We spoke to Karen Schaufeld, President of 100 Women Strong, a nonprofit that allocates funds to Loudoun County residents in need.

You’ve started two non-profit organizations, All Ages Read Together and 100 Women Strong. What was your motivation to give so much of your time and energy to the non-profit world?

If we pay attention, we are given opportunities to add value to the world around us. I have always loved to read, and so I was particularly attracted to the challenge of literacy, especially for children who otherwise would enter school with a big deficit. And using older volunteers from the community− an underutilized resource − to help an underserved population seemed like a nobrainer and a win-win situation. The positive effect on members of our community is invaluable and could be accomplished at a very low cost. And I always like doing things a little differently and a little smarter.

With 100 Women Strong, I saw an opportunity to benefit the local community and reward “best practices” in the non-profit community. I also must say that I enjoy the energy from being in the room with so many passionate, energetic and accomplished women.

Ultimately, I would have to say that my motivation is self serving, in that I am lucky to have the time and the ability to give back and have fun doing it.

You are also involved in numerous local and international charities, including those dealing with education, poverty, healthcare, and even Middle East peace. How do you find the time, but more importantly, how do you choose which organization or cause you want to associate yourself with?

There are definitely times when I feel overwhelmed and question whether I’m doing too much. I really hate to be ineffective. And, certainly, some times of the year are busier than others. But, generally, I won’t take on a responsibility unless I feel there is some fun associated with it − either the mission or the people involved, or both. A prime example of having some fun is serving on the Board of Wolf Trap. I thoroughly and regularly enjoy the performances at Wolf Trap, but I also appreciate the very successful program they have for teaching preschoolers a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum through the arts. The program outcomes are astounding and show that the arts are not just fun but an integral part of how the brain learns.

If I can’t find the time to go to meetings, actively participate or step up in terms of money or time, I won’t accept a position in an organization. It is important for organizations to be really clear what they expect from their board, and for potential board members to really explore whether they can fulfill those expectations. I also think it is critical for board members to take some board training to understand their role as a fiduciary and ambassador for their organization. Board service should be more than just nice people with checks − unless of course, that is all that is expected. But, then, I personally would question the oversight of that organization.

As to the particular organization I like to support, I try to look for organizations that are game changers. Specifically, I am unlikely to contribute to an organization that addresses the symptom and not the cause of a problem. As unpopular as this may be, I believe that many people act out of personal empathy which does not solve the problem. In other words, just feeding starving people doesn’t address why they are starving. Most “hopeless” and persistent issues in this world are a result of too few resources distributed among too many people. Sometimes there are enough resources available but the resources are prevented from reaching certain populations. Of course, some would say Middle East peace is a hopeless issue, but my husband and I support a group (OneVoice) that has already had over 600,000 Palestinians and Israelis agree on a two-state solution. That is a game changer. Sometimes the strength of ordinary people creates a positive movement in the face of leaders controlled by short-term political thinking.

Finally, I get involved in organizations only after I have done my homework. I research what the organization does and how and if they are financially sound and fiscally responsible. Charities are required to file Form 990s with the IRS −which is available as public information − and that is a good starting point. Regrettably, religious organizations and churches are not required to file Form 990s, and I feel uncomfortable giving to organizations without financial oversight. I have also stopped giving to many different organizations and focused on a few organizations that I have researched and that mesh with my family’s mission.

You serve on the board for the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT). Tell us more about the inspiration behind that. What are some of things that ACT is trying to achieve? What are they up against?

My husband and I like to focus our efforts locally and internationally. It’s nice to improve our small part of the planet, but we can’t ignore that we are part of a larger world. I got involved with ACT because I learned of the groundbreaking work this small but mighty organization is doing to preserve the Amazonian rainforest. Our climate is dependent on the rainforest which contains as much as a third of the biodiversity of the entire planet. In addition, the chance to discover cures for many of our diseases will be lost if we lose the rainforest.

That being said—and as much as I support the environment—I was attracted by the holistic and innovative way that ACT preserves the rainforest by acknowledging and protecting the culture and way of life of the indigenous tribes. ACT works on the ground and directly with the tribes. The Indians’ knowledge of the plants and animals of the rainforest, combined with their superior ability to act as park guards to protect their lands, is a brilliant way to accomplish the task of protection. Look at it this way: an Indian in a loin cloth holding a bow and arrow and a GPS standing in front of a bulldozer is protecting not just his way of life, but also yours. That Indian deserves our support. The real challenge now is partnering with governments and other non-profits to protect large bio-cultural swaths of land that allow the rainforest to thrive.

Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life?

My husband, Fred, without a doubt. My husband and I both went to college with significant financial support through scholarship programs. After we graduated, he started a business that now has over 11,000 employees. His hard work and persistence inspires me every day. But more importantly, he has a generous heart. Even when we had very little and were still paying off student loans, we made charitable contributions to the extent we could. And when we had the ability to do more, there was no question about jumping in with both feet. He has consistently backed my “crazy” philanthropic endeavors and has given amazing strategic advice all along the way.

What recommendations do you have for those who would like to be more active in philanthropic causes? What would you caution against? Is there a good place to start, or should someone interested simply jump right in?

I have been accused of having a preference for action over what I call “analysis paralysis.” However, I would say that the world could never change unless a few brave people just went for it. If you have a passion and can devote the time, do your homework and get started. If you like to start things, that’s great, but also figure out what success looks like and have a basic plan. I would caution against creating an organization that is unsustainable; that is, an organization that cannot continue its mission due to lack of funds or lack of organization or both. That would be heart breaking for you and the community you hope to serve.

With the global economy in dire straits, how hard has it been to convince those with the most to devote their time and money to those with the least?

Well, I’m a big believer in guilt. But seriously, you can’t force people to give. You can educate them about the benefits to them in terms of satisfaction or a safer and better community. But people have to do what’s right for them. It’s a personal and family decision. And don’t forget that giving of your time is extremely rewarding.

In particular, with 100 Women Strong, we started in the worst recession in our lifetime. My fellow travelers in 100 Women Strong took a tremendous leap of faith, for which I am profoundly grateful. Our members believe that it is more important to write one check, combine it with other checks, and create real change instead of writing a lot of little checks separately. Frankly, if you have the resources, this is the best way to know your money is being effective. So, if you are going to give, make it worthwhile.