Connection Between Giving and Impact

Hi everyone

I hope your month is off to a great start.  I love the warm weather in the Midwest.   This month, we have some great articles, an excellent short video, and a podcast topic to get you thinking. 
 
I also wanted to provide some insights into a recent study conducted by Fidelity, the Charitable Fidelity report.  The Charitable Fidelity report illuminates the vibrant landscape of giving, where individuals actively drive positive change.   While this is focused on those who have donor-advised funds, it affirms the trends we see in giving and volunteering and can be used as a guide to think about how donors connect in general.  Delving into the key findings of this report establishes the profound interconnectedness between time, resources, and impact.  As most of you know, I talk about this regularly.  A few of its findings are below: 

1. Active Volunteering: A staggering 79% of Fidelity Charitable® donors volunteered within the past year, showcasing a solid commitment to community involvement.

2. Dedicated Hours: Impressively, over two-thirds (67%) of these volunteers generously contributed 50 or more hours to their volunteering endeavors, reflecting a deep dedication to making a difference.  Furthermore, nearly half (49%) extended their support to three or more organizations, highlighting their multifaceted impact.

3. Continued Commitment:  84% of volunteers intend to maintain or amplify their volunteering efforts in the years ahead, underscoring a steadfast dedication to social causes.

4. Symbiotic Relationship: 87% of volunteers perceive a convergence between their volunteer work and financial contributions, emphasizing a holistic approach to philanthropy where time and monetary resources are equally valued.

5. Generosity Amplification: Half (50%) of volunteers report increased financial support due to their volunteering experiences, illustrating how hands-on involvement often amplifies one's generosity towards charitable causes.

6. Age and Engagement Dynamics: The report also reveals intriguing insights into the correlation between age and volunteering engagement.  While younger donors exhibit a higher propensity for volunteering, their contributions in terms of hours are comparatively lower.  Conversely, donors nearing retirement age demonstrate a more significant commitment, dedicating more hours across a diverse range of organizations, thus showcasing varying levels of engagement influenced by life stage.
These findings illuminate the profound connection between financial giving and volunteering.  Philanthropy is a multifaceted engagement. 

I hope you find all of these resources beneficial.
 
Happy June,
 
Jamie