Connected for Good: A Gameplan for a Generous Life

by John Stanley

The best kind of generosity is done with others, not for others.

People of means and substance are growing weary of fundraising run by charity leaders who have adopted the tactics of professional salespeople. They're looking for ways to make change that's important to them, rather than just responding to an endless stream of appeals and campaigns.

In Connected for Good, John Stanley explores the Generosity Gaps—places where men and women hold back their giving because it's not the right time, I don't have enough, or I might be making a difference, but I'm not seeing lasting change.

He then presents a fresh playbook for generosity based on the heart's desire for connection. Going beyond the traditional time, talent, and treasure, he encourages giving from the renewable currencies of relationships, strengths, and resources. And he explores how to make use of the multiplier effect to greatly increase impact.

The step-by-step Generosity Gameplan® process leads you to craft your own strategic giving plan so that you can feel good about saying no and make your yes that much more effective.

Looking beyond the checkbook and focusing on people and causes you care deeply about creates transformational giving experiences.

Building relationship bridges between people for their benefit, not yours, is an act of generosity that multiplies.

With a clear gameplan for living generously, more and more of us will be connected for good.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2013

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name./

Let’s connect! I’m an advisor to major donors and strategic grant-makers who want to do the most good with their currencies. I’m also the author of Connected for Good: A Gameplan for a Generous Life and the creator of the Generosity Gameplan™. This is a step-by-step process for people of means and substance who seek to create real change using a new approach to generosity. I’m also a consultant who provides management services to donors, foundations, and nonprofits that want to increase their impact by giving from the heart.

My goal is to bring generous people to a destination where each act of generosity comes from the true desires of their heart; where relationships are built an inch wide and a mile deep; where strengths of skills and character are spent from an inexhaustible well of care; and where giving financial and material resources feels like sharing from an abundance rather than giving from what is leftover.

I have served some of the nation’s most generous families and the nonprofits they care about through The Legacy Group, a consulting and management firm I founded in 1999. I am also a grant-maker myself, giving through and serving my family’s foundation as a trustee.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a goodreads first reads winner of this unique book. I would describe this as a "how to" book. I would give this a 3.5. John Stanley offers a whole books worth of advice of how to give money to the charities of your choice.he offers a "game plan" for business people to be generous in donating a good chunk of money to worthy causes. Much of this book is bases on religion and God. Each broke down into to how to chapters on donating to the causes that mean something to the donator. This is a different book to describe.but it does give many helpful tips on giving a lot of money to the charities of ones choice. I would especially pay attention to the gray boxes that help highlight the advice. it seemed like to me that Mr. Stanley repeated the advice through out the book but I will give him a thumbs up for the well intentions he has for this book and giving to charities.

[Susan Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read on the topic of generosity and the joy of connecting with others. This is a good read even if you are not a person of faith.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting look at why people give, what motivates them and how generosity benefits the giver as much as the recipient. Anyone working on fund raising or development will gain valuable information and understanding.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful book about having a gameplan for a generous life. To me the spirit of generosity is being grateful for God's gifts. When we appreciate what we have we can care for others better. Also my church teaches us to live a generous life in service to God. The main premise of this book is you need to practice connected generosity. connected generosity transforms you and the world around you in three ways. Through richer relationships, gratifying acts of service, and effective giving. We have three currencies for a generous future- Focus on our relationships, give of your strenghts, and use your resources wisely. This book is about living and being generous in ways that expand your life and the lives of others. On a personal note there are many to be generous that do not involve money. Use your strenghts and your talents and find how to use them to help others.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book free from the Good-Reads First-Reads program. I really enjoyed reading this book. For anyone who believes that they shouldn't donate or help out because they do not have very much to give and it would not make a difference is wrong. Any contribution is still a contribution and is still a very huge impact in the world. Anyone can donate, any donation big or small helps. This book was written so that others would be inspired to help out and help others. To give, to have generosity towards others and ourselves. I highly recommend this to anyone who believes that they do not make a difference and anyone who thinks that small volunteer work goes unnoticed. We all are connected in some way. Why not be connected for Good!

[Dan Hendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from the first-reads giveaway and I really enjoyed it.

It is really easy to get overwhelmed with all of the worlds problems or all of the opportunities to give. In this book John Stanley gives a straight forward and practical life plan for being generous. In following his advice and strategy you will find greater fulfillment, lasting relationship and more productive giving. Enjoy as you explore giving in a whole new way.

[Nicholas]

goodreads win. Will read and review once received.

This was an interesting read. I will admit at first I was a little apprehensive on whether or not I was going to enjoy/like the book. By the end of the book I can admit that got hooked and will possibly read this book again in the future.

[Kenneth Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book made even better by having won it on goodreads. This is life changing...pick up a copy today!