Steve Lear

Both Paul Odegaard, a Philanthropic Advisor at The Minneapolis Foundation, and Steve Lear, a Financial Advisor, help clients with generosity planning. We asked them to share their definitions of generosity with us in the following reflection.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE GENEROUS?

Paul: Our friends at the Oxford English Dictionary define being generous as a person showing a readiness to give more of something, such as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.

Candidly, this definition ignites the rage and scorn of your humble author. Who has the authority to add this qualification and apply the lens of what is necessary or expected in any given situation? Is it a treasurer or a development officer at a nonprofit organization? The leader of your place of worship? The IRS? “Well, Steve, you’ve hit your 50% Adjusted Gross Income level for deductibility around your charitable contributions, so you’ve fulfilled society’s expectations around the maximum value of your generosity. Anything beyond, and you’re on your own! (or Carrying over!!)”

Why is this relevant to the definition? Why is an external party providing this validation? Is it necessary? Who in our collective society is the arbiter of what is right or what is enough for your generosity? Also, if we’re leaving these things to society, are we healthy enough or consistent enough as a collective, with shared values, to normalize our expectations regarding generosity? This is total malarkey!

The need for external validation can create a never-ending process of proving oneself worthy over and over again. Minnesota Book Award-winning author and retired educator Dr. Michael Obsatz has written, “Self-love, love of Spirit, love of others, and love of all of creation requires an end of the need for external labels, definitions, categories, and external validation. Peace, love, and joy are an INSIDE JOB.” Generosity is an inside job, too!

IN THAT SPIRIT, HOW WOULD YOU REDEFINE GENEROSITY?

Paul: To be generous is to employ authentic, joyful love for community, expressed freely in deeds and actions without expectation of receiving anything in return, fueled by a spirit of compassion, abundance, and justice. One can be generous with time, resources, attention, curiosity, creativity, empathy, etc. However you choose to manifest it, the key is the internal commitment to the considerate act of giving.

STEVE, WHAT’S YOUR DEFINITION OF GENEROSITY?

Steve: Generosity is a mindset that prioritizes helping others, driven by compassion and a desire to make a positive impact. While generosity can take many forms – such as offering time, skills, or emotional support – I believe financial giving is foundational to supporting charitable causes and nonprofit organizations. I agree with Paul’s description of generosity as an “inside job” – a deeply personal commitment. But once you’ve identified the causes you want to champion, I urge you to take the next step – make generosity a habit by developing a financial plan of action to achieve your giving goals.

WHY DO YOU NEED A GENEROSITY PLAN?

Steve: Because what you plan, happens! And financial giving is essential to sustain the organizations serving our communities. While volunteering our time, attention, and creativity are invaluable, they alone can’t fund operational costs, staff salaries, and the supplies nonprofits need to fulfill their mission. Funding allows charities, schools, and healthcare providers to continue their work and meet urgent needs. Even small gifts make a difference. For example, a donation to a food bank buys groceries, while a contribution to a nonprofit pays for dedicated staff.

Everyone has something to give. Only by combining all of our resources can we truly address the most pressing needs of our communities. For those who may not be able to donate significant amounts, volunteering at a local shelter or providing professional services are acts of generosity that complement financial giving. However, sustainability is achieved through financial resources, giving organizations the stability to continue their work, expand their reach, and plan for the future.

WHAT OTHER BENEFITS DOES GENEROSITY PLANNING PROVIDE TO YOUR CLIENTS?

Steve: Besides helping organizations meet their practical needs, financial giving also has a profound emotional effect on both the giver and receiver. Giving is more than just writing a check – it’s expressing your belief in something larger than yourself. When you give, you’re helping to improve the lives of others and investing in the values you care about.

For many, financial generosity brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Studies have shown that giving can increase personal happiness and create stronger emotional connections to the causes you care about. Giving allows you to see yourself as part of a larger community and fosters a spirit of shared responsibility.

HOW DO YOU BEGIN CREATING A GENEROSITY PLAN?

Paul: Here are some helpful questions intended to cultivate your generosity:

• What makes you grateful today?

• When did you (or previous generations of your family) receive help or benefit from the generosity of others?
  • Document the feelings you have regarding the memory or experience. What are you left with?
  • Does this family experience inform how you want to help others?
  • Will this acknowledgment be the catalyst that changes your behavior? How?
  • What barriers must you overcome to activate your generosity plan?

These reflections remind us that we are part of a giving and receiving cycle, inspiring us to pay it forward.

Steve: Your financial advisor can help you create a plan that builds giving into your budget. For tips on getting started, visit SteveLear.org and read Your Generosity Strategy: How Much to Give?

WHAT’S YOUR BEST GENEROSITY ADVICE?

Paul: Whenever we do what we can to show kindness, provide support, be available, share, and give – these are generous acts. Everyone’s capacity to be generous can differ due to all sorts of circumstances. Still, anyone helping as they can by deploying their resources is generous. So, share freely and widely with grace. And do all the good you can in the way you are able.

Steve: Begin a giving plan today. Remember, you always have the option to modify your plan to accommodate changing circumstances. The beauty of having a plan is that it makes giving automatic, so whether you give more or less, you always give what you can. And when you give regularly – rather than just occasionally – your consistent contributions will make a meaningful difference over time. I encourage you to make generosity a habit and experience the power of giving to transform lives – including your own.