In September, 2024, I was inducted into the President’s Circle at Indiana University, as recognition for financial gifts to the Kelley School of Business. I called a friend to talk about how weird it felt to be honored in this way. His response was, “You’re a philanthropist, and a female philanthropist. Do you realize how special that is? Own it, because it’s a good thing!” That conversation opened my eyes to see that philanthropy is not just something the very wealthy do, but something we all do to the best of our abilities.
My husband Bill and I had always donated money and time to help organizations and individuals over the years. After Bill died in 2019, my family created a donor-advised fund with a mission to support healthcare and educational organizations. Our efforts have been focused and intentional, allowing my children and me to support causes we care about, while honoring Bill’s legacy. We have an annual discussion and together decide whom to support, and in what ways.
What is Philanthropy?
The Greek playwright Aeschylus coined the term philanthropy in the 5th Century BCE to mean “love of humanity”. Today philanthropy refers to generosity in all its forms and is often defined as active efforts to support and care for others, by donating money, property, time or other resources. My church talks about being good stewards of our gifts – using our time, talents, and treasures to help others. Some examples of ways to utilize your gifts to help others:
Time:
- Picking up groceries or medications for a home-bound person
- Volunteering at your local food pantry or a soup kitchen
- Reading to kids in school sponsored programs
- Driving someone to medical or other appointments
- Coaching kids’ sports teams
- Volunteering in healthcare organizations – holding sick babies, hospice, senior centers
- Serving on a non-profit board
Talents:
- Playing piano at a nursing home
- Mentoring or tutoring those learning a new skill or sport
- Playing or singing in a musical group in places of worship or other organizations
- Volunteering to weed or plant gardens; working in a community vegetable garden
- Cooking, donating or serving food at local shelters
Treasures:
- Donating money or possessions to colleges, healthcare research, non-profit groups, or other collection sources, like Goodwill or AmVets
- Donating books to your local library
- Fundraising efforts – running to raise money; collecting goods for a worthy cause
- Showing mercy, kindness and compassion to others
- Giving blood
Why do people share their gifts?
Philanthropy is not limited to one generation or gender, but may look different – acts of service, peer-to-peer fundraising events, online donations, and planned giving. According to a 2021 Fidelity Charitable study, 46% of women and men in the US consider themselves philanthropists, although women are underrepresented on nonprofit boards. The common denominator is intentional philanthropy – action aligned with purpose, passion or common interests.
In a recent survey, I asked people why they contribute to others’ well-being. Some of their responses:
- “I have a passion for golf so I try to help a few golf-related organizations in addition to our Church. We realize how much help we received along the way and want to pay it forward.”
- “Give-back is part of my DNA and a way to share my blessings and good fortune with others. My personal, professional, and academic success has been possible through mentors and coaches who believed in me – when I didn’t entirely believe in myself. I engage with organizations that support animal rescue and community education, a women’s philanthropic group, and mentoring adult learners.”
- “I have been blessed with the gift of giving and sharing, helping motivate and encourage many professionals in their careers. The principle of giving was placed in my heart at a young age.”
How to Get Started with Intentional Philanthropy
What and Why?
- What are you passionate about – sports, arts, religion, education, children, elders, politics, etc.?
- Identify the top three things you care about – causes, institutions, or service institutions.
- Why those things? Do you have personal experience, interests or affiliations?
How could you make a difference?
What gifts do you have that you could share with others? Refer to the Time Talents, Treasures lists above for reference.
Where to give?
- Begin to look for places to share your gifts – conduct internet searches and/or ask people in your community for ideas to share your gifts. Explore ministries at your place of worship or in your community. Put the word out there.
- Check websites such as https://www.idealist.org/volunteermatch; https://boardassist.org/find-a-board/
When can you get started?
- Create a plan that can be amended each year if needed.
- How can you involve family or friends – to participate with you, hold you accountable, and celebrate with you?
Everyone can demonstrate their “love of humanity” through intentional philanthropy. Being generous with one’s gifts benefits others while creating satisfaction for oneself – a win for all!
Deb Hornell is a visionary whose personal brand of “Cultivating Environments for Growth” extends into her consulting practice, her family and friendships, and her book: "Good Things for a Full Life."
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