Are You a Philanthropist and Don’t Even Know It?

Chamber Corner: September 12, 2011

By Scott Formo

            Merriam Webster defines Philanthropy as “goodwill to fellow members of the human race, active effort to promote human welfare, an act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes, or an organization distributing or supported by funds set aside for humanitarian purposes…” In today’s world, many non-profit organizations are supported by philanthropic efforts, as many of today’s efforts to “help those less fortunate” or to “help those in need help themselves…” are the sole purpose for “Giving Campaigns…”

Giving campaigns take on several different forms, causes, opportunities, and challenges. A recent study commissioned by United Way Worldwide surveyed more than 6,000 full-time employees and interviewed more than 40 company executives with and without workplace campaigns during 2008 and 2009. Findings indicated that key strategies for building and sustaining successful workplace campaigns that address individual employee values, motivations, and corporate goals, all while balancing them with the needs of the community.

This is not an easy task to accomplish, especially with fast paced changes in technology, methods of communication, and today’s economic conditions. While fundraising is becoming more difficult for many organizations, there are several campaigns that are successful and provide new opportunities for year-round community engagement, while taking on a variety of new forms. Effective campaigns provide a means for individuals, employees, foundations, corporations, and communities to become agents of change and stewards for the future and benefits of the community.

Innovative fundraising campaigns utilize a variety of promising practices that build sustainable campaigns into the future. The most successful campaigns combine several different elements, including but not limited to: opportunities to be personally involved with organizations supported by the campaign as it makes it more likely to give money or skills to the campaign; customization of the campaign approach to compliment strategies, goals, and visions while still meeting the needs of the community; incorporation of ideas and energy of the companies, donors, and individuals they want to involve and providing some sort of “ownership” or “empowerment” of campaign events and offering a variety of options for contributing both time and dollars, campaigns can be fulfilling, relevant, and successful, especially when the campaigns center around the very compassions of the donors. Workplace giving campaigns have a growing foundation in today’s world, yet face new opportunities and challenges for continued success.

By combining technology with a personal relationship, one can expect campaigns to keep pace with today’s changing environment. Technological advances have proven effective with online giving campaigns, electronic communications, and to share the personal stories that make a difference to the community. Many agree that better understanding of the impacts of donations and volunteer efforts inspire them to give more, translating into progress and social change. Communications are expected to be accurate, up-to-date, and informative; while being shared personally with moving and measureable compelling stories of the impacts the campaigns have.

So I ask the questions, “Are you a Philanthropist and don’t even know it?”  or “Are you the Beneficiary of a Philanthropist and wish to say Thanks?” Right here in Pope County, there are several ongoing campaigns that people can get involved with, donate to, or volunteer for. Likewise, there are several funders and philanthropists living right in our backyards and working hard behind the scenes to make our communities better for the future. Whether it’s related to children, environmental, beautification, education, infrastructure, safety, or emergency response… the needs, volunteers, and financial contributions are seen everywhere you look.

One of the biggest challenges outside of raising funds, developing campaigns, and communicating the needs is reducing the “rumors” that local donors are only compelled to give to certain causes or have ulterior motives that are self-serving or against the “norm” that many have become accustomed to over the years. To the contrary, many of our local donors (whether with time, money, or skills) work for the betterment of our community in some fashion, which can not only be self-fulfilling, but also to further enhance their skills, contributions, or causes – which, to me, are totally acceptable ways to be self-serving or to create change through a ripple effect that eventually either spreads or calms down. Either way, I encourage more people to consider finding a cause (or causes) that they believe in and can contribute to in some fashion.

Whether it is through a small donation from each paycheck (even a couple of dollars each paycheck will go a long ways over time), a few hours here and there, or just a listening ear and suggestions as to what works well, doesn’t work so well, or ideas that bring a new light to an old issue. The more people we can get on the bandwagon, the further into the community we reach. It’s through teamwork, stewardship, ethics, values, and morals that differences are made.

It’s also about teaching our youth, from a very young age, that we ALL need to give back to the community in some fashion that the ideals are instilled and survive the long haul into the future. Take some time today to share your stories about your donor efforts with someone who may not know that you ARE or WERE involved and proudly say, “I helped to make a difference…” and let’s help spread the “positive” words about the impact that organizations, donors, and volunteer efforts have on our communities and lives.

Here at the Chamber, I am always willing to lend a hand to campaigns in need, whether it is through communicating with the public, assistance in organizing an activity or event, or just through brainstorming a few new ideas to explore… don’t be afraid to ask for some assistance, suggestions, or simply share your thoughts as to how we can all do a better job and make a difference. Don’t know where to start, give me a call, drop me an email, or just stop by the Chamber office and let me know what you are passionate about and I can help you find the cause that best matches your intentions and will appreciate your contributions!

Have a good week and don’t forget about the 5^th Annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament, the Chamber’s primary fundraiser event of the year, coming up on Monday September 19^th. Visit our website at http://www.glenwoodlakesarea.org/ for more information! Until next week…