Tom Hsieh has taken a novel approach to fighting poverty in his hometown of Los Angeles.

Mr. Hsieh, who owns a telecommunications company, has committed to supporting his family on the U.S. median household income.

In 2008, his family lived on about $38,000 although he earned more than $200,000. He donated the balance of his after-tax income to antipoverty groups in Los Angeles.

What motivates Mr. Hsieh's giving? How does he decide what causes and organizations to support? What lessons can other donors learn from him? And what should fund raisers and other charity officials understand as they seek to encourage more people to give in this difficult economic time?

Read the transcript of our discussion with Mr. Hsieh and a fellow philanthropist, Anne Ellinger, who answered those and other questions.

The discussion is part of a series of conversations with donors hosted by The Chronicle and Bolder Giving, an organization that works to encourage philanthropists to give more generously.

Click on the window below to view the replay of this archived discussion.