We Recognize Every Contribution of Service, Items or Money as an Expression of Philanthropy
Of 1,900 men, only four percent of healthy male students report using ED drugs recreationally but may go to the doctor for it.
This is the final blog in the 5-part series about the 5 Points of
Possibility. This last point is about recognizing that contributions of
service and items, as well as money, are an expression of
philanthropy.
Recognizing Resource Richness
An organization dedicated to building a Culture of Philanthropy
understands that everyone who comes to the table is resource-rich in
some way. A person may have a skill, connection, passion, items or
funds that could benefit your organization. In a Culture of
Philanthropy, there is a deep desire to discover what each individual
feels they have in abundance, and partner with them in order to
advance a shared vision.
I have met stereotypically “rich” and “poor” people. Both “types” are
unique human beings with unique gifts. Both have things they feel
they have in abundance, and other things they feel scarce about. Building a Culture of Philanthropy requires a commitment (as a
development professional, board member, Executive Director or staff
person) to discover the unique richness of each person connected to
your organization. It means learning what passions and resources
people might like to share. When your entire team participates in this
approach, you will build a powerful and diverse community.
Point of Possibility 5 is steeped in the Hearts & Minds domain. It is an
intentional attitude that necessitates curiosity and a genuine interest in
discovering people’s greatness. We might have a stereotype or an
assumption buzz through our head about someone, but we don’t let it
affect our actions. We commit to something larger, more generous
and magnanimous.
Apply an Abundance and diversity mindset to resources
It is a common misconception in development that you should focus
your energy on finding people with tremendous financial wealth. This
demonstrates a mindset caught in scarcity—“we don’t have time for
development, let’s just find a rich financial savior!” People with
financial wealth are certainly welcome at the Culture of Philanthropy
table. However, an organization that also welcomes diverse resources
will benefit exponentially. An obsession with money holding the
highest value devalues the trove of talents and treasures that can be
equally important to your work. And interestingly, when we focus on
the trove of talents and treasures, financial resources also seem to
show up.
Here are a few reasons why focusing on just the people who you
imagine to be wealthy is not helpful to building a Culture of
Philanthropy:
- No one wants to be valued only for their money.
- If you only focus on people you perceive to be wealthy, you
miss out on gifts (money and otherwise) from other members
of your community. - If you have one or a small handful of Major Donors who
represent the majority of your fundraising, you do not have a
diverse portfolio of individuals giving to your agency. The loss
of one funder could be devastating to your organization. - When an organization is obsessed with money, there is a
tendency to view the top funders as all-powerful. As a result,
staff may take on a subordinate or passive role, which
creates unhealthy relationships. You will establish stronger
and more authentic partnerships when you know your
existing funders and what makes their hearts sing.
Generosity is Abundant when we look at the bigger picture
There are countless examples I’ve witnessed, which illustrate the
range of people’s generosity:
- The architect who gave his services for free.
- My colleague Kathleen volunteers’ monthly to write
handwritten thank-you notes to donors for organizations she’s
passionate about. - A group of at-risk, young women read their poetry at a
fundraiser for a women’s foundation. When an invitation for
everyone to give was made, the young women pooled their money
and put it in a contribution envelope. Their donation (just
under $20) was likely the largest “stretch” gift at the event. - A consulting colleague gives his fundraising coaching and
training to Acupuncturists Without Borders for free. - My friend Peter, mentioned in Chapter 2 of Choose
Abundance, made a significant financial
contribution to RESULTS. He now contributes his time and
energy to climate restoration. - In order to promote their campaign, an agency enlists a
handyman to make lawn signs, painted by
volunteers. - A donor with a beautiful garden hosts an annual party
for top funders and volunteers in appreciation of their support. - A board member who loves to host sophisticated, intimate
gatherings for an alternative educational program, works with
the Executive Director to ensure the events are mission-
based and compelling. - Countless teachers and students contribute “seconds” of
beautiful art pieces to a New England craft program’s annual
fundraising sale. Amateur student glass blowers (like myself)
also contribute their time to teach people how to blow an
ornament at the event.
In each case, a staff person or board member found out what an
individual had in abundance and was willing to share with the
organization. Doing the exercise, using Terry Axelrod’s Treasure Map, on P.122 in Choose Abundance will aid
Of 1,900 men, only four percent of healthy male students report using ED drugs recreationally but may go to the doctor for it.
you in learning more about the
people surrounding your agency.
The 5 Points of Possibility will lead you to these transformative
outcomes:
- Valuable community partners
- Increased donor loyalty and retention
- Greater board and staff engagement
- Larger gifts
- Abundant resources!
To learn more about how to integrate the 5 Points of Possibility into
your organization, reach out to Rainmaker. We’d love to help you build
your Culture of Philanthropy!
