Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich: A How-To Guide
Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson's best-selling guide is an inspiring insight on smart philanthropy
Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson, author of Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich / Photo: Courtesy
Giving back to those in need is an affable trait to have, one which many try to implement in their daily lives, but busy schedules, battling priorities, and strained budgets can give pause to even the most well-intentioned individuals. Author and philanthropy advocate, Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson acknowledges these common pitfalls and has curated an effective, thought-provoking guide titled, Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich, to help educate people on how to make their contributions count, no matter the size.
An Education Tool
At the heart of the guide, Susan Aurelia Gitelson challenges the misconception that, charity is a duty reserved only for the most fortunate in society, and that lower-level contributions are ineffective at making a meaningful change. Instead, Gitelson empowers people of all incomes to engage in philanthropy in a safe and sustainable way, without falling victim to the devastating rise of charity scams.
Independently Researched
Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson, author of Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich / Photo: Courtesy
Through her many years of consulting and working with the world’s biggest non-profit organizations, Gitelson has her finger on the pulse of all things philanthropy. A consequence of this is that she’s aware of the different ways you can vet an organization. This includes evaluating their transparency, accountability, and reliability so you can feel secure in your contributions.
Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich highlights countless watchdog agencies that can discern this information for you. For example, Charity Navigator evaluates over 55,000 of America’s biggest charities, Great Nonprofits gathers personal reviews from users and donors, and Give Well ranks charities in-depth by categories. Other agencies include Better Business Bureau, GuideStar, The Independent Sector, and American Institute of Philanthropy. These bodies are integral to Gitelson’s giving approach because it helps you to make the most informed decision with your time and money.
Personalized Approach
Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson / Photo: Courtesy
The book blends philanthropic theory with real-world examples, helping you to visualize the specific steps needed to start your selfless journey. Owing to her background in sociology institutions, such as the Center for the Study of the Presidency, Gitelson speaks comprehensively on the science behind giving and where you should focus your efforts.
Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich recognizes the following topics as areas of major interest: religious philanthropy; education K-12; higher education; science and health; arts, culture and humanities; sports; multipurpose umbrella organizations; awards; and international aid. If you have an interest in any of the above, or you’re hoping to dive deeper into the effectiveness of modern-day charities, this book is the perfect teaching tool.
Since being published, Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich has been exhibited at countless international book fairs, lauded as a user-friendly resource for all who wish to level up their impact. It’s set to feature in the 2025 London Book Fair, as an exhibit of self-publishing company, ReadersMagnet. The event will occur on March 11-13, 2025, giving you the chance to check out the book in person, or you can order it online at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and ReadersMagnet Bookstore.
