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Episode 026: Reflections from Nearly Four Decades in Philanthropy with Rob Collier

April 25, 2018

Rob Collier is President & CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF), a nonprofit membership association of more than 330 community foundations and private family, independent and corporate foundations and corporate giving programs with a shared mission to grow the impact of Michigan philanthropy. When he’s not traveling between CMF’s offices in Grand Haven and Detroit, you can likely find Rob at Michigan’s capital in Lansing or in Washington D.C., where he works tirelessly to build relationships with legislators and advocates for philanthropy.

Rob has worked in the philanthropic field for 38 years. The growth and impact of philanthropy during this time are truly remarkable. He’s experienced big-name private foundations coming on the scene (think Gates Foundation), he’s been part of the global explosion of community foundations, and he’s seen first-hand the positive impact of public-private partnerships.

In this episode, Rob shares nine trends he’s observed in philanthropy over his tenure. Giving circles, donor advised funds and impact investing…it’s all here. Rob leaves us with a few of his recommendations for the future of philanthropy.

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Rob’s path to philanthropy (2:39)
  • A day in the life (7:25)
  • The explosion of philanthropy in the 90’s (13:00)
  • Public policy: Charitable tax credit first in Michigan (16:55)
  • Public-private partnerships (18:04)
  • Development of donor advised funds(22:21)
  • Impact investing (26:16)
  • Giving circles(28:36)
  • Online giving continues to rise (30:50)
  • A look into the future (32:39)
  • Some favorite resources (40:29)
  • Bonus question (42:32)

Guest Bio:

Rob Collier has served as President of the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) since 2000, however has been involved with CMF as a volunteer throughout his career in philanthropy, which includes: founding director of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, Executive Director of Rotary Charities of Traverse City, Grants Director of the Gannett Foundation and Program Officer at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. His 38 years of experience covers every type of organized philanthropy and help to Michiganders in creating family and corporate foundations as well as many donor advised funds at community foundations.

Rob continues to be involved in leadership positions with state and national organizations that serve the charitable nonprofit sector and philanthropy, such as being a Board Member for the Michigan Nonprofit Association and a member of the Public Policy Committees for the Council on Foundations and the United Philanthropy Forum.

Rob serves on many special task forces and Boards and has received appointments by the Governor to the Michigan Community Service Commission and the Executive Committee of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. He holds a Masters of Public Administration from Central Michigan University and came to Michigan as a VISTA Volunteer having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Hobart College.

Notable & Quotable:


Every American can be a philanthropist. —Rob Collier #successfulgenerations #philanthropy #CMF


In the 1990s we saw philanthropy grow from 30,000 foundations in America to over 80,000 foundations.  —Rob Collier #successfulgenerations #philanthropy #CMF


Michigan philanthropy gives away $1.6 billion in grantmaking dollars a year.  —Rob Collier #successfulgenerations #philanthropy #CMF


Donor Advised Funds have become the coolest giving tool—easy, flexible, high impact, low overhead, recognition and quick setup.  —Rob Collier #successfulgenerations #philanthropy #CMF


We see a lot of 20 and 30-somethings saying we don’t want a donor advised fund yet, but we want to be involved with our friends, peers, associates in business, or our neighbors to make an impact.  —Rob Collier #successfulgenerations #philanthropy #CMF


A balancing act for philanthropy now is to use technology wisely but be sure we don’t lose that sense of community that’s so special about giving.  —Rob Collier #successfulgenerations #philanthropy #CMF


Philanthropy and civility are a muscular public practice.  —Rob Collier #successfulgenerations #philanthropy #CMF


I focus on being an effective listener. Listening is not just being quiet, but also being present.  —Rob Collier #successfulgenerations #philanthropy #CMF


Resources mentioned in this episode:

  • Council of Michigan Foundations
  • Chronicle of Philanthropy
  • Community Foundation finder

 

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Want more of Successful Generations? Check out our other episodes: 

Episode 025: Power20—10 Ways to Set Your NextGen Up for Success in the Family Enterprise
Episode 024: Pump it Up! Strength Training and Leadership Development
Episode 023: Leadership Development and Agility with Greg McCann
Episode 022: Getting Started in Philanthropy with Colleen Mitchell
Episode 021: Taking Over the Family Business with Mitchell Kaneff
Episode 020: Women and Wealth w/ Adrienne Penta
Episode 019: The Allyn Family 2.0, Part 2
Episode 018: The Welch Allyn Family Business Story with Eric Allyn (4th Gen), Part 1
Episode 017: Achieving Your Goals through MasterMind and Peer Groups
Episode 016: Reframing Limiting Beliefs with Ellie Frey Zagel
Episode 015: Beyond the Piggy Bank with Father, Author, and Entrepreneur Clint Greenleaf
Episode 014: More Awareness and Less Stress through Yoga
Episode 013: Raising Children to be Amazing Business Owners with Paige Cornetet
Episode 012: Generous Genes with Susan Crites Price
Episode 011: Digging into the Family Business Landscape with Daniel Van Der Vliet
Episode 010: 10 Things My Family Did to Engage us in Family Philanthropy
Episode 009: Stress Management and Holistic Health with Cynthia Damaskos
Episode 008: Family, Fights and Ferry Tales with Chris Shepler
Episode 007: Raising Financially Responsible Kids Through the Holidays (and Beyond)
Episode 006: Join the Philanthropic Revolution with Michael Moody
Episode 005: Estate Planning 101 aka Estate Planning is Not Optional with Susan Gell Meyers 
Episode 004: Ginny Esposito – Engaging your Family in Family Philanthropy
Episode 003: Leadership, Wellness, and Concierge Medicine with Dr. Bill Baer
Episode 002: Douglas D Box, Texas Patriarch – A Legacy Lost
Episode 001: About Your Host Ellie Frey Zagel

Learn more about Successful Generations:

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If you are the next generation of family business, philanthropy and wealth, and have a topic you think we should discuss, let us know at Ellie@successfulgenerations.com.

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Family Philanthropy

Ellie Frey Zagel

Ellie Frey Zagel is 3rd Generation, Vice Chair and Trustee of her family’s foundation the Frey Foundation based in Grand Rapids, MI. For nearly a decade she has been deeply involved in working with the next generation of family business, family philanthropy, and family wealth, first as Director of the Family Business Alliance and now as President of Successful Generations, a company she recently founded.

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