Innovative philanthropy is the topic of the next Engage Breakfast Series, which is scheduled for Dec. 4.
The event will bring together a three-person panel to discuss fundraising in a tight economic climate and unique ways to give back to the community. Heather McKissick, CEO of Leadership Austin, which organizes the series, said Austin has many organizations and nonprofits that need support.
"Philanthropy and charitable giving, in all of its forms, is a huge engine when it comes to Austin, and, really, regional, community health," she said.
McKissick said Austin is a generous town, and the breakfast will highlight unique forms of philanthropy.
"We wanted to focus on several innovative models of philanthropy to share a new perspective on the old topic of end-of-year giving," McKissick said.
The three-person panel will include Nichole Aston, the Central Texas program officer with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; Dennis Cavner, the co-founder of Innovation +; and Laurie Loew, a broker and founder of Give Realty. The panel will be moderated by KXAN-TV reporter and morning anchor Robert Maxwell.
Loew said her company is built on a "for-benefit" business model and is another way people in the community are looking to give back. Give Realty gives 25 percent of each commission to a nonprofit of the client's choice.
"You're allowing your customers to support something they are passionate about," she said. "It helps them get more engaged, and you hope by doing this, they will continue to do [influential] things for the community."
