Giving Back

Even more philanthropy book picks for your reading pleasure…

Posted on by Lisa Kays

As a follow on to our last post on recommendations for good philanthropy-related reading, we wanted to let you in on the final results from Tactical Philanthropy‘s giving carnival on the topic, which features our post (yay!) along with some other great recommendations.

So start those Wish Lists at Barnes and Noble and turn off the TV…we’ve all got a lot of good reading to do! 

Philanthropy book picks for your reading pleasure…

Posted on by Lisa Kays

As Britton said, “Lisa, do you know that you just used the phrase ‘blogging buddy’ and ‘blogging carnival’ in one e-mail?  What is that?  You’re killing me over here.”

Few occasions call for such e-festivity but a Tactical Philanthropy blogging carnival—and one that The Women’s Foundation can participate in together no less. 
 
Because everyone likes a carnival, right?

So, in response to Sean’s request on Tactical Philanthropy for “philanthropy book recommendations relevant to donors or to people who care about the field of philanthropy,” the women of Washington Area Women’s Foundation have proposed the following tomes for your consideration:

Siobhán says The Giving Family by Susan Crites Price has “some easy, everyday ways to integrate the lesson of giving that includes family giving, volunteering and service, school, community building and creating a legacy.

She also recommends Inspired Philanthropy: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Giving Plan by Tracy Gary and Melissa Kohner. “Love this book,” she says. “An excellent workbook for anyone interested in becoming more strategic and engaged in their personal giving.”  

Sherell recommends The Prophet, by Kahil Gibran, saying that, "It provides a timeless explanation on how giving is an integral part of life and the human expression of love.  One can understand how giving for the sake of giving, and not with the expectation of something in return, is how we bond with and understand others, and learn more about ourselves.

Nisha just heard about a new book, The Foundation: A Great American Secret by Joel Fleishman, which she says, "Sounds like a worthwhile read for those of us working in philanthropy, with information about the historical context of foundations, as well as questions to consider in improving the way foundations operate at present and in the future."

And one of my favorites is The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, not necessarily because it focuses on philanthropy but because its ideas about how good and bad ideas catch on and either grow or die is so informative in terms of why certain social movements and behaviors—many of which are relevant to philanthropy and fundraising—last and some don’t.
 
From an international perspective, I’ve also found Do No Harm: How Aid Can Support Peace by Mary B. Anderson and Condemned to Repeat: The Paradox of Humanitarian Action by Fiona Terry to be eye-opening in terms of the notion of how good intentions, aid and assistance can have a negative impact if not applied thoughtfully, in cooperation and collaboration with all stakeholders (including beneficiaries) and with careful attention to evaluation and measurement. Though these books focus specifically on international conflict situations, I’ve found the basic premise—that giving and aid are a serious responsibility on the part of any donor—to be helpful in any endeavors related to grantmaking, programming or giving in the interest of sustainable change and development.

Happy reading!

And we’d love your comments or thoughts on the books we’ve proposed–or other books on philanthropy you’d recommend! 

Saying No to Get to Yes

Posted on by Siobhan

It seems that giving should be easy, and like love, limitless in possibility.  But it isn’t easy and limits, particularly where bank accounts are concerned, abound.  Caring about everything can quickly turn into not caring at all.  Sometimes NOT giving seems to be an answer, but it isn’t, as a request from a friend fundraising for a cause near and dear quickly proves.

But No is powerful, and indeed it can be a good answer, even the best answer and the only one that brings you to the true power of giving. 

Impossible, you say? 

Read on, I reply.

If you want to give, and give in a way that is strategic, meaningful and has impact, you need to know what you want to give to, which means in turn figuring out what you won’t give to. 

It means in short that you have to say no to get to yes. 

We all have values, but what are your top three? 

We all care about community, but ask yourself the question, which community? 

The one I live in now, the one my family comes from, or the one I visit on an international trip? 

What are your issues? 

