We tend to think of generous people as those who always say yes. Yes to the next request, the next project, and to the next person in need.
And while that’s admirable, it isn’t always sustainable.
In my recent conversation with Morgan DeNicola, she shared something refreshingly honest. As the leader of her family’s foundation, she has learned that one of the most difficult parts of philanthropy isn’t opening your heart. It’s accepting that you can’t solve every problem.
The Weight of Caring
Morgan didn’t arrive at philanthropy through a carefully crafted career plan. A trip to an orphanage in Africa changed the course of her life.
She returned home convinced she couldn’t simply go back to business as usual. Her family established what would become the DeNicola Family Foundation, and she immersed herself in serving communities, building partnerships, and encouraging others to become part of the work.
But with that commitment came an unexpected challenge. Sometimes the answer has to be no. Because saying yes to everything eventually means saying no to doing anything particularly well.
Relationships Over Transactions
Morgan doesn’t invite people to become donors. She invites them to become part of the family. Because meaningful philanthropy isn’t built on transaction but on relationships.
She wants to know what people care about, to ask questions and to see the impact of what they’re helping make possible.
Better Giving Requires Better Boundaries
Many of us carry around the assumption that if we cared more, we would simply do more. But Morgan’s experience suggests that people who make the greatest long-term impact aren’t necessarily those who say yes the most. They’re the people who stay faithful to the work they’ve already committed to. The people who choose carefully and who understand that boundaries are what make generosity sustainable.
Watch the Full Conversation
In this episode, Morgan DeNicola shares practical insights on:
Discovering your purpose through giving
Building relationships instead of transactions
Inspiring the next generation of philanthropists
Transparency and donor trust
Knowing when to say yes, and when to say no
Sustaining passion without burning out
If you’ve ever struggled with wanting to help more people than you realistically can, I think you’ll find this conversation both encouraging and practical.
As always, thank you to Victoria Hearst, whose generosity helps make these conversations possible.
