A Goofy Snob gives because they want to, not because they have to.
Philanthropy is a tricky business. It is a world full of good intentions, but also of unintended consequences. For the Goofy Snob, the choice of a cause is a deeply personal one. It is not about tax breaks or public relations. It is about making a real difference in the world, in a way that is both effective and, dare we say, elegant.
The Goofy Snob Guide to Giving
Focus on the Unseen: A Goofy Snob is not interested in the causes that are already on everyone’s radar. They are interested in the ones that are overlooked, the ones that are not sexy, the ones that are not going to get them a pat on the back at a fancy gala. They are interested in the causes that are, in a word, goofy.
Think Long-Term: A Goofy Snob is not interested in a quick fix. They are interested in a lasting solution. They are interested in the causes that are addressing the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. They are interested in the causes that are building a better future, not just patching up the present.
Demand Results: A Goofy Snob is not a sentimentalist. They are a pragmatist. They want to see the data, they want to see the evidence. They want to know that their money is being used effectively, that it is making a real difference. They are not afraid to ask the tough questions.
A Few Goofy Snob Causes to Consider
The Long Now Foundation: A foundation that is dedicated to fostering long-term thinking. They are building a 10,000-year clock, a clock that will tick once a year, bong once a century, and the cuckoo will come out once a millennium. It is a project that is both absurd and profound, a project that is designed to make us think about our place in the grand sweep of history.
The GAVI Alliance: A public-private partnership that is dedicated to increasing access to immunization in poor countries. It is a cause that is not glamorous, but it is one that has saved millions of lives. It is a cause that is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and cooperation.
The Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED): An organization that is dedicated to educating girls in rural Africa. It is a cause that is based on a simple but powerful idea: that when you educate a girl, you educate a nation. It is a cause that is changing the world, one girl at a time.