Delusional Altruism
Real-world advice and practical guidance for philanthropists
Kris Putnam-Walkerly’s Newest Book
Delusional Altruism
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Purchase your copy now!
How you give is just as important as how much you give.
In Delusional Altruism: Why Philanthropists Fail To Achieve Change and What They Can Do To Transform Giving, global philanthropy expert Kris Putnam-Walkerly provides real-world advice and practical guidance to help philanthropists avoid common delusional thoughts and practices that drastically hinder them from achieving transformational social change. In addition to helping you uncover self-limiting fallacies and how they may be manifesting in your giving efforts, Putnam-Walkerly shares proven strategies to avoid and overcome these pitfalls to realize your goal for impactful, sustainable change.
- Ask questions that spur learning and fuel innovation
- Believe that investment in yourself and your operation is important
- Increase the speed of your actions to increase the impact of your giving
- Give in ways that create lasting, sustainable change
- Follow strategies to make your philanthropy unstoppable
How you give is just as important as how much you give.
Delusional Altruism Book Reviews
“This easily digestible reading experience doesn’t veer off course or waste readers’ time with irrelevant sideshows. Moreover, it’s a book you can return to multiple times to glean further understanding of the potential pitfalls and victories possible for any philanthropic effort.”
-Clay Burton, Independent Music and Arts, Inc.
“Putnam-Walkerly lays out a blueprint for how those with philanthropic interest can achieve transformational change through their philanthropic endeavors. This isn’t Kris Putnam-Walkerly’s first book, but it is likely her most important thus far.”
-Garth Thomas, The Hollywood Digest
“It is a clear labor of love. Delusional Altruism: Why Philanthropists Fail to Achieve Change and What They Can Do to Transform Giving doesn’t spend its time putting the author over as some sort of oracle on the subject and it is obvious throughout its entirety that, in the end, Putnam-Walkerly is looking to help her readers make better choices above all else.”
-Michael Rand, Mobangles.com
“No one buys a book entitled Delusional
Altruism unless they recognize they
might be making some mistakes and
genuinely want to fix them. Kris Putnam-Walkerly has effectively captured the insights, the encouragement, and the humor of her presentations honed over 20 years in advising grantmaking organizations around the world. Delusional Altruism is a sensible and pragmatic guide for philanthropists that points the way to transformational giving.”
– Steve Wilson, The Foundation Review
“If you feel that an investment in the world around you is worth the time and effort, then pick up a copy of Delusional Altruism and set about changing your mind — without minding the change. This book is a rewarding investment for any reader interesting in reexamining and changing how you give to accomplish the greatest impact for a cause you’re passionate about.”
– Anthony Pomes, Medium.com
“Putman-Walkerly comes at the subject from the vantage point of wide experience and demonstrates an generosity of spirit that reveals her knowledge of human nature. This isn’t surprising; it isn’t difficult to imagine you learn a lot about what makes people tick when advising them on philanthropic issues. This is an important book with enduring relevance and an enlightening read.”
– Jason Hillenburg, Goodreads
“The author’s two chapters on strategy are well done. Her recommendation to ask, “What should be abandoned?” is refreshing. Equally noteworthy is her reminder that while some research is necessary for wise grantmaking, especially in issue areas where you lack knowledge, fear of making a mistake can be paralyzing and result in missed opportunities to make a difference.”
-Joanne Florino, Philantrophy Magazine
“I once thought giving away money was easy. I learned the hard way I was wrong. Delusional Altruism identifies the ways we often fool ourselves and offers practical advice to transform our giving and increase our impact. Whether you are an experienced philanthropist or just getting started, this should be on your reading list.”
Henry L. Berman
CEO, Exponent Philanthropy
“A thought provoking and insightful look at smart giving. Kris scrutinizes the pitfalls that hinder traditional philanthropy, making a compelling case for a more strategic form of 21st century giving. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to really make an impact.“
Emma Turner
Director of Barclays Private Bank Philanthropy Service
“All philanthropists can support transformational change—but not without some support of their own! Delusional Altruism is a great guidebook to help avoid unnecessary pitfalls on the path to achieve impact. Through her years of experience working with foundations and donors and her passion for making the world a better place, Kris Putnam-Walkerly provides a candid and credible look at why “how” we give is just as important as “what” we give.“
Kathleen P. Enright
President & CEO, Council on Foundations
“Kris Putnam-Walkerly offers insightful observations and useful tools for philanthropists. Delusional Altruism is definitely worth reading for those who want to make their giving more impactful!“
Yanni Peng
CEO, Narada Foundation and Chair, China Social Enterprise and Impact Investment Forum
About the Author
For over 25 years, top global philanthropies, ultra-high net worth donors, celebrity activists, foundations, wealth advisors, and Fortune 500 companies have sought Kris Putnam-Walkerly’s philanthropic advisory services to dramatically increase the clarity, speed, impact and joy of their giving.
As a sought after philanthropy advisor, expert and award-winning author, she’s helped hundreds of foundations and philanthropists strategically allocate and assess over half a billion dollars in grants and gifts.
Find Kris Putnam-Walkerly in the News
Resources
Check Out a Chapter of Delusional Altruism
Do you want to see what everyone is raving about by reading Delusional Altruism? Download Chapter 9 below and start your giving transformation.
Get the Conversation Started With Our Discussion Guide
Banish delusional altruism by discussing the book with your team and creating an action plan. Together you can transform your giving for greater impact!
Creating Your Philanthropist Strategy
Stanford Social Innovation Review posted an excerpt from Delusional Altruism explains how philanthropists are often fooled by their own efforts.
"6 Mistakes Philanthropists Make During a Crisis (And What They Can Do Instead)"
Don’t let delusional altruism hinder your impact! Learn valuable tips to improve your giving during tumultuous times.
Delusional Altruism: Why Philanthropists Fail to Achieve Change and What They Can Do to Transform Giving
Kris Putnam-Walkerly, global philanthropy advisor and president of Putnam Consulting Group, Inc., released her book Delusional Altruism on March 24, 2020.
Purchase your copy now!
How you give matters.
Discover philanthropic strategies for creating transformational change.
Whether you regularly donate to charity, run a small family foundation, or are responsible for millions of dollars in grants, you are a philanthropist. Delusional Altruism: Why Philanthropists Fail To Achieve Change and What They Can Do To Transform Giving looks at how you can create transformational change. It reminds us that how we give is as important as the amount we give. The author describes common practices that hinder transformational change and explains how to avoid them, ensuring that your gifts help create the impact you seek.
Delusional Altruism—a set of all-too-common errors in philanthropic strategy—can derail a program of giving and result in a loss of efficiency and effectiveness. This book asks philanthropists and charitable organizations to consider whether they have fallen under the spell of Delusional Altruism. Are you cutting out impactful giving in order to save money or avoid uncertainty? Is your philanthropic approach unnecessarily restricted by traditional thinking? This book will help you answer these questions and determine how you can achieve better outcomes through the process of Transformational Giving.
- Ask questions that spur learning and fuel innovation
- Believe that investment in yourself and your operation is important
- Increase the speed of your actions to increase the impact of your giving
- Give in ways that create lasting, sustainable change
- Follow strategies to make your philanthropy unstoppable
Although enhanced opportunities for philanthropic giving are on the horizon, changes to philanthropic practice are needed to prevent this philanthropy boom from becoming under-leveraged. Implementing updated approaches now can lead to positive change for the future. Read Delusional Altruism to learn how you can transform reality with strategic giving.
Learn how to achieve change!
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