[00:00:19] – Why Charitable Giving Is Personal

The conversation opens by framing charitable giving as deeply personal rather than purely financial. Evan shares why generosity is one of the most meaningful parts of working with families and how giving connects people to something beyond themselves.

Key quote:
“If you give, it is contagious and it’s fun.”

[02:55] – Giving Is More Than Strategy

Evan explains why giving is more fulfilling than receiving and how generosity changes people over time. While motivations may vary at first, giving creates ownership, connection and long-term care for the causes supported.

Key quote:
“When somebody gives, you are invested in what you’re giving to.”

[04:08] – How Hurt Shapes Passion

Evan shares powerful examples of families whose charitable passions emerged from personal pain or hardship. Giving becomes a way to process past wounds and redirect success toward healing and impact.

Key quote:
“Giving back is a way that almost helps heal those past hurts.”

[05:18] – Do Families Know Why They Give?

The group discusses how many families feel drawn to generosity but struggle to articulate their purpose. Evan explains why uncovering passion takes time and reflection, especially for business owners focused on growth and exits.

Key quote:
“Sometimes it takes a little work to dig into why we’re really doing this.”

[07:02] – The Million-Dollar Question

Evan introduces a simple but revealing question he asks families to uncover true passion. By removing practical constraints, people are forced to think deeply about what they truly care about.

Key quote:
“If I gave you a million dollars and said you had to give it away, what would you give it to?”

[08:12] – Why Passion Changes Outcomes

A study is shared showing how charitable giving increases when people are asked about passion rather than obligation. The discussion highlights how generosity grows when people connect emotionally rather than strategically.

Key quote:
“At the end of the day, we understand there’s something bigger than just our happiness.”

[09:00] – Entering the Charitable Journey

Evan explains the many entry points families have into charitable planning. Some arrive before liquidity events, others after money has already been set aside, and many during moments of life transition or loss.

Key quote:
“Sometimes life stuff happens that opens someone’s eyes.”

[10:13] – A Pastoral Role in Giving

Evan describes how charitable conversations often resemble pastoral or counseling work more than technical advising. The heart work must come before the strategy.

Key quote:
“A lot of the hat I wear is more like pastoral or counselor.”

[11:45] – When Charitable Assets Grow Without Direction

John reflects on how charitable accounts can grow significantly over time without clarity. Without intention, generosity risks becoming passive instead of impactful.

Key quote:
“Unless there’s clarity, the dollars on the charitable side just keep growing.”

[14:07] – Giving Requires Thoughtful Deployment

The group discusses why giving money away well is often harder than accumulating it. Clear mission, vision and values are necessary to ensure generosity is effective and aligned.

Key quote:
“It’s a lot of work to give it away.”

[15:22] – Mission, Vision and Values for Families

Evan challenges families to apply the same discipline they use in business to their personal and charitable lives. Purpose brings focus and confidence to generosity.

Key quote:

“You have a mission statement for your company. Do you have one for your family?”

[16:11] – How Action Clarifies Passion

Evan shares stories of donors who gave informally or served directly, discovering their true passions through action rather than planning alone. Exposure often precedes clarity.

Key quote:
“Where your money is, there your heart will be also.”

[17:28] – Getting Outside Your Comfort Zone

The episode closes with a reminder that generosity grows when families step into unfamiliar environments. Serving alongside others often reshapes perspective and deepens commitment.

Key quote:
“Just getting outside your comfort zone opens your mind.”

Key Takeaways

• Generosity is rooted in personal story, not just surplus
• Giving often reflects moments of deepest pain or calling
• Clarity matters more than the size of the gift
• Charitable assets require just as much intention as financial assets
• Involving the next generation strengthens family alignment
• Purpose turns generosity from accumulation into stewardship

Call to Action

Thank you for joining us on the StoryLens Podcast. If this conversation resonated with you, please like and subscribe to help others discover the show. If you are navigating charitable decisions or seeking clarity around generosity, StoryOne is here to walk alongside you. Your story matters, and your giving can reflect it.