Some of us believe that children are the future, others are fervent supporters of elder care.  Domestic violence may matter more to me, access to education may be in your top two. 

Favoring one over the other doesn’t mean you don’t care.  It does mean, however, that you make a choice about what to support and how. 

So you have already made choices, about what you value, what issues inspire you and in which community you want to give. 

All those choices necessitated deciding what you WON’T support, though still care about, and, more importantly, free you to really explore what you WILL give to. 

Now the fun begins. 

There is a world of possibility, hope and solution to be found in the non-profit world. Once you begin to explore and dive in to the issues and communities you care about, the opportunities for making a real difference are abundant and the work of organizations inspiring.  It is in these moments of discovery, where giving to what you value and care about, when the meaning of all the little no’s allow you to say YES!!!

Issues and Impact: Documenting That Nebulous Social Change

Posted on by Lisa Kays

Philosophers wonder about the chronological concerns of chickens and eggs. Those in Homeland Security wrangle the line between safety and liberty. Corporate CEOs debate strategies for getting a bigger slice of the market. Politicians ponder the make-up of the swing voter’s brain.    

We in the non-profit world think a lot about results—and how you measure something as intangible and nebulous as social change. Counting participants or dollars given or even change in individual lives is one thing—but for those interested in measuring the impact of a movement, of societal change, well, what’s the yard stick? Behavior can’t be counted, and multiplier effects aren’t nearly as numerical as they sound. How do you measure the impact of a financial literacy class taught to 25 women over their lifetimes, over knowledge transmitted to their children, over decisions made generations from now? 

This was one of the topics of discussion during the annual National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership meeting hosted by the Urban Institute in January. After our Program Officers, Carolee Summers-Sparks and Nisha Patel, presented on the use of data and findings emerging from Stepping Stones, the questions they received centered a great deal on how to scale up statistics along with social change—how to measure a movement, and not just money, participants or other known quantities.
 
The resounding answer: partnership, partnership and more partnership. 
 
Nisha and Carolee repeatedly exuded the value of The Women’s Foundation’s partnerships with Stepping Stones Grantee Partners, Investors and especially with Innovation Network and the Urban Institute – our evaluation, and research gurus, respectively, assisting us with establishing increasingly complex, nuanced and rich data on the broad-based social change occurring through Stepping Stones.
 
Still, the questions continued, and rightly so. 
 
How do you measure and track change in and among different actors engaging in a multitude of strategies to achieve the same goals and objectives? As the questions and trends emerging become more and more complex, and populations larger and larger—how do you establish a true cause and effect corollary? How do you assess David’s impact on Goliath? What about seeing the change in populations that may never be a direct client of the strategies provided? 
 
Can any of this be done at all? And if so, how and by whom? 
 
Important questions as foundations and non-profits become increasingly concerned about investing in social change, and not just the good works of charity.
 
Where do you stand with it all? Let us know on our blog, where we’ve started the conversation and hope to continue it. Join us. 

Greys: Still going philanthropy!

Posted on by Lisa Kays

Well, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you this, dear loyal readers, since I am sure that after last week’s endorsement of Grey’s Anatomy, you went straight home last night to curl up and watch.

But, for those of you who were caught up in the second winter storm of the year here in Washington, never fear.  Your update is here.

Indeed, Grey’s is still going philanthropy, with Dr. Bailey running to and fro, among residents, interns and chiefs, to cull support for her new pet project, a free clinic to provide health care for those who can’t afford it.

Everyone is nearly as shocked as she is, considering her usual approach of quelling any overly emotional medical practices with a dirty look and a strict reprimand. 

The resounding echo seems to be, "But why?  You’re a surgeon.  You operate.  You don’t care." 

But it all becomes clear when she explains to her colleagues, "I need more.  I need to believe that medicine can do more than save lives.  That it can change lives.  I need to believe in something."

With the first appeals of resistance therefore rebuked, the next wave of opposition comes in the form of, "But how will you fund it?"

