Folly #10: Philanthropy Resolutions

Seven commitments for 2023 that we can make. Together.

Let’s talk. Literally. 

My 2023 philanthropy resolution is to create community around giving. That means actually talking about it.

Conversations with friends and neighbors seem to cover the weather, where people are traveling, what new restaurants we love and, especially, what we’re buying. 

Why don’t we talk more about where we’re giving?

At a time when we buy things with a convenient click (maybe without even looking to see if a local store might offer the same item), here are some easy resolutions we can make – together – to increase philanthropy and a spirit of community in 2023.

1. Ask neighbors about causes they support. Discuss how you give. Where you give. Why you give. Brag about the way those organizations create change in our community, region or world.

2. Host a small gathering for friends to meet an organization you love. Of course, start by asking that nonprofit if they would be interested, but I’ve yet to meet the executive director who doesn’t want to connect with new donors.

3. Make more donations by giving monthly. Treat philanthropy like the social ROI it is and make it a habit. (Just divide your annual giving by 12. If you can give a little more each month, great.)

4. Volunteer with an organization. Unpaid, but important, roles come in all shapes and sizes: done-in-a-day, a project specific to your expertise, serving on a board or committee, working with clients, stuffing envelopes. Virtual or in person. Solo or group. Explore what’s out there on Catch-a-Fire, Taproot Foundation, Volunteer Match, your city’s website (my home town has a page of local nonprofits) or a regional volunteer center (like NorCal’s volunteernow.org).

   

5. Pay for something your local nonprofit may need. Again, ask them first! It may be a resource that’s very easy for you to access, but hard for them to find, research or fund (think: web design, social media, fundraising coaching or other professional development, or space for a board retreat).

6. Support local and small businesses. Buy from one-of-a-kind stores in your town. Look online at Etsy before you buy on Amazon. Find a Black-owned restaurant on Eat Okra the next time you go out.

7. Watch It’s a Wonderful Life. This is my all time favorite film (not just at the holidays) for it’s message of how we can each a make difference. And, if we’re lucky, a lot of difference.

What’s your story of giving? I’d love to learn from you and hope you’ll:

Up next … time off to enjoy the holidays and prepare for these 2023 resolutions!

See you on January 6 with expert interviews, real world stories (share yours! Email me), and more unexpected consequences in the world of doing good.