A Generous Life: Reflections on Inspired Giving

A bold and imaginative guide for donors who want to make their giving more meaningful, from a pioneering thinker in the field of philanthropy.

In 1989, Peter Karoff, a businessman with a passion for social justice, had an idea that would fuse his financial expertise with his drive for doing good: He would found a nonprofit consulting firm--among the first of its kind in the country--to help donors decide where and how to direct their giving. The Philanthropic Initiative soon became a leader in the emerging field of strategic philanthropy. Since then, TPI has influenced the direction and focus of billions of dollars in philanthropy.

A Generous Life compiles Peter's reflections throughout this remarkable second act--lessons learned, provocative ideas, and stories about the power and potential of philanthropy. Through speeches, essays, and blog posts spanning decades, Peter presents giving as a journey, acknowledging the challenges and celebrating what he calls "coming 'round right" finding the true philanthropic connections that add value to society and contribute to a just world.

Filled with practical examples, references to everything from pop music to sailing, and poetry, Peter's writing captures the curiosity and joy that defined his life and work, and calls the reader to find their own unique joy in philanthropy.

Just as Peter himself did throughout his life, his words will inspire readers to grow, learn, and strive for greater impact and meaning in their giving.

Author: Peter Karoff
Publisher: Disruption Books
Published: 07/15/2025
Pages: 304
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.00w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9781633311152


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2025

About the Author
Peter Karoff was a champion of civil rights and social justice, a published poet, and a pioneering leader in the field of strategic philanthropy and philanthropic advising. He founded The Philanthropic Initiative, a Boston-based nonprofit philanthropic advising firm that designs transformative giving solutions at the local, national, and global level. In 2006, Peter was named a Purpose Prize Fellow in celebration of his visionary ideas and profound impact on the field of philanthropy. He was the author of The World We Want: New Dimensions in Philanthropy and Social Change and Parable, a book of poetry, and was the editor of Just Money: A Critique of Contemporary American Philanthropy. He passed away in March 2017.

Melinda Marble is a consultant and philanthropic advisor who has spent her career in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. In addition to heading or directing giving at three family foundations, including the Barr Foundation and the Paul and Phyllis Fireman Family Foundation, she has served at community foundations and led a regional association of grantmakers. She has been a consultant to more than a hundred donors and philanthropic enterprises ranging in size from neighborhood-based grassroots groups to major national foundations and universities. She is a former TPI staff and board member.