Forgotten Children.
June 12th, 2025 A few weeks ago, I spoke at a biotech incubator event hosted by QB3 at UC Berkeley . The room was filled with brilliant...
Parson Tang
Staying Compliant Without Losing Your Soul
A Practical Reflection on Rules, Integrity, and Quiet Discipline Several years ago, I received a late-night email from a foundation...
Parson Tang
Investing for Impact: Making Your Foundation’s Capital Count
Why It’s Not Just About What You Give — But How You Grow It Years ago, I met a founder in Asia who was incredibly thoughtful about his...
Parson Tang
Giving With Purpose: Writing Grant Guidelines That Work
Why Clarity is a Gift — to Grantees, and to Yourself A few years ago, I worked with a foundation that felt… stuck. They had generous...
Parson Tang
Succession Is Not a Plan. It’s a Process.
On Legacy, Letting Go, and Watching the Next Generation Rise I remember meeting a retired businessman in Los Angeles—first-generation...
Parson Tang
Who Sits at the Table: Picking the Right Decision Makers
The Quiet Power of Choosing the Right People From the Start I once sat in a board meeting where no one spoke for the first few minutes....
Parson Tang
Trust or Corporation? Choosing the Right Foundation Structure
And Why It’s Not Just a Legal Question A few years ago, I helped a family in California set up a private foundation. They had just sold...
Parson Tang
How to Find Your “Why” Before Giving Away a Dime
Lessons from Families Who Chose Purpose Over Pressure A few years ago, I met with a client who had recently received a major inheritance....
Parson Tang
Why Some Families Start Foundations — And Others Don’t
Reflections from a Banker Who’s Sat With Hundreds of Families at Their Crossroads I still remember one afternoon in Hong Kong, sitting...
Parson Tang
Stewardship That Sticks: How to Turn One-Time Donors into Lifelong Champions
There’s a saying in fundraising circles: “The thank-you is not the end—it’s the beginning.” And it’s true. One of the most impactful...
Parson Tang
Closing with Confidence: How to Finalize the Gift and Keep the Relationship Strong
I once worked with a nonprofit that had a fantastic meeting with a potential donor. The conversation went well, the donor seemed excited,...
Parson Tang
Future-Proofing Your Mission: Planned Giving and Long-Term Funding
I remember a conversation I had with a long-time donor who had been quietly giving to a conservation nonprofit for over a decade. One...
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Planning to Succeed: How to Build a Fundraising Strategy That’s Realistic and Resilient
One of the most common challenges I see when I advise nonprofit leaders—especially smaller or growing organizations—is this: they don’t...
Parson Tang
Pitch Perfect: How to Craft a Fundraising Message That Resonates
Over the years, I’ve seen how a strong pitch can unlock transformational giving—and how a weak one, even with the best intentions, can...
Parson Tang
Why People Give: The Psychology Behind the Gift
In one of my early volunteer engagements, I met a donor who quietly supported a small rural health program. She didn’t want recognition,...
Parson Tang
Educating, Not Asking: How Relationships Are Really Built
A few years ago, I sat in on a donor meeting with a nonprofit I was advising pro bono. The executive director launched right into the...
Parson Tang
What’s Changing in Philanthropy: 6 Trends You Need to Know
Not long ago, I was helping a client prepare for a conversation with a nonprofit she deeply cared about. She wanted to give, but she also...
Parson Tang
The Art of Prospecting – Why the Right Donor Isn’t Always the Obvious One
One of the most common questions I get from nonprofit leaders is, “Do you know anyone who might give to our cause?” It’s an honest...
Parson Tang
Mastering the Art of Fundraising – Why It’s Time for a New Playbook
In my work managing investments for ultra-high-net-worth families, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients who care deeply about...
Parson Tang
What I’ve Learned From Philanthropists: A Journey Through Giving
One of the unexpected joys of managing wealth for families isn’t just seeing numbers grow—it’s witnessing generosity in action. Over the...
Parson Tang
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