Giving As a Couple with Bob Doll

Would you unpack the keys of what you've learned?

• This is not our money. It is God's money. It's not how much we're going to give - it's how much we're going to keep, and give the rest away. We recognize we're on this planet for a nanosecond and we're in Eternity for eternity and therefore focusing on the long term and God's plan is so much easier.
• We've also learned the older we get, we can't take it with us. That encourages us to give away as well.
• I love all of what Randy Alcorn has written on the subject - one that sticks with me is God prospers us to raise not our standard of living but our standard of giving.

How does that foundation inform the actual giving decisions you make?

• It makes us more generous - not to wait to start giving. This is an ongoing process. Early on, this was a source of a lot of disagreement.
• For instance, Leslie's propensity is to focus on a few organizations that we know intimately. And Bob has hardly ever met a cause he didn’t want to give to. Leslie prefers to give to one-time projects; Bob prefers to be a source of annual giving for organizations.
• Over time, each of us has learned to compromise. For example, we each initiate about 20 percent of our giving individually, and we jointly decide on the remaining 60 percent.

Many folks will wait to do their giving at death while you have prioritized giving while you're alive, correct?

• Give it away while you know where it's going. We'd like for our last check to bounce. The joy of giving is much more powerful than when you're six feet under. And causes need the money now.

How can a married couple give with unity?

• Early on we tried to agree on everything and it took forever and created disagreement. We educate each other on the 20% we give individually.

What's your strategy to decide where to give?

• We give to more than a hundred causes. At least 90 percent of our giving is to faith-based organizations. We try to find a balance between evangelism and discipleship, between feeding the poor in spirit and the poor physically. We try to spread this out geographically, although the vast majority goes to the U.S. and the Middle East.
• Our giving can be put in a pyramid. A few we know the most are who we give the most to.
• Next are those causes where we’re less involved but still know and trust the work, and so on, with the last tier being a list of ministries or individuals where our support is smallest.

How does prayer fit into the process?

• We've learned over time to start earlier in the year, pray about it and think about it individually and together.
• We try to dig into the organizations we're giving to. Review their  websites, 990s, etc. and that helps to inform us.

You try to be Kingdom-strategic with your giving, don't you?

• God gave us a brain and a responsibility. This is God's money. We all fall in love with stories but, like when I analyze companies, you have to consider what is God calling us to?

How important is getting engaged in some of the ministries you're giving to?

• Very important. Get engaged with some of your giving so you don’t end up feeling like a checkbook.
• If you can, take advantage of opportunities to serve with the organization or travel to see the work in action. Leslie is in Syria right now helping with earthquake relief.

Is serving on boards of directors something you would consider?

• Absolutely. When you're on a board you see the thick and the thin, and hopefully you're helping it at the same time.

What about those who aren't aligned with their spouse?

•  Sit down, talk about it and pray about it.
• Remember, it's not your money. Time is short, the need is great, and in many cases the cost is high. Decide how much you're going to give away and let it grow over time.

• Is paying for extended warranties on appliances a good idea?
• What can you do to help your grandkids get started with savings? 
• Can a 529 plan be used to fund K-12 private school costs?
• Is it a good idea to draw on some of your $145,000 in home equity and put it into a online savings account?