Lessons Learned from Promoters of Philanthropy:
Tracy Gary, Alan MacGregor and Debbie Bussell (5/06)
1.)
Understand that running/managing coalitions is hard
work that takes a long time to pay off. The coalition
should have paid and trained staff (and consistent
volunteers) so that there is continuity in the depth of the
work of the coalition over time (8-10 years in my opinion).
Be sure the staff are great communicators & organizers.
Have clear job descriptions.
2.)
Think in terms of individual donor engagement—
meeting donors where they are and inspiring them to move
along in their own way. Don’t approach donors with an
agenda of “the right way” to give or the “right
place/org/person” to give to. This doesn’t mean that you
have to be neutral about demonstrating the impact they
could have in the world but it does mean suspending
judgment about what inspires people to be generous and how
they choose to express that generosity.
3.)
Avoid being neutral—the message of philanthropy for
philanthropy’s sake is a dead end. Tie the promotion of
philanthropy to making the community, the world, etc. a
better, more just & compassionate place.
4.)
Think in terms of what would be a critical mass of
donors, advisors, exec. Directors, community leaders, etc.
who get philanthropy and focus some resources on getting
them fully informed and equipped to be the advocates for
philanthropy that you need. You have to this of work as
organizing donors in the same way you might organize labor.
5.)
Don’t ignore religious giving—most people do it and
it can be a springboard to a fuller sense of giving for
people.
6)
Support the capacity building of public charities
such as women funds that can be great training grounds for
donors. If women are not explicitly a population being
organized, they have proven to be key in most other
coalitions.
7)
Be a project of the whole community—try not to get too
segregated. Keep exchanging as a learning community and
cross pollinate people, ideas and speakers.
8)
Use the process of building philanthropy to
“transform” the community by:
• Connect to a vision of a just, culturally vibrant
and economically sustainable place
• Understand and build on local assets
• Connect community based-philanthropy and
community-based development
• Use the process to build more inclusive
community by honoring everyone’s giving traditions, asking
everyone to give, and give every community power
• Cross race and class lines & collaborate in new
ways
• Engage young people in the “real” work of
philanthropy
• Treat donors of wealth as a constituency with
needs beyond check writing – learning, self actualization,
community, cross-class/race experience.
9) Be innovative, creative, persistent, visible and
consistent.
Let your community know you are also working to strengthen
the nonprofit sector and that you want donors of all
levels, and government, foundations and corporations as
well, to do their fair share. We are about raising new
leadership & dollars and expanding the effectiveness of
advisors and legacy leaders.
10) Mix up your constituents and networks: people of
different classes and races, religions, or spiritual
traditions enjoy learning from each other. We are about a
cultural shift in our work. It begins with learning about
where giving and sharing and caring are for each of us.
Get curious. Pay attention to the dreamers, big and small.
11) Youth and women are likely to be the voices that tip
things.
12) Raise money based on GREAT ideas and vision for your
communities, but BE DILIGENT re deliverables, and analysis,
and execution. This cannot be done with budgets that are
not solid, or without focused time, and team
accountability. Build for the long haul AND be willing to
change course (be disciplined here..) if not working,
Build in careful evaluations. If not the right leadership,
or approach, we must help get realigned. Get outside
facilitation if cascading towards
Doing too much for too many. Get focused again on the
highest priorities for success. Pay attention to your
business model and prioritize your own fundraising &
deliverables and your teams’ commitment to excellence.
Share best practices, generously. Beg, borrow and use each
other’s best
Ideas, BUT credit carefully! Use new technologies (CD roms?
Social networking, teleconference calls with powerpoints,
music, radio/ access TV. Imagine a 24 hour cable charity
channel for all your good works.