In T.V.-land though, where there is a will–and an intern with a newly inherited $8.7 million–there is always a way.

Some may see it as just a convenient, cheesy plot twist.  

To the trained eye though, Bailey’s taking inspiration from Izzy is evidence of the power of giving together–and just how contagious being a model of compassion and social change can be.   

Because at Seattle Grace, it’s not just the germs that are catching. 

Money is not a four letter word.

Posted on by Lisa Kays

Earlier this month, Andrea Learned posted a Census finding revealing that money holds more weight than life purpose for young people today—compared to youth in 1970. 
 
For this little tidbit of information, she took a fair amount of comment flack from folks wanting to defend the honor of today’s young people or to deny this statistic’s accuracy at all.
 
I must say, I was not compelled to do the same. I’m not disturbed by this fact; I even find it a little encouraging.
 
Considering that today’s young people will follow on the heels of my peer 20 and 30-somethings, otherwise known as Generation Debt, it seems logical to me that they’d prioritize earning a decent living.

Might as well learn something from our mistakes. 

We are in an economy facing rising housing costs, steady or decreasing income levels, fewer and fewer student loans and rising tuition costs—along with staggering pressure to earn more and more degrees. 
 
Instead of wondering if we’ll be better off than our parents, we’re increasingly asking ourselves if we’ll ever even catch up. (Having decided maybe not, a number have taken up residency in their parents’ basements, but that’s another blog for another day.)   
 
As a result, I don’t see it as a bad thing that today’s young people are thinking about their financial futures as a priority. 
 
As long as it’s not the only priority. 
 
And I have come to learn that there is no reason that money and purpose have to be mutually exclusive.
 
Indeed, they are the cornerstone of philanthropy.
 
Just ask Oprah or Bill Gates.   
 
But for some reason, these two ideas are so often presented in contrast, as a choice. You’re a Peace Corps granola crunchy kid or a Wall Street wannabe.

But why not both?     

Many former Peace Corps volunteers, adventurers and otherwise purpose-driven folk, have fulfilled this obligation early on in life and then moved on to more lucrative opportunities.

And some of the world’s most powerful do-gooders clearly established themselves on career paths built far more around financial ambition than saving the world.

And this is what enables them to do the latter today.
 
So while the Census 2007 may reveal that today’s young people are concerned about their financial futures, the 2005 Peace Corps Census showed volunteer numbers at a 30-year all time high while Teach for America reported an all-time high number of applicants. 
 
So my sense is not that we need to be too concerned that our young people’s top priority seems to be their financial future.
 
But that we should concern ourselves with what they rank next. 

Grey's goes philanthropy.

Posted on by Lisa Kays

I love Grey’s Anatomy, even more than I love Google and Goodsearch.  I agree completely with Oprah, when she says, "If you’re not watching Grey’s, you’re nowhere."

Indeed.

And now there’s even more to love, because they’re taking on some philanthropy-related issues through one of my favorite characters, Izzy.

Background (for those of you who don’t watch it yet, but will, after this resounding endorsement blog):  Izzy is a surgical intern, and is always in trouble because she’s getting too emotionally involved with her patients (For you old schoolers out there, think female version of Dr. Carter in ER).  In sum, she fell in love with one, got engaged, he died but left her with $8.7 million which she, last night, used a portion of to pay for a life-changing but uninsured operation for a young woman.

At which point Dr. Bailey, her resident, got very, very angry.  "You are still too emotionally involved," she said, with great authority, because she’s Dr. Bailey. 

But in the end, Izzy gave a speech which, to me, summed up the heart and soul of good giving. 

"I’m both," she told Bailey.  "I’m a surgeon, and I’m someone who gets emotionally involved.  I’m both.  And I won’t apologize for it."

Good for you Izzy.  Because doing good and good giving are about just that…"first with the head, then with the heart"*…

*Shout out to Bryce Courtenay’s The Power of One.

A shout out to the ten dollar donor.

