Restoring Philanthropy

Hi everyone,

I hope you're enjoying the spring season. As many of you already know, I absolutely adore spring and summer. There's something about the renewal, warmth, and abundant sunshine in the Midwest that really rejuvenates me.

As we continue to focus on renewal this spring, I wanted to share some thoughts on restoring faith in philanthropy. It's crucial that we recognize the difference between genuine, value-driven connections and turning donors into commodities.

There's a clear divide between these two approaches. However, amidst this divide, there exists a paradigm of philanthropy rooted in relationships and shared values. In this model, the goal isn't just the donor's financial contribution—it's about fostering a deep connection based on our collective values and passions.

Whether it's through donations, volunteering, or sharing insights, these actions aren't simply transactions. They're powerful tools for building intimacy and meaningful exchanges within our relationships. At its core, genuine philanthropy is all about nurturing these relationships, united by our shared values and passions.
 
The relational value focus starkly contrasts with a commoditizing approach, where the donor is often, though not openly, viewed as a mere commodity or transaction. This shift in focus from the donor's relationship to their money is perpetuated by quick-fix consulting firms, fundraising programs, and a culture that has forsaken philanthropic roots for a corporate sales mentality.  
 
As a result, I have seen several quick-fix firms that come into an organization and bring a commodity-based paradigm, which is often openly accepted because the organization is driven by a financial bottom line and quick, easy-get-rich type approaches that take precedence over mission and values engagement. Commodity-based programs are created by selling NPOs and generating X dollars within six or 12 months. Still, they need to understand what the donor relationship should and could look like in 20 or even 30 years. These programs may be based on hard solicitation, direct mail, special events, or what I call parlor parties etc.  

Our role often entails stepping in after the damage has been done, tasked with cleaning up the aftermath and building a true sustainability program. This program is not just about financial stability, but about reestablishing paradigms rooted in the essence of true philanthropy - the love of mankind as manifested through giving of treasures, time and talents, and our spirit of shared value and passion. It is a crucial step towards restoring faith in philanthropy and its potential for positive change, a potential that we firmly believe in and strive to uphold. 
 
We also encounter donors who have been deeply affected by these quick-fix commodity approaches, their trust in philanthropy shattered. They have developed a strong aversion to fundraising, no longer able to discern the true essence of philanthropy. Their perceptions have been tainted by fundraising programs, often led by a money-driven fix that treated the donors as mere dollars in the short term. This not only violated the heart of philanthropy but also the spirit of the donor, leaving them scarred and disillusioned. 

At the heart of philanthropy is renewal and the discovery of an organization's soul. Confidence and faith in the common good go when this is lost.    
 
The sales mentality and commodity-based, quick-fix approaches undermine and demean the foundations and essence of genuine philanthropy, philosophy, and spirit. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, through a lack of knowledge, they need a deeper and broader understanding of philanthropy and its impact and responsibility for the development of the nonprofit sector and the transformation of society. They shun social exchanges and minimize donors to mere commodities. However, when one understands philanthropy and the role of the sector to engage people in the most significant way possible in philanthropy, fundraising becomes what it should be – a vehicle of translation and a means for engagement for society to invest in those things with which it shares value and passion. 

Warmly,

Jamie