The Rundown - Can Philanthropy Unite America? - March 3, 2023
How can we create more philanthropists?
Tulaine Montgomery and Shawn Dove wrote this interesting piece that showed up on the Forbes website. Both Montgomery and Dove are challenging the philanthropic sector in 2023 to be more inclusive and create opportuntiies where communties can come together. Together they state:
In philanthropy, we have an obligation to challenge the idea that America is irreparably divided. At its roots, philanthropy is about honoring our shared humanity and our interdependence. As a sector, we have a responsibility to bring people together. To do that, we need to create a new narrative around the importance of connection.
As philanthropists, our leadership in this moment is vital for the future of our multi-racial, intergenerational and cross-sector society. Giving in to the story that America is immovably divided means giving up on the idea that people in America can come together to solve seemingly intractable problems. We have the power to change the algorithm and reprogram the way we think about America. But first, we have to change what we believe and the way we work.
There should be near universal agreement that those in philanthropy are in the rare leadership position of brining people of seemingly different stripes together to create solutions to difficult challenges and the work we are doing generally speaks to that vision.
I myself work in a world where I have yet to meet anyone that is pro-hunger or pro-poverty. I am sure my friends that work in educational development would say that they have yet to meet anyone who is truly against the value that an education can provide an individual or a family. This sector is truly blessed to be working on those issues and intiatives that have the broadest appeal and bring the most value to society.
Montgomery and Dove give us three keys to help make the philanthropic sector thrive:
Get closer to the people who are closest to the issues
Share power and decision making
Lift up stories of connection
These are all great ideas. But, if I may be so bold, the one concept we need to make the sector thirive is to give our donors and our society the knowledge of the power of their donation.
One of the inherent rights we have as people (or at least a people that live in a free society) is the right to freely give our resources to those who need it. In fact not only is this right exercised, it is even ecouraged through favorable tax treatment of donations and charitable organizations.
I personally feel one of the biggest challenges we need to undertake in our society is to remind people of the opporutnity they have to freely give. It’s a unique chance that individuals have to impact the lives of their freinds, neighbors and community through the choice they make through their donations. I have been in this work long enough to know that people are generous and people are more generous knowing that they have the choice to see where their dollars are doing to make the impact that means the most to them.
It’s sometimes that last point that I think gets muddled.
Too many times, I am seeing philanthropy that is based not on choice, but based more on coercion. I have seen practices that use social pressure or guilt to make us part with our resources while making us feel that one certain cause is the most important cause out there. My biggest fear is that those practices give philanthropy a bad name.
Our job as development and nonprofit professionals should always be to build donors for our organizations, but not at the expense of other orgnaizations or other causes. If we are confornted with someone who has not been a donor; let’s not simply create a new donor for our work, but let’s do our best to create a new donor for our sector. Let’s encourage that budding philanthropist to explore their own desires, their own passions and just get them to give to some organization that brings meaning to their lives and the lives that those organizations support.
I honestly believe that when we remind people of their chance to freely give, we empower people to work with others to change our world.
The Weekly Notebook
A quick rundown of what I am seeing and hearing in the nonprofit world….
Now Hiring!
I have a nonprofit in Sidney, Ohio that has reached out to me looking for a new Executive Director. I can tell you that this a very strong organization that needs leadership that has strong entrepreneurial and staff management skills. If you have any interest, please drop me a line at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk!
Also, the local CASA/GAL agency in Troy, Ohio is looking for a new staff member as well. It’s a great agency with solid leadership. If you have interest, please let me know by sending an email to pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and I will share what I know.
The Habitat for Humanity affiliate serving Miami and Shelby Counties in Ohio is looking to a hire a Community Development Director. This looks like a great posiiton for anyone interested in helping build communities and affordable housing. The position is located in the growing community of Troy, Ohio. You can look at the listing here. Applications are due April 15, 2023.
Another organization in Troy, Ohio is also hiring. Troy Main Street, which is the major downtown development non-profit in the community, is looking for their next Executive Director. You can learn more about the posiiton from their website at www.troymainstreet.org and scroll down to the “jobs” tab.
What Can We Work on Together?
Did you know that Pinnacle Strategies works individually with nonprofit and public sector leaders to help them solve problems, achieve goals and gain confidence in their roles?
Why?
Because, this work is hard and it’s often a lonely road. Our nonprofit and public sector leaders need people that they can talk to to get solid advice and encouragement to do the work that is in front of them. If you feel that this can be of value to you, or a member of your team, please reach out to pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk.
Ready to Learn Something New?
One of the prettiest cities in the Midwest is Indianapolis and travelling there can open a perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills and meet new professionals in the field. I would encourage you to look at some of the offerings of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University’s campus in Indianapolis. The professional development school has great programming both on-line and in-person both in Indianapolis and at other sites across the country. Take a look at their course offerings here!
Online Learning Options from Texas A&M Announced
If travelling for professional development isn’t in the cards (or the budget), the Center for Nonprofits at Texas A&M University has some great offerings! I recently enrolled in one of their certificate programs and really enjoyed the online format and the online discussions that were developed. It was time and money well spent and I would highly recommend this program, especially for early or mid-career professionals. The next session begins in early February and you can learn more here!
Other Ways to Connect
Our coaching practice has openings and it has been a blast working with nonprofit leaders all across the country! If you are interested in working with me to get your nonprofit organization on a track to achieve the big missions you have, please reach out to me at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com.
Here are some other ways you can keep in contact with Pinnacle Strategies!
Check us out on our LinkedIn Page
Check us out on the Celebrating Leadership Facebook Page.
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