From Lemonade Stands to Lasting Legacy: 3 Philanthropy Tips Every Donor Should Know
August 1, 2025
Remember when giving back felt simple? Maybe it was a few coins in a Tzedakah box, or the proceeds from a lemonade stand. These early moments often spark a lifelong journey of generosity. But today, with so many causes to support and so many ways to give, philanthropy can feel overwhelming.
That’s exactly why Lemonade With Lindsay was created.
In this new video series, Lindsay Kopecky, Frances Bunzl Chief Advancement Officer at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation, draws on over a decade of experience helping individuals, families, and organizations align their giving with their values. Her goal? To make philanthropy meaningful, impactful, and yes – simple and sweet, like selling lemonade.
In Episode 1, Lindsay shares three essential tools that can take your giving to the next level:
- Know Your Values
Lindsay recalls a formative moment at nine years old, when she used her Hebrew School snack money to buy lunch for a person in need, out on the street. When she came home and told her father what she had done, he teared up and said, “Lindsay, I am so proud of you.” That moment lit a spark that shaped her philanthropic path – and serves as a reminder that the values that move us emotionally often point to the kind of change we want to create in the world.
“What are the issues you talk about around the dinner table?” Lindsay asks. “What are the moments in your life that filled you with pride, that filled your parents with pride? What do you hope to inspire in your children?”
Answering these questions is the first step toward intentional, lasting, and heart-centered giving.
- Build the Right Team
Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, surround yourself with the people and partners who can help bring your vision to life. “When people work with the Atlanta Jewish Foundation,” Lindsay shares, “they often say it feels like coming home – because our team understands and lives the same values that you do.”
With over $59 million granted last year to more than 1,300 organizations, including those serving Atlanta’s Jewish community, Israel, and global causes, the Atlanta Jewish Foundation helps donors maximize both impact and meaning.
Whether you’re giving as an individual or engaging your entire family across generations, remember that philanthropy takes a village, and the right philanthropic partners can turn your values into action.
- Start Now
“You don’t have to be rich to be a philanthropist,” Lindsay reminds us. Just as it’s wise to start investing early, the same is true for charitable investments. With tools like Donor-Advised Funds and endowments, you can make a meaningful impact today while planning for the future and allowing your giving to grow over time.
Often, people give reflexively – waiting for a crisis or campaign to donate to. But having your philanthropy structured and ready enables you to respond more effectively and intentionally. As Lindsay notes, “After October 7th, our donors were able to quickly deploy the resources they had already set aside to support the causes they cared most about.”
Whether you’re just beginning your philanthropic journey or looking to deepen your impact, the time to start is now.
🍋 Watch Episode 1 of Lemonade with Lindsay to hear more insights and practical tools to do good.
Ready to explore your own giving goals? Connect with the Atlanta Jewish Foundation today.