The Rundown - November 11, 2022
The latest news and notes from the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors
Is Philanthropy a PR Mirage?
This question was answered by the PSU Vanguard in this article. The publication is the student-run newspaper/website at Portland State University. The author makes an interesting argument on two fronts. The first argument is that all that philanthropy does is increase the public goodwill that donors receive from their gifts and second, it shifts dollars that could go to taxes to those efforts chosen be donors. On the face, these seem like legitimate arguments one could make.
First and foremost, nonprofit organizations need to understand that they are not in the business of reputational rehabilitation. Every organization needs to have some policy in place which allows them to (gasp!) reject a donation. Donations from those that hold drastically contrary views or are seen in the general public as less than admirable should not be given free reign to make donations to those organizations that suit the needs of the donor.
Nonprofit organizations are hard working organizations and frankly don’t need the political headaches that could easily come from a donation that is fraught to become a public relations nightmare. These situations come even more into focus when mega-donors may have large facilities, such as schools or buildings named after them.
For example, school alum Dr. Smith did well in life and decided to give $50 million to his college for a new arena for the basketball team. What if it is found out that Dr. Smith kicks puppy dogs in his spare time? Or does something worse?
Nonprofit organizations must be careful with large gifts, there is no two ways about it.
There is also the argument that donors are only giving for the tax advantages that donations provide. There is no doubt, making a donation does have an income tax benefit. The government as found that if individuals want to invest in efforts that are making society better they should receive some financial incentive for doing so.
But I would argue that the tax write-off is not the donor’s driving force in giving. In my work of working in the nonprofit field and asking for donations from donors, the tax advantages are never high on the list, especially for individuals. Most people give because they are called to give. Call this a religious, spiritual or humanist approach, but these individuals have found that it truly is better to give than to receive and they can have a life of abundance by giving.
Most givers find organizations that match their own desires for the world that they want to see. Philanthropy is built on the idea that individuals should be free to give to the organizations that they want to support, at the time they want to support it and at a financial level that they have comfort with.
It hurts my heart when I see individuals that show disdain for donors and the causes they give to. As non-profit professionals we aren’t called to gnash our teeth when someone gives to a cause that isn’t our own, but rather, I believe we should celebrate the fact that these individuals are giving. They are exercising their rights to give to something that has some societal value. That is something we can all give thanks for.
In Flanders’ Fields
Today here in the United States, it is Veterans Day. In many places in the Commonwealth, today is known as Armistice Day, Decoration Day or Remembrance Day. It was first widely observed to remember those that lost their lives during the First World War.
It is customary in many places to read “In Flanders Fields’. A war poem written during the First World War by Canadian Lt. Col. John McRae.
In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
Thank you veterans!
The Weekly Announcements
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!
Registrations now open for Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership!
Registrations are now open for continuing education offered by Edison State Community College in Piqua for the Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership! I have been a proud alumni of both programs and have even been asked to help present sessions and teach classes. It’s an amazing program and I would encourage you to be a part of it if you are in the area! You can register here.
There are only two spots open for the 1.0 Academy and one spot open for the 2.0 Academy!
The Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership 1.0 is a series of workshops designed to develop more effective directors, leaders, board members, staff and volunteers of nonprofit organizations. Course topics include the fundamental practices of board recruitment, planning, staffing, budgeting, evaluation, board meetings and community awareness. The classes are designed to help individuals make a difference on their boards and in their community.
The Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership 2.0 has been created and designed specifically for experienced executive directors of nonprofit organizations and alumni of the Academy for Community Leadership 1.0. This challenging and intensive Academy is coordinated by the Academy development team and participants. Advanced participants will conduct original research and exchange results via reports and discussion. Participants will help to further develop the foundational agenda for each of the four monthly sessions that will explore nonprofit organizations—based upon their backgrounds, experiences, pressing issues and needs—through self-analysis, organizational analysis, guest speakers, best practices, resource review and in-depth discussions. At its conclusion, Academy 2.0 participants will be immersed in the annual Mosaic of Community Leadership Conference, both as participants and presenters. Academy 2.0 is the latest collaboration between the Paul G. Duke Foundation and the Edison State Community College Center for Leadership Development.
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.
We are so close to 500!
Over the last few weeks, the subscription base to the newsletter has just grown and grown and grown. It has finally arrived at a point where we are SO CLOSE to 500 SUBSCRIBERS!
Originally, I had hoped to have 500 by the end of the first year, but it looks more and more likely like it’s going to 15 months to hit that 500 figure, which is still pretty impressive. You can help this newsletter get to that 500 figure by sharing this publication with your friends and colleagues!
Personally, I feel very excited about the future of this newsletter and if you have any ideas or comments, please feel free to share them with me at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com
I know many of you have shared this with your friends and colleagues and I am very grateful. Thank you! If you haven’t shared it yet…..well, here is your chance….remember we are trying to get to 500….right?
Ready to Learn Something New?
One of the prettiest cities in Fall 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!
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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