How Can We All Grow in Our Role as Philanthropists?

Now is the part that I hope will inspire you.  Whether you are a fundraising professional, executive, board member or community advocate, let these 4 truths about philanthropy guide your giving decisions this season. Share these truths with your team, your board, your friends and your neighbors.

1.Your Gift Matters –By making a gift, you are joining a community of donors and a culture of philanthropy, which is imperative to move a cause forward. But without your gift, that culture cannot thrive.

2.You Can Set a Strong Example –As children learn to talk by observing parents, teachers and peers, we learn why and how to give in the same way. According to a study released by the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy Women’s Institute, adults are more likely to give to charity if their parents gave to charity.

3.Give to What Excites You –Consider the following questions as you decide where to give. Do you want to give to a national organization or a nonprofit in your community? Is there a cause that speaks to your personal interests, passions or family story? Do you want to give in honor or memory of someone? By finding a cause that excites you, it is scientifically proven that you will discover happiness and fulfillment. Researchers have conducted social experiments, studied brain activity and collected survey results to better understand the correlation between generosity and happiness and health. Michael Norton, a professor at Harvard Business School, conducted one such study. Norton found that, regardless of income, those who spent money on others were decidedly happier than those who spent money on themselves.

Joan Brock, a previous recipient of the prestigious national award for Outstanding Philanthropist affirms these truths. She states, “Being involved in things we feel passion about has always been a pattern for philanthropy for both Macon and me.  Education is a high priority because we felt that armed with an education an individual was empowered to be in charge of their own destiny, hence our involvement in our collegiate alma maters and the College Access Program. Social concerns for the less advantaged are answered by our participation in the United Way. There are so many opportunities for philanthropic good work and being involved in them gives a clearer picture of needs and a true sense of accomplishment.”

4.The Time Is Now – This month kicks off what is often referred to as The Giving Season. As you spend time with family and friends, celebrating and giving gifts, remember that giving to charity is a critical part of what makes our communities great.

The Curtis Group has been promoting philanthropy for 30 years, and we’ve seen firsthand its impact in the communities in which we work. Without the nonprofit community, consider the basic human needs that wouldn’t be met, arts and culture that wouldn’t be enjoyed, education that wouldn’t be accessible, treatment that people wouldn’t receive, shelter that animals wouldn’t be provided and those less fortunate that would not be helped.

So, as we come into the season of giving, I challenge you to find a nonprofit that means something to you—and give generously. Invest in our community. It doesn’t take a million dollars to be a philanthropist. It takes just one gesture.