As a manager in our organization you are probably going to get these questions from the team members you supervise.
So how do you answer?
A culture of philanthropy refers …
to our organization’s attitude toward philanthropy and advancement efforts (also known as resource gathering of time, talent and treasure)
Some people define philanthropy as voluntary action for the common good. Many talk about advancement as the engine that drives philanthropy, or the essential partner of philanthropy.
It’s important because…
philanthropy is not just about raising money. Philanthropy is part of our mission. We are not just a social service provider; we’re a social service provider and a philanthropic organization. It has been seen that successful nonprofits pursue two missions: program and philanthropy.
The culture of philanthropy is important because we want Catholic Charities Community Services to be successful – we want to keep delivering those essential programs to the most vulnerable members of our communities to help them permanently improve their lives and we want to build a relationship with those who partner with us to advance our mission.
The Journey Toward the Culture of Philanthropy…
How do we get there?
Our first step is to acknowledge that EVERYONE in our organization is responsible for philanthropy.
Everyone either contributes to making it happen, or to making it unlikely for it to happen. No one is exempt. Because donors don’t care which department someone works in. They only see one organization.
Get everyone on board
How do you get folks to step up to play their appropriate advancement/resource gathering roles, whether direct or indirect? How do you help them to see advancement/resource gathering as a noble pursuit?
You must begin by helping all staff and volunteers in your department recognize they have a vested interest. Without donors, we can’t exist. Understand there are important benefits that derive from contribution income.
- Begin by assuring everyone is well-informed of Advancement’s impact. What programs does it make possible? What would change if philanthropy ended?
- Talk to everyone about your mission to help donors be the change they want to see in the world. It’s a noble mission to facilitate philanthropy, and one of which to be very proud. It’s a mission almost anyone would want to embrace – once they understand.
- When everyone becomes a philanthropy facilitator something amazing begins to happen. Since everyone’s doing it, it begins to feel more natural. People begin to share stories with one another. Folks begin to take pride in asking for partnerships and knowing they are offering people, who share the values the organization, an opportunity to endorse their own values. Asking is seen this way begins to seem like a noble pursuit, rather than a coercive one.
For too long fundraising/advancement/resource gathering has been approached as transactional – as being primarily about money. This approach results in advancement efforts being seen at best as an onerous chore; a necessary evil. Your job is to help folks see that philanthropy is fundamentally social; it’s about love — and nothing could be more transformational.
How you can help us build relationships and embrace donors?
The Members of the Advancement Team – Fundraising, Grant Writing, Marketing, Volunteer Services and Parish/Community Engagement are connecters. Our donors and volunteers are investing in our work. Program staff deliver the work, your efforts generate the impact and success. You have the stories to tell. We want to connect our investors with you and your passion.
A well-established culture of philanthropy will come when every staff member does the following:
1. Understands and promotes the culture of philanthropy.
2. Serves as a philanthropic ambassador within the organization and in the community.
3. Program staff (or any individuals with direct contact with clients and community) are expected to help cultivate relationships on behalf of and in support of the organization. This doesn’t mean help fundraise. It means being sensitive to and aware of others, providing them with quality service, and paying attention to their interests. Most importantly, program staff needs to share stories, particularly with the Advancement Team.
4. Staff is also expected to work with development staff to support grant applications and other development activities related to program.
Practical Steps in Creating a Culture of Philanthropy
We had 1,400 new donors last year – the average donor retention rate is 43 percent. We want to keep new donors and engage them in our mission. Their support will happen organically.
Help us cultivate with these next steps…
Know the Catholic Charities story – tell it – be your program’s #1 advocate
1. Blog: Write a blog, or be interviewed by marketing staff for our blog
2. Share Story: Introduce marketing to a client with a compelling story
3. Tours: Be present on a tour with prospects – donors and volunteers
4. Media Interviews: Be available to be interviewed by the media or assist with client interviews
Help us steward current donors/volunteers
1. Volunteer to make thank you calls
2. Volunteer to write thank you notes
3. Arrange for clients to write thank you notes or 10-second thank you videos
Please reach out to a member of the Advancement Team to talk more about how we can assist you in sharing the message of this article with your team members.
