Personal Motivations Drive Donations
Philanthropy is often deeply personal. Donors are frequently inspired to contribute to causes due to personal connections, such as experiences of friends or family members with particular challenges or ambitions to enhance their communities and the wider world. These motivations were highlighted in interviews conducted by The Associated Press ahead of GivingTuesday, a crucial day for many volunteers and nonprofits aiming to meet their annual financial goals.
GivingTuesday: A Catalyst for Community Support
Introduced in 2012, GivingTuesday has become a significant event in the philanthropy calendar, although not everyone participates. It serves as a last opportunity for many organizations to achieve their yearly funding targets. Discussions with donors across the United States reveal varied strategies for giving, from planned donations to spontaneous contributions influenced by matching funds campaigns on this day.
Case Study: Monica Fulton’s Year-Round Philanthropy
In Houston, 51-year-old Monica Fulton has been an active supporter of local charities, particularly the Houston Food Bank, where she volunteers in all areas except the cold storage—jokingly because she dislikes the cold. Originally from Panama, Fulton emphasizes the importance of instilling a spirit of giving in her children, aged 18 and 20, to empower them to make a positive impact on their world. She budgets her donations at the start of the year, allocating most to food banks, shelters, and arts programs, but reserves some flexibility for impromptu giving like on GivingTuesday.
Focused Giving in Chicago
Alicia Bailey from Chicago, a former producer now in real estate, has transitioned from casual donor to a major philanthropic influencer after setting up a giving circle in 2018. This group pools resources to support small service providers for women and girls on Chicago’s South Side. Through her work with the Chicago Foundation for Women, Bailey has deepened her involvement in philanthropy, appreciating the impact even small grants can have on community organizations.
Continued Engagement and Impact
Bailey’s giving circle, though providing modest grants, significantly boosts the capabilities of organizations with tight budgets. She underscores the profound effect of collective small contributions: “People might think their dollars are too small to make a difference, but we’ve seen how these grants transform the ability of organizations to execute their missions, changing lives in the community.” For Bailey, every day is an opportunity to advance her goals, not just GivingTuesday.
Broader Support and Personal Engagement
In Atlanta, Ruben Brooks, COO of Atlanta Beltline, diversifies his support to include financial education and mentoring, alongside scholarships for African American youth. His personal involvement extends beyond financial support; he often hosts scholarship recipients, sharing insights and solutions to challenges they face. Brooks views his contributions, timed around his financial assessments in November and December, as essential, preferring to donate on his terms rather than being swayed by specific fundraising days.
New Connections and Community Ties in Colorado
After moving to Lafayette near Boulder, Lynne Garfinkel and Pam Lowy connected over a shared interest in philanthropy during the pandemic, leading them to establish the giving group Moving Mountains. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties through targeted donations, with members engaging in hands-on research and discussions with local organizations about the impact of their contributions.
Conclusion: The Impact of Strategic Philanthropy
These stories from across the United States illustrate how strategic philanthropy, whether through individual planning or collective giving circles, significantly impacts both donors and recipients. As GivingTuesday prompts a review of annual contributions, it’s clear that personal connections and a desire to effect change drive generous giving, with lasting benefits for communities.