There has been a perception in recent years that only the rich can act as philanthropists, donate to worthy causes and make a difference. Recent technology developments have made it possible for the every day person to have access to the same types of planning tools that can help you manage remote employees and establish a private foundation to make a difference.

You can look at the amount of money you donate yearly to determine if you need to set up a more formal foundation. If you give more than $500 a year you may consider using philanthropic tools or a donor advised fund. If you give money in the realm of $25000 or more per year then you should consider charitable trusts and private foundations—the same tools used by the likes of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.  You only need about $5000 to start a foundation that really begins to put philanthropy into the hands of the every day citizen.

For larger foundations in the past, you would invest between $3m and $5m in order to cover the operating expenses and have sufficient funds to make ongoing donations. This is why majority of the $550 bn in private foundations still resides in the mega foundations with household names. Currently more than 60 percent of foundations have less than $1m in capital.

The bottom line is that whatever your status in life you can find ways to provide philanthropic services. It can be money, intellectual capital or almost anything which brings hope and value to the receiving party. I encourage everyone to find a comfortable means to provide some philanthropic value. It is our privilege and responsibility as human beings to help others in this world where we can.