About

Why was the Crises Charitable Commitment effort launched?

There is an urgent need for more resources to go to charitable organizations. The CCC creates a reasonable benchmark for philanthropists’ minimum level of giving. The CCC shines a light on those donors who are demonstrating that making the Charitable Commitment is both the reasonable and responsible thing to do, and they in turn are helping to influence other donors to join them in stepping up to the plate.

What Do I Get From Making the Commitment?

A baseball cap! Seriously. And the satisfaction from knowing that you have stepped up to the plate.

Why does the Crisis Charitable Commitment have a minimum contribution amount of $100,000?

This effort is targeted at high-net worth foundations, donor-advised funds and individuals, both because of the substantial amount of resources they control, and because historically they have been considerably less generous than those with fewer resources. And, if we didn’t have a minimum, we wouldn’t have enough baseball caps to give to all signatories! Donors should be aware of two important and related efforts that do not require a minimum contribution:

  • The Resource Generation Pledge   
    Resource Generation organizes young people with wealth and class privilege in the U.S. to become transformative leaders working towards the equitable distribution of wealth, land and power.
  • #HalfMyDAF
    Well over $120 billion still sits in Donor Advised Funds—charitable dollars that could be put to work. #HalfMyDAF’s goal is to inspire giving and transform DAFs from enormous parking lots into funding superhighways.
Why is the distribution rate for foundations only 6% for the first $50 million of assets?

Smaller foundations (98% of foundations have less than $50 million) operate at a disadvantage when it comes to the ability to support staff,  and they have fewer investment opportunities available to them. As with the tax code, this progressive charitable structure is based on ability to pay and narrows the foundation wealth inequality gap.

Does it matter where I give the money?

No, not as long as it’s a 501c3 or 501c4 organization. But we urge you to consider the particular urgencies we face with respect to protecting our democracy, racial justice, and the range of social justice crises.

Are our ballpark numbers sufficient?

Yes, as long as they are reasonable ballpark figures. What’s important is that you are committed to stepping up to the plate!


Contact us

The Crises Charitable Commitment effort was launched by the WhyNot Initiative, the social change program of the Leonard and Sophie Davis Fund, a private family foundation. Today it is a project of the Excessive Wealth Disorder Institute. If we can be of any help or answer any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Alan Davis Alan S. Davis

Founder, Crises Charitable Commitment
President, Leonard and Sophie Davis Fund

15 + 2 =