EVERY GIFT MATTERS: How Your Passion Can Change The World

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Publication Date: May 5, 2015 Contact: Jessica Krakoski Cave Henricks Communications (512) 904-9253 or [email protected]

EVERY GIFT MATTERS: How Your Passion Can Change The World

By Carrie Morgridge

With John Perry Foreword by John P. Morgridge

“An informative road-map to making every donation count…[Carrie Morgridge] persuasively argues that donating wisely at any level can bring about big change. Readers will find her astute guidance a

valuable tool in choosing where to give.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Carrie Morgridge has written a very important book. So many people have told me they really want to help, but they give nothing because they feel a small gift cannot make a difference. But it can, as you will learn from the inspiring examples in Every Gift Matters. Philanthropy is for everyone, and giving

not only benefits the recipient but the giver, too.”

—JANE GOODALL, Ph.D., DBE, UN Messenger of Peace, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute

We read the headlines where foundations make multi-million dollar donations to fix communities around the world. The reality is, for every dollar American foundations give each year, individual donors give five. The power to fix problems in our communities lies in the volunteer hours and checkbooks of everyday individuals. In 2013, 72% of charitable giving came from individuals making small gifts. While multi-million dollar gifts get all the attention and can make the average person think they can’t make a difference, the exciting truth is that small gifts can change lives – the lives of both the recipient and the giver.



In her book EVERY GIFT MATTERS: How Your Passion Can Change the World (Greenleaf Book Group Press; May 5, 2015), philanthropist Carrie Morgridge argues that high-impact philanthropy is not always high-dollar, and she teaches people how to make a difference in the world with small, targeted gifts of time or money. Drawing on her own experience of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to philanthropy, Morgridge illuminates how leverage, high expectations, hands-on personal involvement, and, above all else, passion, will ensure that one’s gift will have the biggest impact possible – and also bring the giver a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. For the past 15 years, Morgridge has worked tirelessly to fuel transformation in the areas of education, the arts, health and wellness, and conservation. But she wasn’t always in this position. Morgridge had humble beginnings; a small town California girl with big dreams working two jobs to make ends meet. When her life changed and she had the opportunity to give back, she ran through every open door she could. Her personal investment and hands-on involvement in hundreds of non-profits across the country has taught her that when you follow your passion, build the right relationships, and make every dollar you give work harder, small gifts can transform organizations and most importantly, improve the lives of thousands of people. In EVERY GIFT MATTERS, Morgridge shares how giving has shaped her heart, but more importantly, she uses her experience to inspire and teach others how to make a difference. While Morgridge has made large gifts through her foundation, she has found that it’s the smaller gifts – some as little as $7 – that make the most immediate and visible impact on people’s lives and bring the greatest joy. In EVERY GIFT MATTERS, Morgridge takes the lessons she has learned making high-impact small gifts and identifies the key principles of effective giving that anyone can use – whether you donate your treasure or talent, whether you have a lot or a little to give. Through inspiring stories of her own gifts in action, Morgridge offers advice for others, including how to:

• Choose the best cause for you • Vet organizations • Leverage your donations to inspire others to give • Ensure organizations can “clone” your money through matches • Make the most of your volunteer hours • Give a small gift that will change a person’s life by “filling the gap” – meeting an immediate

need • Cultivate your network and connect people to share expertise, replicate success, and think

outside the box By sharing real-life stories of how a hands-on approach to philanthropy transforms lives, EVERY GIFT MATTERS inspires others to experience the profound joy that comes from giving to others and turning one’s passion into impact.



About the Author Carrie Morgridge is Vice President of the Morgridge Family Foundation. For the past fifteen years, she and her husband, John, have worked tirelessly to leverage their foundation's funds, spark innovation, and fuel transformation.

Carrie is recognized nationally for her work as a philanthropist, student advocate and the creator of innovative professional development for teachers. She is a recipient of the distinguished Frances Wisebart Jacobs Woman of the Year award from Mile High United Way, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees at the University of Denver, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Colorado Mountain College Board of Overseers, and New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning. She has been publicly recognized for her work at National Jewish Health and Denver Academy. She also serves in an advisory capacity and speaks nationally to education advocacy and technology-focused forums.

Carrie graduated summa cum laude from International Academy of Design and Technology, giving her an edge on design innovation, she is an aggressive athlete, finishing nine Ironman competitions. She lives in

Colorado and Florida with her husband John.

