We recently had the honor of hosting several members of the China Global Philanthropy Institute (CGPI) in our offices during their visit to New York City. Over four days, our team of advisors and staff members presented workshops and discussions on developing their own thoughtful and effective philanthropic practices. After meeting with RPA, Dong Fangjun and You Zhonghui, two members of the CGPI, made the decision to join the Giving Pledge.

The Giving Pledge is a commitment by high net worth individuals to donate more than half of their wealth to philanthropic projects either during their lifetime or in their will. Established by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett, the Giving Pledge has been adopted by over 170 philanthropists from 21 countries. This concept of committing to donate the majority of one’s wealth over a set time span is also referred to as time-limited philanthropy, spend-down philanthropy or ‘giving while living.’

“Wealth comes from society, and should be returned back to society,” Ms. You Zhonghui, Chairwoman of Shenzhen Seaskyland Investment Holdings Group Ltd. and one of the newest pledgers, states in her commitment letter. “Charity is not only a social responsibility that entrepreneurs must fulfill, but also a good way for the entrepreneurs to give back to society… Those who engage in charity bear a kind heart. Those who are kind reveal true beauty. To do a good thing once is not difficult. What is hard is to persevere in fulfilling the pledge of philanthropy.”

Learn more about time limited philanthropy in the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ guide Setting a Time Horizon, from our Philanthropy Roadmap series.

 

Written by Melissa Blackerby of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors communications team.

Back to News