What Can Individual Donors Learn From Corporate Philanthropy?

The Wallet discussed corporate-giving trends with Christina Gold, chief executive of the Western Union Co.; Steve Case, the America Online co-founder who now chairs his own foundation; and Sidney Taurel, chairman emeritus of Eli Lilly & Co.

Case has focused his charitable efforts on expanding access to technology and cutting-edge cancer research, among other things. When deciding who gets his money, “passion is important,” Case says. Case’s brother, for instance, died of brain cancer, spurring the former AOL executive’s devotion of more than $5.2 million since 2001 toward finding cures for the disease. Case also suggests philanthropists tighten their focus as they mull causes to support and consider pooling resources with others to maximize impact.