About The Morgridge Family Foundation The Morgridge Family Foundation invests in transformative gifts in education, conservation, health & wellness, and the arts. The Foundation has taken a leadership-funding role in projects with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, National Jewish Health, University of Central Florida, University of Denver, Mile High United Way, KIPP Schools nationwide, The Nature Conservancy, and Second Harvest Food Bank in Orlando, Florida. The Morgridge Family Foundation is a private family foundation. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals.

About the Book Title: EVERY GIFT MATTERS: How Your Passion Can Change the World Author: Carrie Morgridge with John Perry Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press Publication Date: May 5, 2015 ISBN: 978-1626341821 Format: Hardcover Price: $19.95



Praise for Carrie Morgridge and EVERY GIFT MATTERS

“Carrie Morgridge has written a very important book. So many people have told me they really want to help, but they give nothing because they feel a small gift cannot make a difference. But it can, as you will learn from the inspiring examples in Every Gift Matters. Philanthropy is for everyone, and giving not only benefits the recipient but the giver, too.”

—Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE, UN Messenger of Peace, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute

“No single individual alone can tackle the complex issues our communities face today. People innately need to be part of something bigger than themselves, and most, by nature, are optimistic and hopeful. If leaders paint an aspirational and hopeful vision of the future, people will rise to meet it. Carrie Morgridge’s book does its part in painting an inspirational picture—in fact, many pictures—of how every person matters and what a difference small and large acts of generosity and caring can truly make.”

—Brian A. Gallagher, President and CEO, United Way Worldwide

“The majority of charitable donations come from households donating what they can, not large organizations giving hundreds of thousands of dollars. At Spark, our network of Millennial donors helping women and girls, we know that relatively small gifts can aggregate to create a big difference, gifts compound over time and can have ripple effects, and people are more likely to give when they feel an environment of trust and friendship. Beautifully capturing themes like these, Every Gift Matters is a hands-on guide that teaches people how to maximize their donation, so that even the smallest amounts make the most impact.”

—Jackie Rotman, Executive Director, Spark

“Carrie Morgridge is a force of nature. From education to the environment, she has driven positive change well beyond the capabilities of a normal human being. Her energy is infectious. What’s really amazing is that she’s just getting started. . . . ”

—Salman Khan, Founder and Executive Director, Khan Academy

“Carrie Morgridge has written a must-read primer for anyone considering philanthropy. From the smallest gifts to transformative mega-giving, she shows her readers how passion, smarts, and trust can change the world. Read this book and learn from one of the best.”

—Katherine Bradley, President, CityBridge Foundation

“In Every Gift Matters, Morgridge reminds us that we are a nation of “difference makers” and encourages us to continue that legacy of meaningful giving through her empowering stories of those who have made a difference.”



—Douglas Conant, Chairman, Avon Products; Chairman, Kellogg Executive Leadership Institute; Founder & CEO, ConantLeadership; Former CEO & President, Campbell Soup Company

“Every Gift Matters is a collection of timely, personal stories reminding us that philanthropy isn’t about writing a check; it’s about the value we create when we invest in local communities, follow our principles, and make a lasting difference.”

—Howard W. Buffett, Lecturer in International and Public Affairs, Columbia University

“Every Gift Matters inspires readers to reimagine the transformative nature of giving. Through engaging stories and real-world examples, Carrie provides a new roadmap to more meaningful and impactful philanthropy.”

—Bill Goodwyn, CEO, Discovery Education

“Carrie Morgridge shows firsthand how philanthropy multiplies the happiness and wellbeing of both giver and receiver, well beyond all material benefits. She is among the most vivacious and successful philanthropists I have had the pleasure of knowing, and her book is a challenge to the rest of us to step up our game.”

—Arthur C. Brooks, President, American Enterprise Institute

“Carrie Morgridge is among the most hands-on, proactive philanthropists I’ve ever encountered. Every Gift Matters reflects how thoughtfulness and passion can multiply one’s impact in philanthropy.”

—Hadi Patrovi, Founder, Code.org

“Anyone interested in philanthropy can learn from Every Gift Matters. It’s a must-read if you want to learn how to effectively support the causes you believe in and feel that your dollars are actually making a difference.”

—Jeffrey C. Walker, Author, The Generosity Network

“Carrie Morgridge is an amazing force of nature who is reshaping the world by improving the lives of countless thousands by her passionate, kind-hearted love. Carrie’s generosity, organizational excellence, and infectious enthusiasm know no bounds. In Every Gift Matters, you will not only be inspired by acts of selfless compassion and joy, but Carrie shows how even the most modest acts of philanthropy can have a most meaningful impact upon the lives of others.”

