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The Meaning of Philanthropy In honor of National Philanthropy Month we decided to introduce you to a few of our consultants and share their thoughts on what philanthropy means to them. Christina Kukelhaus, Account Executive This message continues to resonate with me today in my work with the direct marketing team at Schultz & Williams. While major gifts make the difference between funding a project and not, smaller gifts made by donors from every walk of life are what truly comprise philanthropy to me. These donors, many of whom don’t have the funds to make a gift of large proportions, reach deep down in their pockets to support the causes they believe in. Making these gifts leads to their fulfillment because it’s something they can truly stand behind. Looking deep within oneself and supporting a cause with whatever means available is what makes someone a true philanthropist. Kay Yoon, Senior Associate From a fundraising standpoint, philanthropy means that you have to learn about what inspires and motivates people and discover what interests them the most. Once you do that, you are able to build meaningful and lasting relationships with them so that they feel close to the organization or cause. It isn't simply about establishing and maintaining an organization's financial health but also about connecting people and groups to each other. Carol Forte, Senior Consultant I have always had a "save the world" mentality, but the passing of years has provided me with a reality check. I cannot singlehandely conquer diabetes, rescue all of the animals that need saving, provide scholarships for every young person who deserves one, shelter and feel the homeless, or shore up the arts so that their life-enhancing programs are not in jeopardy. I can, however, through modest donations of cash and time, continue to help in my own small way the causes that matter the most to me. There is nothing that feels better and provides a greater sense of fulfillment. Teresa Chien, Senior Consultant During a parents' conference at a local private school, the president of the school gave a presentation and asked the audience to give as generously as they could. He was primarily trying to reach the major giving parents. Unfortunately, no one volunteered their hand initially, citing difficult economic circumstances. However, the president's speech moved the parent of a scholarship student so much that she stood up and said, 'I don't have much money as a single parent. I work as a maid at the nearby Doubletree Hotel. Whatever I have I make sure that it is enough to cover our basic necessities and maybe one luxury item for my child. I want to also put aside money for her college education. That leaves very little, but if you say that this will help the school, I want to contribute. The school has been nothing but a wonderful influence on her. This month, I was able to set aside $200 toward my daughter's college education fund. I will take $100, all that is left of our spending cash this month, and donate it to the school." Other parents were so touched by her action, donating the last of her spending money, that one by one, parents began announcing how much they would contribute as well. This story illustrates to me true philanthropy. It's not a matter of how much you give, but that you give at all. Schultz & Williams is a national consulting firm based in Philadelphia; providing management, fundraising and marketing consulting for nonprofit organizations, along with full-service direct marketing, database and creative/production services. |
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