Mike Schaefer, the surviving life partner of an early Microsoft pioneer, has distributed more than $180 million – nearly 100% of their assets - to 20 charitable organizations since his partner’s death in 2006.   Mike offers to both donors and advisors many key insights about how to strategically give at one’s full potential.  See his profile and video clip. 

Bold Conversations is a monthly phone discussion hosted by Anne Ellinger, co-founder of Bolder Giving in Extraordinary Times (www.boldergiving.org). Each month you can join the conversation with extraordinary givers who share strategies, challenges, and excitement about their giving.  See all events.

The format of each Bold Conversation is a 60 min. free teleconference call.  Anne and the featured guest will talk, and every 10-15 minutes there will be time for questions from listeners.  We aim for an informal, interactive, and frank discussion where listeners apply lessons to their own giving. You can listen to archived conversations and also join online chats with Bold Givers hosted by the Chronicle on Philanthropy.

Please join us

No matter what your level of giving or the causes you give to, you’ll gain nuggets of wisdom you can apply to your own situation, and be energized by Mike’s joy and passion.  

Advisors who work with donors – please invite your donors to the call!  You are welcome to join as well, so long as you participate by applying the discussion to your personal giving. 

The contact information for joining the call will be provided by email following registration. 

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Episode 1: With Mike Schaefer

How much do we give, and how much keep for ourselves?  All of us face this question, no matter how much or little money we have.

But the question can be overwhelming for people who gain sudden or extreme wealth.  But Mike and his life partner Ric, who was an early pioneer with Microsoft, kept it simple:  they decided from the start that Ric’s estate plan would give nearly 100% of his assets to charity.  Since Ric’s untimely death in 2006, Mike has distributed $180 million, including an unprecedented $65 million to the Pride Foundation to strategically strengthen the gay rights movement.

Our conversation with Mike will touch upon:

Giving More 
Why and how did they decide to give so much?  How did they think about friends and relatives, and about Mike as the surviving partner?

Giving Effectively 
What was their strategy for giving to smaller, grassroots organizations without overwhelming the groups?

Being Fulfilled 
Since they gave it all, Mike is no longer a philanthropist.  Or is he?  What fulfillment does he experience from his gifts now?  Has anyone followed their example?