Modern generosity from business to the breakfast table
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Recyclable impact: Alternative investments for charitable donations
A song for good stewardship
Family rhythms for the summer season
Featured nonprofits: Tornado relief
Recyclable Impact
Alternative investments for charitable donations
For most financially successful families, alternative investments aren’t just part of a healthy portfolio—they're where the majority of value is created.
Private equity, real estate, venture funds, and other alt investments offer a chance for higher returns and the opportunity to back values-aligned ventures that are meeting real needs in the marketplace.
Alternative investing isn’t just for your personal portfolio. It’s also a key growth strategy for your charitable dollars.
Contributions to a donor advised fund (DAF) at The Signatry can be invested in public or private opportunities. Proceeds from a liquidity event return to the DAF, generating even more fuel to support the ministries you love. The Signatry’s DAFs have been invested in over 200 values-aligned enterprises. One of our team members enthusiastically refers to our alternative investments as “recyclable impact.”
We work closely with our donors to find and vet these unique opportunities for growth and impact. Below, you can watch a short interview with David Trogden, one of our donors who introduced us to an alternative investment that backs a social enterprise generating economic growth in Uganda.
“We’re a little bit on the bleeding edge, but I think it’s an incredible, responsible way to invest. It’s another way we can have good, positive kingdom impact now, with dollars that we may not grant out for a number of years.”
- David Trogden, donor to The Signatry
A Song for Stewardship
Jon Guerra’s new song, "Where Your Treasure Is," explores the tension many of us feel about our call to generous, kingdom-minded stewardship. Verse 2 includes an honest and familiar confession:
There's a day that's been spoken of, when the thirsty can come
Come buy without a dime and eat
Where bread and wine and milk cost nothing.
But, Lord, if I'm honest, I'm scared to death
That if I give my fish and loaves there won't be anything left
For me and my parents, for my wife and my kids.
If you have felt similar fears, you are not alone. Consider using Guerra’s song to pray and share your concerns with God.
Summers look different from family to family, but most of us share at least one thing: summer rhythms are different. Whether you are heading off on a beach vacation, to the hammock in your yard for a staycation, or to the baseball field for summer sports, summer brings a change in routine for many American families.
It may take creativity to prioritize deliberate family conversation or intentional generosity activities. As we prepare for this tempo change, I have a few ideas for you to integrate into your summer fun:
Family "Fun" Day – My kids know this is code for fun, plus. We hold our family giving meeting each summer when our college and high school kids are finally in the same place. We always pair our generosity discussions with a fun service project or activity.
Conversation Cards – Ask one question at dinnertime, at whatever frequency works for you. You can all contribute to a list in advance, or you could purchase some like: Connect Cards, Table Topics, Conversation Starters. You can all answer the same question or ask one question per person. Find what works for you!
Game Night – Board games, kickball, pickleball, cards—any of these can fit into your weekly routine. Perhaps each family member can take turns picking the game. This is also a great opportunity to include friends and neighbors.
Kids Camp – Trudi Cathy White talks about “grandkids camp” in her book A Legacy That Lasts. For one weekend each summer, she and her husband host all the grandkids for themed days and activities that invest in their relationships and pass on their family values.
Summer Bucket List – When my kids were young, we made a bucket list each summer: Visit the zoo, go fishing, family bike ride, etc. Each of our kids contributed, and the list gave us something to look forward to together.
Service Activities – Discuss service projects that align with some of the issues and causes you care about most. You can invite friends to join your work.
Facetime & Group Texts – I shared this in the fall, and it can be true for the summer, too. If you, like me, have kids scattered, set up a weekly family call and/or a group text so you can stay in touch with each other’s highs, lows, prayer requests, and praises.
As I reflect on the passage of time and anticipate changes in our family cadence, I want to navigate the new season with intention. Jump in on this journey with me. I’d love to hear what is working for you!
With you on your journey,
Kristin Hammett
Vice President, Family Generosity Services
Featured Organizations: Tornado Relief
If you have been wondering how to support those affected by the recent tornadoes in the United States, our team would like to highlight a few vetted nonprofits providing relief to these communities.
Heart to Heart International is responding with shipments of hygiene kits to three clinics in partnership with Missouri Primary Care Association. These essential supplies help families maintain dignity and health during the recovery efforts.
Samaritan's Purse volunteers have come from all across the country to come alongside hurting families—tarping roofs, clearing debris, salvaging belongings, and reminding them that God has not forgotten them, even in their darkest hour.
If you advise a donor advised fund at The Signatry, you can log in and recommend a grant to one of these or another organization providing aid to affected communities.
This does not constitute nor does The Signatry provide legal, tax, financial or other professional advice. You should consult professional advisors concerning the legal, tax, or financial consequences of your charitable activities.
