It’s been a big week for the little guy (or gal) of philanthropy this week, it seems, between two of my favorite bloggers, Dollar Philanthropy and Tactical Philanthropy discussing giving plans and options for those who may be in the market to give $10 instead of $25,000.
Not to mention Claudia Thorne’s inspiring piece in the Washington Post about how you don’t have to have Oprah’s money to feel the Oprah-level joy of giving.
As a girl who hasn’t yet made her millions, and has been around non-profits long enough to have a clear sense of just how powerful money can be when used strategically, effectively and with the best interests of communities and clients in mind–and also how it can do very little good at all when it’s not–I’ve been thinking, talking and doing a lot more about my own personal giving and what strategies are the most effective when you don’t have enough to just up and build a $40 million school in South Africa.
Do you take what little you do have and break it up for various organizations and causes? Or put all your bets on one horse and hope it’s the right one? What about when you know that you’ve found a few excellent, effective organizations and can’t decide between causes you’re very committed to? Do you give to the little start-up to help it get off the ground and scale up, or do you fund the already-accomplished, established organization with years and years of experience behind it?
If I’m not carried away, that creeping sense of smallness can rapidly take over, and lead me away from the idea of giving entirely. What’s $50 after all, compared to $5,000, $50,000 or half a million?
Sean’s post on Philanthropic Planning on $10 a Week offers some great suggestions (including, of course, giving circles such as those found here at The Women’s Foundation) and Dollar Philanthropy in general is a bastion of welcome ideas for and attitudes on giving at any level.
So, for the rest of you out there, what say you?
What thoughts, ideas, experiences or insight do you have for those of us who may have less to give, are new to the concept of giving or are starting to re-examine our giving practices and principles? What have been the various paths you’ve taken to giving, and what have been the most rewarding (or not) experiences you’ve had?
Let’s take a moment for some giving mentoring and share the wealth (of knowledge and questions) that’s out there in our community about various giving strategies, approaches and attitudes.
(I can’t be the only one who’s wondering, right?)
