Today’s tactical philanthropists are not only using the latest financial and philanthropic tools to give away their money but they are also exploring innovative new ways to provide value and to fulfill their philanthropic endeavors.

DAFs or donor advised funds are aggressively driving the growth in individual philanthropy. Large firms such as Charles Schwab and Fidelity market “charitable checking accounts” with the minimum amount often being $5,000. All of this has come together to create what people are calling “tactical philanthropists.” While these individuals may not possess millions of dollars they do have the same hopes and dreams of big spending donors.  Here are some additional examples:

Venture Philanthropy - Instead of giving away money (though money may be involved too) venture philanthropists offer their time, intellect and social capital to help foundations and charities become more successful.

Social Enterprises - These for-profit companies are in the business of doing social good. For example, Green Dimes is a for-profit company that helps people reduce the enormous quantity of junk mail they received. They jokingly refer to the fact that if they are successful they will have driven themselves out of business.

Microcredit – Inventive companies like Kiva bring together millions of small loans to provide the funding entrepreneurs need to help them start their own businesses.  This usually takes place in third world countries where the businesses will help raise them out of poverty.