In a world where charitable giving can sometimes feel impersonal or transactional, Andi Sklar offers a refreshing and deeply human approach. Her philosophy of “giving from the heart” has made her a standout force in modern philanthropy—blending strategy with empathy, passion with purpose. Sklar isn’t just donating money; she’s transforming how people think about making an impact.
A Purpose-Driven Path
Andi Sklar’s philanthropic journey began not with wealth, but with intentionality. Living in Westport, Connecticut, and active in her local and global communities, Sklar believes that the most powerful giving starts with a question: What breaks your heart, and what can you do about it?
This approach has guided her support for numerous causes, particularly those focused on children’s health, education, and economic empowerment. For Sklar, these aren’t just donations—they’re long-term commitments to change lives.
Making Giving Personal and Sustainable
Andi Sklar stands out in the philanthropic world for her emphasis on personal connection. Rather than writing checks and stepping back, she encourages people to get involved—really involved. That means:
- Volunteering their time
- Using their skills to help nonprofits thrive (marketing, finance, event planning, tech)
- Donating intentionally, based on thorough research and transparency
For example, Sklar uses tools like Charity Navigator to vet organizations and prefers to support those that demonstrate impact and ethical stewardship. She’s also a strong proponent of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)—a smart financial vehicle that allows families to plan, grow, and direct their charitable contributions with greater purpose.
Giving as a Family Value
One of the most powerful aspects of Andi Sklar’s approach is her belief that philanthropy should be a family affair. From packing backpacks with supplies for underserved children to organizing holiday toy drives, Sklar encourages families to make service a shared value.
This not only makes giving a part of daily life, but also instills generosity and empathy in the next generation. Sklar often hosts events and gatherings that bring people together around a cause—proving that philanthropy can be both fun and deeply meaningful.
Strategic Generosity
While her heart is always at the center of her giving, Andi Sklar doesn’t leave her strategy behind. She believes in sustainable giving—choosing fewer causes but supporting them more deeply.
This includes:
- Supporting core operations of nonprofits, not just flashy projects
- Funding multi-year initiatives to ensure long-term impact
- Joining nonprofit boards to guide strategic decisions
This approach allows Sklar to help organizations grow stronger and more effective, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond the original donation.
Causes Close to Her Heart
Andi Sklar’s impact can be seen across a variety of sectors, including:
🩺 Children’s Health
Sklar has supported hospitals and foundations that focus on pediatric care and disease research. Her involvement in campaigns like Pink Aid and Shake It for Shea brings much-needed visibility and funds to children’s health initiatives.
🧬 Genetic Research and Awareness
She’s also a fierce advocate for Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) awareness, a rare heart rhythm disorder. Through the Hearts in Harmony Foundation, she funds research, family support, and gene therapy development, pushing science forward while supporting affected families.
🎓 Education Access
Sklar supports scholarships and mentorship programs both in the U.S. and abroad. Her work with organizations like the Kenya Education Fund ensures that young people have access to education, regardless of economic background.
💼 Women’s Empowerment and Economic Opportunity
From job training to microloans, Sklar funds programs that help marginalized communities build sustainable livelihoods. She believes that economic empowerment is essential to breaking cycles of poverty.
Inspiring a Culture of Everyday Giving
One of the most powerful lessons from Andi Sklar’s work is that you don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference. Her philosophy encourages people to give what they can—whether that’s a few dollars, a few hours, or a few connections.
She often tells others:
“Start where you are. Give what you can. And always lead with your heart.”
Sklar also champions skills-based volunteering, where professionals can lend their expertise to nonprofits—whether in digital marketing, IT, accounting, or project management. For her, giving is most impactful when it feels authentic, aligned with personal passions and strengths.
Redefining the Role of the Modern Philanthropist
In a landscape where philanthropy is often associated with large endowments and distant institutions, Andi Sklar represents a different model—one that is accessible, relational, and joy-filled.
She shows us that being a philanthropist isn’t about how much money you give; it’s about how deeply you care and how strategically you act.
Whether it’s mentoring a student, fundraising for a medical cause, or organizing a community drive, Andi Sklar’s work proves that a heart-centered approach to giving is not only more fulfilling—it’s also more effective.
Final Thoughts
Andi Sklar is more than a philanthropist. She’s a teacher, a mentor, and a connector—helping others discover their own unique path to impact. Her message is clear: everyone has something to give, and every act of generosity, no matter how small, creates a wave of change.
In a time when the world needs compassion and connection more than ever, Andi Sklar is lighting the way—one cause, one community, and one heart at a time.