Deeper Dive - The Freedom to Give - July 5, 2022
Reflecting on an important freedom the day after Independence Day
An Important Freedom
Yesterday was Independence Day here in the United States. It’s the holiday that marks the unofficial mid-point of Summer and is accentuated by parades, cookouts and fireworks. Conversations usually revolve around how the Summer season is quickly slipping away and catching up with families and friends on their latest adventures. For example, my sister-in-law enthralled us with their latest trip to Florida scouting out potential universities for my niece to attend after she graduates from high school.
It’s also a day to celebrate our freedoms.
And while freedom is a value that is cherished greatly in American culture, it can be a very nebulous concept. In a general sense, our freedoms are granted by God (or our creator), defended by our foundational documents (primarily the Constitution) and arbitrated by our government (especially by our legislatures and our courts). Freedoms, as steadfast and foundational as they may seem, are always being refined by the courts; today’s prohibition can become tomorrow’s right, and vice versa.
American governance relies heavily on the balance between the relationship between the individual and society and rights and responsibilities. Sometimes it works, sometimes it’s doesn’t. But, through it all, we are always striving to create that “more perfect union.”
The non-profit’s most cherished right
All of this had me thinking about what kind of rights we take for granted in the non-profit world. Rising to the top of that list, was a right that I don’t believe is expressly granted by any document or any court, yet our culture and society certainly expects this right to exist and our sector depends on this right for it’s absolute existence, it’s the right to give.
Currently in our society, Americans have the right to give (or not give) to causes, ideals and beliefs that can be shown to have even the most marginal impact on American society. And while this right is not expressly granted, it is certainly promoted. Our federal tax code, gives certain financial benefits to those that give to these groups and these groups are given special treatment by the same tax code. Our federal government (and even some states) understand the societal benefit non-profit organizations play in our everyday lives.
These organizations play a critical role in the basic functioning of everyday life. Non-profit organizations help feed, educate and meet the basic needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. The work this sector does goes way beyond the scope and capability of the governmental sector and is not hampered by the profit motive of the for-profit sector.
And perhaps this right has yet to be threatened because it is exercised by those that understand the responsibility they have to society. Whether their giving is dictated by a religious or spiritual belief or through other philanthropic motives, the act of giving is an act of responsibility. The words of the scripture ring true, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.", Luke 12:48.
Is this Right being threatened?
It is within this backdrop that I see threats to this right on this horizon. Not by the courts, not by government, but rather by society itself.
Spend any time on the social media platforms and we can see a small, but persistent chest-beating from those that have serious reservations about the current way philanthropic giving happens in America. Certain groups flourish with large donations, with others go unnoticed. The critics of those against the current form and function of philanthropy have a legitimate grievance. There are many groups doing good and solid work that go unnoticed and are worthy of philanthropic investments. Organizations that support work against poverty and racism many times are underfunded. Their work isn’t always attractive to funders and donors and the outcomes are hard to achieve. In other words, when getting donations, this work isn’t an “easy sell”.
But, the answer isn’t to throw the baby out with the bathwater, as many social media voices wish. Too many arm chair quarterbacks see modern philanthropy as a tax avoidance scheme or a way to promote certain ideals while leaving others to the side. Point taken. But these arm chair quarterbacks, believe the answer is to compel these givers to give to the causes they themselves find important an worthy of donation. I am sorry, but that is not how our society works. Individuals exercising their own sense of social responsibility, should have the right to give to the organizations that they believe are making the impacts they want to see in American society.
Reflecting on the Right to Give
As we move forward from Independence Day, I hope we take a moment to not only reflect on those rights that are expressly granted, but also I hope we reflect on those we exercise without very little thought, such as as the right to give. In my mind, this such a fundamental right that without it, our society would surely begin to fall.
I have had my say, what is yours? Let me know what you think about this idea in the comment section!
Also, please feel free to share this with friends and colleagues. At the very least, “hit that heart” below! It would be much appreciated!
Stay Well,
Bill