Philanthropy Roundtable’s Free to Give campaign elevates the voices of everyday Americans who have dedicated their careers to supporting those in need. Their work is made possible by the freedom of all Americans to give to the causes and communities they care about.
“As a community foundation, donor intent is the highest priority,” says Matt Lewis, president and CEO of the San Angelo Area Foundation. Lewis has led the foundation for over 20 years and is a champion for philanthropic giving in the Texas heartland. Established in 2002, the foundation has awarded significant grants and resources like its long list of scholarships for students wanting to study agriculture, music and education, plus for physically handicapped students. The foundation’s special projects meet the evolving needs of San Angelo’s community through disaster relief, veterans support and advocating for the performing arts.
In this Free to Give video, Lewis says safeguarding donor intent and donor privacy strengthens the trust they have with their donors. Lewis also explains how donor-advised funds and other flexible giving vehicles are vital to the foundation’s mission.
“I think it’s a right to be able to give your money where you want to give it charitably,” he says. “A donor-advised fund is a tool that is being used throughout the country, and we need to do everything we can do keep donor-advised funds strong at our community foundations.”
