Review: Every Gift Matters by Carrie Morgridge

Every Gift Matters

by Carrie Morgridge

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group

Pages: 184

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Charitable giving is on the rise in America. Despite the lingering effects of the economic downturn, Americans continue to give generously of their time, talent, and money – more than $335 billion in 2013, a 4.4% increase from 2011. What’s more, the bulk of that charitable giving – 72% – came not from large foundations or corporations, but from individuals making small gifts. For those with passion for a cause and a generous spirit, it’s vitally important that they leverage their gift in the right way in order to have the greatest impact possible.

In her first book Every Gift Matters Carrie Morgridge shares inspiring stories of powerful gifts in action showing readers how to turn the act of giving into a vehicle for positive change. Drawing on 15 years of experience supporting causes that align with her passions through gifts, Morgridge demonstrates how a smart strategy, high expectations, a deep network, and hands-on personal involvement will ensure that one’s gift is compounded over time to have the biggest impact possible.

“Each person and every gift can make a difference,” writes Morgridge. “Whoever you are, no matter how much or how little you have, your gift matters. The smallest, seemingly unimportant, donation can transform a life. And the best news is that giving transforms two lives: the one who receives and the one who gives.”

Through her role as Vice President of The Morgridge Family Foundation, Morgridge has learned what works – and what doesn’t – when it comes to giving. She argues that in order to ensure meaningful and lasting change, a gift must be more than simply a grant of money. The giver must assess whether the program is the right fit, work hand-in-hand with the key leaders on strategy, develop a plan for making the endeavor sustainable, and ensure that their gift can be leveraged to have a bigger impact on the community. By sharing real-life stories of how this hands-on approach to giving has transformed lives – including her own – Morgridge inspires others to believe that they can also make a difference in their community, no matter the size of their gift.

Kritters Thoughts:  As the head of a corporate giving program at the company that I work at, I was extremely interested in reading this book and getting a perspective on giving that I had never experienced - and I did!

Carrie Morgridge is blessed to be from a family that has a foundation and can make donations big and small that make an impact.  She and her family make an effort to make their donations matter, no matter the size.  I wanted to study how they decide to make the gift they do and then I loved reading and learning about the follow up and how that matters just as much as choosing where the money should go.

This book was simple and just want I wanted to read to learn more about charitable giving.  

As a note, if you are looking to give personally, this book also had tips about personal donations, that just isn't why I picked it up.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2019 Challenge: 36 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.