Posted on by Lisa Kays

It’s been a big week for the little guy (or gal) of philanthropy this week, it seems, between two of my favorite bloggers, Dollar Philanthropy and Tactical Philanthropy discussing giving plans and options for those who may be in the market to give $10 instead of $25,000.

Not to mention Claudia Thorne’s inspiring piece in the Washington Post about how you don’t have to have Oprah’s money to feel the Oprah-level joy of giving. 

As a girl who hasn’t yet made her millions, and has been around non-profits long enough to have a clear sense of just how powerful money can be when used strategically, effectively and with the best interests of communities and clients in mind–and also how it can do very little good at all when it’s not–I’ve been thinking, talking and doing a lot more about my own personal giving and what strategies are the most effective when you don’t have enough to just up and build a $40 million school in South Africa. 

Do you take what little you do have and break it up for various organizations and causes?  Or put all your bets on one horse and hope it’s the right one?  What about when you know that you’ve found a few excellent, effective organizations and can’t decide between causes you’re very committed to?  Do you give to the little start-up to help it get off the ground and scale up, or do you fund the already-accomplished, established organization with years and years of experience behind it? 

If I’m not carried away, that creeping sense of smallness can rapidly take over, and lead me away from the idea of giving entirely.  What’s $50 after all, compared to $5,000, $50,000 or half a million?       

Sean’s post on Philanthropic Planning on $10 a Week offers some great suggestions (including, of course, giving circles such as those found here at The Women’s Foundation) and Dollar Philanthropy in general is a bastion of welcome ideas for and attitudes on giving at any level.

So, for the rest of you out there, what say you? 

What thoughts, ideas, experiences or insight do you have for those of us who may have less to give, are new to the concept of giving or are starting to re-examine our giving practices and principles?  What have been the various paths you’ve taken to giving, and what have been the most rewarding (or not) experiences you’ve had?

Let’s take a moment for some giving mentoring and share the wealth (of knowledge and questions) that’s out there in our community about various giving strategies, approaches and attitudes. 

(I can’t be the only one who’s wondering, right?)

Claudia Thorne brings home the power of giving together!

Posted on by Mosely

Hi all, Anne here, and I just had to note for everyone how thrilled I was to open my Washington Post on Sunday and read Claudia Thorne’s piece, "The Joy of Philanthropy!"  For the full article, click here!   

Her experience as a member of Washington Area Women’s Foundation’s African American Women’s Giving Circle brought home what we embrace at the Foundation—that the power of philanthropy is measured not by what one individual can do, but by the impact achieved when people come together to work towards a common goal!
 
Many thanks, Claudia, for taking the time to share with our community the tangible and spiritual power of giving together and what it’s meant to you. The African American Women’s Giving Circle has supported wonderful organizations and influenced the lives of many girls and young women who are finding their way in our community.
 
Your story is a perfect example of how giving together truly does come full circle for everyone involved! 
 
And speaking of “involved,” this should be the new key word for 2007 in the Washington area! There are so many ways to get involved with The Women’s Foundation—from Giving Circles to the upcoming Leadership Awards—and experience what Claudia so eloquently termed “the joy of philanthropy.”  
 
So join us! There’s space for everyone to make a difference here at The Women’s Foundation, and as Claudia said, “You can be a philanthropist, too!” 

2007: Your Year for Helping Women and Girls!

Posted on by Lisa Kays

2006 hasn’t been a bad year for us girls.   

  • The Nobel Prize went to Dr. Muhammed Yunus, father of micro-credit and the Grameen bank, of which 90 percent of small business loans go to women lifting themselves out of poverty and onto the pathway of possibility. 
  • The first vaccine against cervical cancer was approved and made available to young women.  
  • Nancy Pelosi became the first female Speaker of the House.
  • A 2006 report found that women are earning more degrees and credentials than ever! 
But then again, things can always be better.
 
