Vikki Spruill - RE:Philanthropy

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Philanthropy’s Critical Moment

In: 2013 Annual Conference| My Giving Story| Philanthropy

16 Apr 2013

Russell Conwell was a motivational speaker at the turn of the 20th century who had a famous talk called “Acres of Diamonds” that he allegedly delivered 6,000 times. The talk began with a story about an ancient Arab—Ali Hafed—who longed to find a diamond mine so that he could influence the world with his riches. [...]

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Relevance + Networking + Speed = Impact

In: 2013 Family Philanthropy Conference| Family Philanthropy| Leadership| Media and Technology| Philanthropy

28 Jan 2013

It’s no accident that the Council on Foundations 2013 Family Philanthropy Conference takes place this week in Silicon Valley. This is Ground Zero for technological innovation. Ideas birthed here have changed—and continue to change—the world.
Silicon Valley has been the workshop of some brilliant entrepreneurs. People like Steve Jobs, William Hewlett, David Packard, eBay founder Pierre [...]

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A Look Ahead

In: Advocacy| My Giving Story| Public Policy

7 Nov 2012

Yesterday, Americans cast their vote for the future course of our nation. Many of our fellow citizens affected by Hurricane Sandy endured much more difficulty than normal in voting, some using flashlights to see their ballots. Their resolve and resiliency is a tribute to the American spirit and reminds us all of our freedom to [...]

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Building Awareness of Philanthropy’s Role in Society

In: My Giving Story| Philanthropy

19 Oct 2012

Since I became Council president and CEO, I have spent many hours talking with our members and other leaders engaged with philanthropic giving around the country. Many of you shared that the diversity of interests of Council members would be among my biggest challenges. I disagree; I think it’s our biggest [...]

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What Matters for Philanthropy Right Now

In: 2012 Fall Conference| Philanthropy

11 Sep 2012

Not a day has gone by since I joined the Council two months ago when I haven’t thought about the awesome responsibility and privilege I have to help make the Council an organization that fully reflects the promise of philanthropy and impact you generate.
With more than a thousand philanthropic leaders here at our Fall [...]