Tag: april

On the Table…Essential Discussions

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For the month of April, we have shared with you our thoughts on philanthropy. We are here to tell you that we are not the only ones who think you make wonderful philanthropists! According to The Chicago Community Trust:cct_logo

Every day people are making “good” happen. We call them philanthropists. Commitments–both great and small–made every day to strengthen communities and improve the lives of others are the essence of philanthropy.

The Chicago Community Trust is dedicated to the metropolitan Chicagoland area. They want to ensure that all members of the community are able to thrive. By encouraging philanthropy and civic leadership, Chicago Community Trust is ensuring that local problems are being tackled with local solutions.

Join Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program on May 12, 2015 for an “On The Table” dinner conversation focused on exploring the other side of the crisis faced by African-American girls, and discussing how everyday citizens can get involved to help girls to communicate effectively, build confidence, and become prepared for future workplace careers. Dinner will be provided during this interactive discussion.

To learn more about the event and to RSVP, send an email: [email protected] or visit: www.polishedpebbles.com.

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What’s Love Got To Do With It?

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Last week we shared with you amazing insights from L’Oreal Thompson Payton. In one of her ilovehumanityresponses, L’Oreal shares the definition of philanthropy as “love of humanity”. To close our April theme of Philanthropy and Giving, I want to delve into this definition. When we think about donating money, time, and resources, what does love got to do with it?

Valaida Fullwood, from Black and Brown News, proposes in her article, Love Of Humanity: Let’s Radically Engage In Reclaiming The Root Of Philanthropy, that philanthropy (and love) are inherent in Black America. She writes:

Indignities, inequities and injustices do not simply dissipate; instead, we must come together in systematically uprooting them – the needs are great and the need for unity greater.  The times beckon a new era of conscientious philanthropy, rooted in a love for community and expectations of social change. Let this generation, both young and old, embody a social transformation with bold recognition of our power and responsibility to give back.

Black America faces many challenges, not just in daily life but also from large institutions in this country. Fullwood suggests that by loving Black America, we can create sustainable change. An extension of that love is philanthropic giving. If we want to see change, we have to support that change! This radical redefining of philanthropy might change the way you think of giving. Philanthropy is not a single, begrudging act, it is an expression of self, a way of life. Instead of engaging in philanthropy. Be philanthropic. Be love. If philanthropy only takes love, then we all have a little to give.

Let’s reclaim the definition of philanthropy. Let’s love our humanity. Let’s love Black America.

What Is Informed Giving?

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For the month of April we want to talk about philanthropy. As we shared in last week’s post, giving to others leads to happiness! Now that you may be thinking about donating, we want you to be informed. You may think there isn’t much for you to know because you are an individual and not a corporation, but there really is! We want your $10, $20, $50, or $100 donation to benefit a positive, worthy organization. 

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Here are some tips to help you decide when to donate, and who to donate to:

  • Location. Where is this organization located? Is it in your community or state, is it in the US or is it abroad? Think about what is important to you. While you may love what an international organization is achieving half way across the world, you might feel more satisfaction being part of change you can see.
  • Scope. Similar to location, what is the breadth of this organization? Do they have a local focus or an international component. Is this important to you?
  • Population. Who is this organization serving? If there is a particular population that interests you, you should seek out organizations that are empowering those communities. Perhaps you love working with youth and want to donate money to a mentoring organization. Or an environmental organization that focuses on endangered animals. What drives your passion? Find that, and be part of that positive change!
  • Values. What are the values and mission of the organization? Do you agree with them? While you may love what an organization is doing in a community, you might not love their values. Think about what is important to you, and what you can and cannot support. Your values may differ religiously, politically, or ethically.
  • Time. Where are you in your life? If you are feeling pressure financially, wait! There is no rush to donate to an organization. You don’t want to regret that donation you made, it could lead to guilt! Some people find it best to donate after retirement or when they settle into a stable career. If its a small donation, maybe that $5 you found on the street can go towards the community program providing ESL courses. Decide what time is best for you.
  • Future. What are the long-term goals of this organization? And can you see them reaching these goals?You don’t want to donate to an organization only to find out they went under a few months laster. This doesn’t mean you only donate to long-standing organizations. Just choose ones that seem to be on the right path. Trust your gut, and your heart.

If you’re really feeling up to the challenge of being an informed giver, check out this list of investment strategies from Strategic Philanthropy.

Now that you have all of this knowledge in your head, go out and make a difference as an informed giver!

Money CAN Buy Happiness

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Recently on Polished Pebbles, we have been sharing with you our Monthly Giving Program. It is an opportunity to support our Girls Mentoring Program by providing resources for our girls–journals, sweaters, transportation, and job shadowing experiences. We advertise that through this Giving Program you can support our young women for less than a cup of coffee a day! Now, this isn’t done to guilt any one of you (that’s the last thing we want our supporters to feel). We just want you to know that it doesn’t take big contributions to support us or our girls. Every cent counts and every cent can affect your happiness!

People who spent money on other people got happier. People who spent money on themselves, nothing happened. It didn’t make them less happy, it just didn’t do much for them. And the other thing we saw is the amount of money doesn’t matter that much. So people thought that 20 dollars would be way better than five dollars. In fact, it doesn’t matter how much money you spent. What really matters is that you spent it on somebody else rather than on yourself. (Michael Norton)

Take a listen to Michael Norton to learn more about the link between money and happiness.

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