Measuring Generosity

I can remember when I first heard it: my Xenia Rotary Club induction, 1991.

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

I could not believe I’d never heard the Winston Churchill quote. I was a fan of Churchill, and I was working in the generosity/fundraising arena.

It is easy to measure accumulation: “How much are you worth?” But to measure one’s life by how much we give—or give away—is less so. There’s the formula of the “tithe”; but I’m sure you know someone who just seems to live the spirit of generosity, way beyond the 10% rule.

How else could we measure generosity? How do we measure a life made by what we give?

Great question for AI! “Gemini, how do we measure being generous?”

Generosity is measured by evaluating both tangible contributions (money, time) and intangible actions (attention, kindness) relative to a person’s total resources, often emphasizing the sacrifice involved, rather than the absolute amount. Common metrics include the percentage of donated income, hours volunteered and frequency of supportive behaviors.

“Well, Gemini, some interesting perspectives there, but sacrifice?”

True generosity is often measured by how much the gift “hurts” or costs the giver, illustrated by the concept of giving out of scarcity, rather than abundance (e.g., the “widow’s mite”).

But what does technology really know about sacrifice?

Generosity can include sacrifice (“give until it hurts”), but Churchill spoke to giving out of abundance and satisfaction—actually seeing good accomplished and bringing prosperity and good to others and society in a variety of forms. To him that was life!

Andrew Carnegie had the same perspective. The great steel magnate of the 19th and early 20th centuries gave away, over the course of 18 years, about $350 million, funding libraries, education, the arts and more. In fact, two of his 2,550 funded libraries across the U.S. were in Greene County. Some say that Carnegie redefined wealth by how much one gave away. Blessing simply drove him to do good.

He repeated often that he was so blessed, he intended to give all his wealth away before he passed. Unfortunately he failed. Upon his death in 1919, he had about 10% left over. The remainder of his estate was set aside to give away over time. Now, 107 years later, grants are still given in his name to the causes that he passionately supported.

For Carnegie generosity was not as much about formulas as intentionality. He knew it was “more blessed to give than to receive.” His determination may have been extreme; but without commitment his generosity may have been haphazard at best. Certainly there would have been less good left behind.

So pause and think: How much life have you made? Or it is mostly about making a living?

That is a question only you can answer.

If you need help discerning how to measure your generosity, Greene Giving can guide you through the process. Contact us at greenegiving.org or 937-458-2064.