Track 4: Discussing Philanthropy

Sponsored by Advantage Consulting, Ltd.

Session 1: Charity and the "Shadow of the Self” (10:45 AM-12:00 PM)

Al Gini, professor of philosophy and business ethics at Loyola University Chicago, explores our inability to step beyond our universe of personal concerns though we live interconnected and interdependent lives. If ethics is the attempt to work out the rights and obligations we share with others, then the central problem with ethics today is a lack of moral engagement or willingness to extend ourselves on another's behalf for fear of leaving the "shadow of the self." Applying this to the concept of charity, Gini asks, "If charity is not a requirement in life, what becomes of us when we need it?" 

By the end of this session, participants will have a deeper understanding of:

• The role of charity in societal ethics
• The need to step beyond one’s own interests to engage with others and their needs
• How charitable organizations establish a means for individuals to connect with their community for the common good

Speaker:

Al Gini, Ph.D., Professor of Business Ethics and Chair of the Department of Management,  School of Business Administration at Loyola University Chicago

Session 2: Donor Psychology: New Thinking and New Ideas (1:15-2:30 PM)

Hear about the latest research being conducted in the domain of philanthropic psychology. With a focus on individual fundraising, the session will cover topics such as social norms, identification and moral identity and explain how a knowledge of these principles can increase fundraising results.

 By the end of this session participants will learn:

• What is the role of psychology in understanding the philanthropy of individual donors
• How the revenue from solicitations can be significantly increased by changing only the words in a solicitation
• How our use of language may be modified to increase participation in legacy giving

Speaker:

Adrian Sargeant, Ph.D., Robert F. Hartsook Professor of Fundraising, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University

Session 3: Philanthropy: A Conversation between Generations (2:45-4:00 PM)

Join Bill Kurtis, acclaimed journalist, author and producer, in a lively exchange of ideas between some of Chicago’s foremost philanthropic families. Learn how we can work together as funders and fundraisers to make a positive impact in our communities today and for generations to come.  Be prepared for thought-provoking, informative, and fun conversation! 

By the end of this session, participants will:

• Learn what motivates leading philanthropists to give back
• Gain greater understanding of the role of philanthropy from the funder’s point of view
• Garner new insight on the roles and expectations of non-profits in the community  

Speakers:

Bill Kurtis, Kurtis Productions

Irene S. Phelps, President, The Siragusa Foundation;

John R. Siragusa III, Mid-America Real Estate Corporation, & Trustee, The Siragusa Foundation;

Harrison I. Steans, President and CEO, Steans Family Foundation;

Senator Heather A. Steans, Illinois State Senator and Trustee, Steans Family Foundation