  • Despite all those degrees, the wage gap between men and women is still growing.
  • Attacks on women reminded us that domestic violence is alive, well—and life threatening.  
  • Half of the world’s women continue to give birth without skilled care.
So, since much remains to be done to ensure that countries, communities, schools and families are safe, equitable and empowering for women and girls, Washington Area Women’s Foundation presents you with…
 
Your Calendar for Helping Women and Girls in 2007
 
January: Click to prevent! 
While setting up your annual doctor’s exams, check-ups and monthly reminders to do breast exams, take a moment to visit The Breast Cancer Site and sign up for daily reminders to click to provide a free mammogram to a low-income woman! 
 
February: Teach a girl the power of the purse! 
When reviewing your W-2s and savings strategy with your financial planner, take some time to teach a young woman in your life—a daughter, cousin, niece or neighbor—about the value of saving, investing wisely and planning for her financial future! For resources, click here!     
 
March: Turn celebration into action! 
Celebrate Women’s History Month with your book club by celebrating a female author and turning your collective reading into giving by starting a Giving Circle and investing together in women in your local community!  Read about Giving Circles and then learn how here! 
  
April: Spring clean someone to success! 
Clean out that closet and set up another woman for success through Dress for Success!
 
May: A meaningful Mother’s Day!   
Celebrate the Mom who has it all by supporting a woman who can become it all! Give a gift honoring your mom to the women’s foundation serving your community. Goodsearch your way to it, and catalyze a donation every time you click! 
 
June: Put your money where your values are!   
Invest in or support a woman-owned business! Need to find a new doctor or dentist this year? Narrow your search by supporting women’s practices. For other ways to show off your pro-woman purchasing power, use directory’s like this one showcasing women-owned businesses!
 
July: Patriots practice philanthropy!   
Show your patriotism through the American tradition of generosity! Give a gift on behalf of an important woman in your life—a mentor, teacher, mother, friend, colleague or sister—to your local women’s foundation, a domestic violence shelter or another organization that benefits women.         
 
August: Beat the heat, be a mentor!   
School’s about to be back in session, so get away from the heat by surfing your way to a local mentoring program! Young women everywhere are inspired and encouraged by role models who show them the value of education, encourage their interests and help them build the skills that will make them great students and citizens. Just look at what’s happening in Silver Spring, Maryland!  
 
For resources on mentoring programs in your area, consult Mentor, visit Dollar Philanthropy for an inspirational word on the value of mentoring or check in with your local women’s foundation—which most likely supports excellent mentoring programs for young women in your area! 
 
And remember, mentoring isn’t just for the young!  As women move into non-traditional careers or from low-wage jobs to professional careers—which is happening daily thanks to local women’s foundations—they need mentors and support!  Check in to learn how you can be a part of transforming lives and building futures!  
 
September: Become a political maven!   
School is back in session! Keep learning by studying policy initiatives that empower women and girls, whether on a national or state level. In 2007, likely policy areas to watch are living wage (90 percent of all long-term, minimum wage earners are women!), mandatory paid sick and maternity leave (We are the only country in the world without mandatory paid maternity leave!), the Earned Income Tax Credit, subsidized child care and affordable college education. Choose three issue areas, track them, and be sure to e-mail or call your representatives to let them know where you stand!

October:  Trick or trivia!
Don’t get tricked on your trivia…know your facts!  Check out these little known census facts about women in the U.S.! 
 
November: Put the giving in Thanksgiving!  
Bring the three T’s to the season of Thanksgiving: time, treasure and talent! Create a year-long plan for volunteering time at an organization whose mission you believe in, set up automatic monthly contributions to your local women’s foundation and contribute your talents by helping other women file their tax returns, providing financial training and education, teaching English to recent immigrants or providing career development courses! Get in touch with your local women’s foundation to learn how you can get involved!   
    
December: Create a legacy!   
Never too soon to plan for your legacy. Meet with your attorney about providing for organizations that assist women through a bequest in your will.          

Whew, see how time flies when you’re making a difference and changing lives?