The 6 Ts of philanthropy

When we think about philanthropy, the first thing that often comes to mind is money. While financial generosity—treasure—is an important part of giving, it’s only one piece of a much bigger picture. At the Community Foundation, we know that philanthropy is most powerful when nonprofit supporters bring many forms of generosity to the table.

That’s where the 6 T’s of Philanthropy come in: time, talent, treasure, ties, testimony, and truth. Together, they offer a more complete way to think about how each of us can contribute to the organizations we care about most, and also the well-being of our community.

1. TIME: Showing Up Matters

Time is often the most accessible form of giving. Volunteering with a nonprofit, mentoring a young person, serving on a board, or helping at a community event all make a real difference. As a community foundation, we see how donated time strengthens organizations and builds trust. Giving time isn’t just about filling a need, it’s about showing up, listening, and being present for your community.

2. TALENT: Using Your Skills for Good

Everyone has talents that can benefit others. Whether you’re a financial professional helping a nonprofit with budgeting, a marketer offering communications support, or a strategist providing planning guidance, talent-based giving multiplies impact. When supporters share their expertise, organizations can operate more effectively and focus their resources where they’re needed most.

3. TREASURE: Investing in What Matters

Treasure refers to financial giving, and it remains a critical tool for driving lasting change. Through cash, appreciated securities, donor-advised fund grants, estate gifts, and the many other ways to provide financial support, you can sustain the work for causes you care about most. Treasure—particularly unrestricted, multi-year gifts—allows organizations to plan ahead, innovate, and respond to urgent needs, ensuring our community remains strong today and for years to come.

4. TIES: Building Connections

Philanthropy is deeply relational. Ties represent the networks and relationships that connect people to causes, organizations, and one another. Introducing a nonprofit to a potential supporter, inviting a friend to an event, or coordinating a volunteer project with your company all help strengthen the fabric of our community. At its best, philanthropy brings people together around shared values and common goals.

5. TESTIMONY: Share Your Story

Testimony is the act of speaking up about why you give and what you’ve learned along the way. Personal stories inspire others to get involved and inspire generosity as a community value. When donors, volunteers, and nonprofit leaders share their experiences, philanthropy becomes more visible and appealing to those around us.

6. TRUTH: Centering Equity & Listening

Truth asks us to be honest about community needs, systems, and inequities. It requires listening to those most affected by challenges and centering their voices in decision-making. At the Community Foundation, truth guides how we learn, grant, and partner, ensuring that philanthropy is not just generous, but also responsive and rooted in real community experience.

Using the 6 T’s Together

The beauty of the 6 T’s is that no one needs to do all of them to make a difference. Some supporters give time and talent before they give treasure. Others lead with ties or testimony. The most impactful philanthropy often happens when these elements work together, across individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits.

As a community foundation, our role is to help connect these forms of generosity and support a community where everyone has the opportunity to give and to thrive. When we recognize that philanthropy is bigger than a single donation, we open the door to deeper engagement, broader participation, and lasting impact.