Atlanta Jewish Foundation Giving Insight
Written by Ghila Sanders, VP of Philanthropic Advisory
July 20, 2026
The conversations that matter most are often the ones we avoid.
I am an enthusiastic podcast listener. I used to be a serial reader; now, I listen. In the car, on a run, or while walking, I choose episodes based on my mood, my route, the time I have, or the moment I’m in. I listen to podcasts like This American Life, Hidden Brain, The Daily, SmartLess, On Purpose, and Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, each one offering something to learn, consider, or carry with me.
The Happiness Lab has been on my list since 2020, shortly after I discovered Dr. Laurie Santos’ online Yale course on the Science of Happiness. It’s a masterclass in mindfulness, paired with a healthy dose of reality checks and humor. It’s a great one.
So, when the recent episode “Forget Small Talk: Go Deep Instead” came through my feed, I curiously hit play. As I listened to Dr. Santos’ conversation with author Claire Eastham and psychologist Nicholas Epley, I found myself thinking about our work at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation.
The most meaningful gifts I’ve seen didn’t begin with a checkbook. They began with a conversation.
Philanthropy, literally “love of humankind”, is grounded in depth. When my colleagues and I sit down with our fundholders, we often move quickly past the pleasantries and into a more authentic place. We ask bigger questions. We make room for real answers.
Very quickly, the element of love comes through. Giving, as it turns out, is rarely driven solely by financial motives. It’s inspired by the people and experiences that shaped us, where we come from, and the kind of community we hope our children and grandchildren will inherit.
For the Jewish people, charitable giving is also a matter of justice. Tzedakahis about creating a more equitable world where we share in what we have and help one another with dignity.
But why does it feel so difficult sometimes to have deep conversations, particularly with the people we love the most? And how do we take down the barriers that prevent us from starting a meaningful dialogue?
The episode’s core message is this: we often underestimate how much people appreciate deeper connections. Dr. Santos offers practical tips on how to get to the other side of awkward, and the science to back up why those seemingly uncomfortable topics are decidedly worth the effort.
Dr. Santos suggests to craft a series of questions that build up, because the slow increase of mutual disclosure makes people feel more connected. What she calls the “Reciprocity Norm” is also a critical piece: if we speak to someone openly and authentically, that person tends to respond to kindness, not with judgement.
I see that same dynamic play out in philanthropy. Families sometimes postpone conversations about charitable values because they worry they’ll be uncomfortable. What if we don’t see things the same way? But the first goal isn’t always agreement. It’s understanding, appreciation, and the joy of building a path forward together. Once someone asks, “What matters most to you?” or “How do you hope to be remembered?” the discussion often becomes one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
It is an honor to be part of these donor interactions: to listen to family stories, witness the satisfaction of generosity in action, and help facilitate discussions that might not otherwise happen.
There is a bit of magic in every connection we get to experience. A couple writes a letter to their children explaining why this Jewish community is so important to them, and how it was there for their family when they needed it most. A donor who received a scholarship to attend Jewish summer camp as a child creates an endowment so every child can have the same chance. Siblings who first discovered nonprofits through volunteering begin giving financially because they understand there is a need, and blessings are meant to be shared.
If you are reading this, chances are you are already connected to the Atlanta Jewish community in some capacity. I would love to hear your story: what sparks your generosity, what matters to you, and what kind of future you hope to help build. If I can be of help thinking through ways to make your giving more joyful and meaningful, I hope you’ll connect for a deep conversation, or even a podcast exchange.
Because philanthropy doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means being open to expressing what matters to you.
