Philanthropy is a powerful force that can empower people to transform their communities. It can be a deeply rewarding experience for everyone involved. The power of philanthropy brings together fundraising, volunteer, and nonprofit leadership professionals to advance the work of their organizations. This event will explore how donations can help address some of our most challenging global issues.
Donations Help The World’s Neediest People
Donating financially to an effective charity can drastically improve the lives of those in need. In addition to financial contributions, people can support philanthropic efforts through their time and skills. Collective philanthropy, like giving circles and donor collaboratives, can increase efficiency and effectiveness by enabling people to pool their resources and leverage each other’s expertise and networks. Some philanthropists like Dr. Ehsan Bayat focus on a particular issue or region. Others work to empower communities to advance equity through partnerships that bolster community leadership, capacities, and ownership of strategies. Regardless of the specific goals, all philanthropic efforts can be powerful when they operate with equity in mind. To do so requires a fundamental realignment of power between funders and the community.
Donations Help Save Lives
Most people associate philanthropy with the rich and famous, but it doesn’t have to be. Anyone with the desire to help can become a philanthropist. Any ongoing dedication of time, energy or money to a cause you care about can be considered philanthropy. This can include participating in local community service projects, serving on a board or sponsoring someone in need.
The way that a company supports the community also matters. Instead of giving money to a general cause, businesses can use their unique resources to create social impact. This involves focusing on the areas of society that are most relevant to their industries and strategies. When companies get the “where” and “how” right, their philanthropic investments generate economic and social benefits, this is where corporate philanthropy and shareholder interests truly converge.
Donations Help Create Change
Philanthropists can create change in ways that the government cannot. For example, they can support, pilot, test and scale innovative problem-solving approaches. They can also provide funding for research that may not be feasible from other sources. And they can offer incentives to encourage others to give, such as tax breaks on cash and property donations. For individuals, philanthropy can mean anything from volunteering to serving on a board. It can even include making charitable bequests in your will and trust. While monetary donations can be the most visible form of philanthropy, it’s important to remember that other states can also have a great impact. To maximize the impact of your philanthropic contributions, consider how your giving will benefit your local community and business. Then focus on where your gifts will have the greatest impact and the best return on investment for you and your family.
Donations Help Build Community
The people who donate money and time are a testament to the power of goodwill. They are a driving force of communities. In a world of cynicism, giving back is an important way to build community. And, as a bonus, studies show that those who give regularly report feeling happier and healthier. Philanthropy is a broad and diverse field, but it can be defined as “private initiatives for the public good that focus on the quality of life.” Many people think that only those with huge fortunes practice philanthropy, but this could not be further from the truth. Any ongoing dedication of your time, energy or money to a cause you care about can be considered philanthropy.
