Bri Ledsome
Development Director
SHE+ Foundation
I have been a fundraiser professionally since I was nineteen years old. From campaigns and movements I cared about, to local nonprofits, I have been asking people for money for years. And I know - that makes most people uncomfortable. Luckily, I am an extrovert and I care A LOT about the causes I fundraise for. So, it levels out.
But, I am 26. Most people wouldn’t put me in the category of a “philanthropist.” When we think of philanthropy, we tend to think of Bill and Melinda Gates, or even Mackenzie Scott. Millions upon millions of dollars funding groundbreaking movements and lifechanging causes.
And they are philanthropists - do not get me wrong - but they aren’t the only ones.
Philanthropy isn’t the same thing as charity. Philanthropy, unlike charity, focuses on eliminating systemic causes of oppression and inequity, and advocates for systems change. Charity is focused on the symptoms of societal issues, philanthropy seeks to change the root cause.
Nowhere in that definition comes a requirement of millions of dollars. In fact, it doesn’t even require “dollars.”
Philanthropy is about capital. It is about donating time, skills, talent, and yes - money - in order to create a better world.
When I say capital, let me be clear, I do not just mean dollars. Capital is financial assets, physical resources (think - in kind donations), intangible assets (like, intellectual property), and human capital.
If it is a meaningful contribution to you - it is philanthropy. If what you can afford is $10 once a year, or it is $500,000 a year, you are a philanthropist.
If you do not have disposable income to share, but you are an expert website developer and you can lend a hand to a new nonprofit, you are a philanthropist.
If you have time to stuff envelopes for an end of year campaign, you are a philanthropist.
The word “philanthropy” itself comes from the Greek word “philanthrōpos,” which literally means “loving people.”
Philanthropy is about love. Love of one another. Love of the causes you care the most deeply about. Love of future generations.
Creating a Culture of Philanthropy
So when I say, “we need a culture of philanthropy,” I mean we need continuous effort to emphasize the importance of philanthropy, and the value of philanthropy of ALL kinds, not just the large scale gifts.
It is essential that we lead by example - donating our time, our energy, and our funds - and explaining the importance of philanthropic gifts to a nonprofit or movement, especially a newer one.
When folks understand the importance of philanthropy to the operation of a nonprofit, it creates advocates for change in the community. No longer does it feel like, “asking for money,” - it begins to feel like contributing meaningfully to the mission.
When an organization or movement has a robust philanthropic structure, communicating impact becomes significantly easier - and even more important.
That can mean a lot of things. For SHE+, each gift helps us ensure continued advancement of women’s sexual health - from research, maintenance of our resource hub, funding grantees, and more.
For a service provider, perhaps it means 2 more people receiving rent assistance that month. One more family celebrating the holidays. Ten more people visited the food pantry.
Impact is quantifiable. When we are able to quantify impact, we can invite more people to see themselves in the movement.
A culture of philanthropy also creates a community of like-minded individuals. Bringing together the team that keeps the lights on creates long-lasting unions that are committed to change.
Because yes, part of the mission is keeping the lights on - you cannot thrive as a nonprofit if you are “just” breaking even year over year. You cannot thrive if you do not have the cash on the hand to keep operating.
The mission is nothing without the margin.
Don’t Count Me (or my friends) Out!
Part of creating a culture of philanthropy is understanding that everyone has something to give.
Acknowledging and thanking donors like me - or any of your “grassroots” donors, is crucial to building that culture of philanthropy. Everyone wants to feel appreciated - and every gift is meaningful. When someone gives - whether their time, their talent, or their resources - they deserve to feel appreciated.
I am employed full time, I live alone (kind of, I have a cat!), and I don’t have dependents. I have disposable income. It may not be much - but it is enough to give to the causes I care about.
The End-Of-Year giving season is here. Whether you have time to give, plenty of in-kind donations, a large gift, or even just $5 - your gifts are meaningful. Share them with the causes you care the most about.
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