—Marc Holtzman, Chairman, Meridian Capital HK

“This is a must-read for anyone who wants to make a difference. As one of the savviest philanthropists I know, Carrie Morgridge knows how to make the most of her giving. Every Gift Matters shows that transformative giving is about much more than the number of zeros on your check.”



—Mark Tercek, CEO, The Nature Conservancy

“For anyone with the passion and caring to do more, Every Gift Matters will become your go-to guide for giving.”

—Dr. Pamela Cantor, Founder, Turnaround for Children Inc.

“Carrie Morgridge and The Morgridge Family Foundation are truly gifts to Colorado. In Every Gift Matters, Carrie reminds us that we can impact positive and extraordinary change in the communities where we live, in such a compelling way!”

—Gov. John Hickenlooper, Governor of Colorado

“In Every Gift Matters, Carrie Morgridge transforms the way we look at giving, teaching us that you can’t remove the donor from their donation. She shows us how the best giving works as a circle, feeding itself and growing in impact, not just a one-way, one-time transfer of resources, and she speaks with the authority and wisdom of someone who is making these things happen in her own life everyday!”

—Stacey Stewart, US President, United Way Worldwide



An Interview with Carrie Morgridge, author of EVERY GIFT MATTERS

Q: Why did you write this book?

A: I wrote this book for two reasons. First, I had learned so much about giving that two friends were adamant that I should share my knowledge. And knowing me, they knew that I would share my failures too.

Secondly, Malcolm Gladwell and Jim Collins gave me permission in their books to think outside the box, leverage my work, and stop doing what I don’t want to do. These books shaped our foundation. The power of the written word is important to me, and yet there are very few books written about giving that are non-academia. I hope my book inspires many more philanthropists to share their stories, and I hope that people will consider sharing their own stories on our website to inspire others.

Q: You have made gifts both large and small through your foundation. Why do you love to make small gifts?

A: Small gifts can have a noticeable and immediate impact, and they also make me feel directly connected to the organization, charity or even the person we are trying to help. I feel that I made a difference and that my gift went immediately to the cause.

Q: Why are some people hesitant to give?

A: When I interview people about their best gifts, the ones who hesitate are the ones who have never had a real connection to the gift. To them, giving seemed to be more like a chore or an obligation. I hope that Every Gift Matters will inspire people to STOP giving where they don’t feel a connection, and really hone in on giving that sings to their own hearts.

Q: What are some ways that people can take a more active role in their giving?

A: First, they have to identify their own passion – what they like to do, and also what they don’t like to do. The next step is to ask their family and friends where they like to give. If there is a connection in any of their trusted circles, they should check into that organization. Like anything, the more you put into the research and the volunteer time, the more reward you will get out of giving. Once this is identified, a site visit or a meeting with the organization’s leader is the next step to getting really involved. The key to a great relationship with the organization or a program is that the check-writing is only the beginning of the relationship – not the end. Communication from an organization that you have chosen to support can be key to a long term relationship as well. And if you really love the organization, serving on the board would be another great way to get more involved.



Q: How does philanthropy impact the giver?

A: From our vast experiences of giving both money and time, John and I have found that we seem to get back more joy than we gave. In other words, the feeling of giving is bigger and better for us than for the recipient. Not all gifts are the same, therefore not all joys can be measured the same. When I expect something in return for a gift, most times I find disappointment. When I give, expecting nothing in return, that is where I discover the true joy of giving.

Q: What is your advice for volunteering in ways that make a true impact?

A: While not all volunteering can be measured for true impact, both John and I feel that it is the most honorable and noble form of philanthropy. Reading to a child unleashes unlimited human potential. Building a home for a family with Habitat for Humanity has proven to break the cycle of poverty. Volunteering at a food bank or growing fresh vegetables for your neighbors elevates hunger. This list of volunteering is vast, and the opportunities to make a major impact are abundant. It’s a matter of taking the first step and signing up to volunteer.

Q: What do you hope the philanthropy community will gain from your book?

A: I hope that the book will inspire philanthropists to stop giving out of guilt or obligation, and to think more about their own passion and give where they love to give. I hope they look for a feeling once they have given, and that the feeling inspires them to do more. To have people be more conscious of how good giving feels would be a wonderful outcome.

Q: What do you hope individual people will take away from your message?

A: Don’t be afraid to try something new. Look for unexpected surprises. Enjoy the pleasure that giving brings.

Documents

EVERY GIFT MATTERS: How Your Passion Can Change The World