Blog - Muhammad Babangida | Philanthropy

Many people spend lifetimes looking for a cause they feel worthy of sinking their teeth and efforts into. Once discovered or created, in the hearts of people who participate in these foundations, each cause deserves all the attention and funding in the world. Gathering resources and contacts in order to build up the non-profit’s financial side can be daunting and at times vexing. In an age saturated with multimedia access, where every pocket has digital communication, information, and advertising, the power of a social influencer is hard to ignore.

Why use a social influencer?

In a nut shell, a social influencer is someone with a large online following. With that following comes the ability to sway the opinion of others. A productive social influencer should have the following:

How do you choose an influencer for your cause?

A sincerity and trustworthy nature that carries their followers across expansive time frames as opposed to moments of shock value and spectacle.
They should have a densely populated following across multiple platforms. Things like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram draw in different crowds, so to have a high number of followers in each means the influencer’s reach is vast and varied.
When a social influencer is engaged with their followers, when throw out a call to action for a non-profit, event, fundraiser, etc. their fans are more likely to be active and contribute to those events. The engagement should be active on both sides in order for results to flourish.

Measure the influencer’s social impact

There are a number of websites available that analyze an influencer’s influence and will provide you with a rating. A low score would indicate they don’t have a tangible effect.

Follow them

Sometimes the best way to get a feel for an influencer and get a feel for their impact is to follow them yourself.

Seek out appropriate influencers

To choose an influencer that primarily deals with health and wellness for a charity that hopes to raise money for big cat conservation would be a disparity of motives. You want your cause to match what the influencer influences.

Organize options after searching for them online

Searching specific topics, hashtags, and articles is a great way to track down like minded people. Organize those people into a chart in order of preference or perhaps in order of potential influence power. This will help you develop a plan of attack to establish connections.

Contact them

After getting a feel for who you want to work with, reach out. Odds are if your cares and goals are on the same page, they’d love to raise money or awareness for a worthy cause.

At the end of the day, a social influencer can carry a powerful impact when it comes raising awareness and funding for any given non-profit. Don’t be afraid to put the neck of your cause on the line and see how it can be elevated and benefited by the power of an influencer.

Why Mobile Fundraising is Important

By Muhammad Babangida

On September 9, 2017

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

In these days, everything has been made to be more mobile friendly. When you begin to think about this sort of mind set coupled with fundraising, it almost seems ridiculous to not involve the two together. Most everyone out there is attached to some sort of device all the time. Cell phones, tablets, and laptops are three of the most widely used devices in this era. If you are a nonprofit organization trying to drum up supporters and donors, mobile fundraising could be the way for you to get the job done.

Getting the Job Done

The use of mobile devices has dramatically increased in the past few years. With it, the way organizations earn donation money has changed as well. Many companies are making the switch to mobile fundraising. How does this work to help your company?

Well, mobile devices are checked regularly during the day. Since they are constantly being used, it makes sense to say that mobile fundraising is the most direct route toward getting the funds you need. Many of how mobile fundraising has begun are through the use of emails. There are multiple devices that allow you to read emails on that device, which then makes sense to send emails to reach the donors.

However, there is more to mobile fundraising than simply sending an email to a donor. There are tactics and strategies to getting the job completed and ensuring that the donors enjoy their experience and are willing to donate or donate a second time.

Strategies and Tactics

One of the most important things that an organization can use to improve their mobile fundraising is feedback. Without feedback, you won’t know how well the fundraising event went over, and you can even use this feedback to improve on your tactics for the future.

Feedback can also help with the next tactic, which is to understand the frequency of emails you need to send. Since many people do not like receiving multiple emails in succession from the same sender, it is ideal to decide upon a good rate to send your emails. Feedback can help with this.

The last tactic that is useful for mobile fundraising auctions. By hosting an auction, you can drum up support, awareness, and connections with multiple donors at once. You can even implement your mobile fundraising ideas to the auction to explain your organization and donation plans.

Conclusion

If you are searching for a great way to get support for your organization, mobile fundraising is a great place to start. You can be with the times, use the most direct routes, and easily get feedback from your donors all by using a mobile device.

Busting Myths Between New and Long Time Donors

By Muhammad Babangida

On August 18, 2017

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

When it comes to donations, some factors are predictable. Organizations, in fact, can benefit from having some level of predictability when account for the upcoming year’s income. However, myths can plague these predictions, and businesses want to make certain that they know what’s wrong with certain myths about new donors.

Unbridled Spending

One common assumption about new donors is that they will virtually engage in unbridled spending. Organizations might expect that these donors will be the only ones to provide tremendous sums since they are new in this business. However, evidence doesn’t necessarily support that claim. Donors both old and new may contribute in similar ways.

Longer Relationships

Businesses may often feel as though they can inspire longer relationships with new donors than with old ones. While the way the business owners act will likely play a role in the longevity of the relationship, the company’s own personal interests do too. The length of time that a relationship stays intact can vary, and it may have nothing to do with whether the company is old or new.

Riskier Beginnings

Another perception that organizations might have of new companies is that they are risky to rely on. Organizations might see an new business provide a generous donation but then remain skeptical if the business can continue with such donations in the future. However, organizations should remember that new companies may have tremendous financial support. They may also have started as a smaller businesses that has been growing itself into a giant for decades. Getting to know the history of donors can help companies to determine if they can rely on them in the future.

Modern Methods of Payment

Companies may also assume that newer entities are ready to use more modern methods of payment. For example, they may think nothing of sending donations through online payment services or via apps. However, when entities are making large donations, they may prefer to use paper methods. Staying open to different methods of payment and allowing for these channels can help a company to garner donations on a regular basis and to encourage them from a variety of different places.

Making assumptions about new donors is not the best idea because doing so closes off people to possibilities. Keeping an open mind is one of the best ways to prevent myths from getting in the way of potential donors from all types of businesses.

Preventing Compassion Fatigue In Donors and Non-profit Employees

By Muhammad Babangida

On June 13, 2017

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

The daily stress that entrepreneurs go through causes them to be tired and weary throughout the day. The hard work can take a toll and begin to impact their personal life. This may cause many social entrepreneurs to wonder if their personal sacrifices are worth it.

Many fundraisers have thought about quitting their job as a result of their frustration. Compassion fatigue is a serious issue that should be addressed. Compassion fatigue describes a lack of compassion that has developed over time. People who strive to be socially conscious internalize their flaws and perceived failure at not working fast enough. The pressure can discourage and consume them, causing them to give up. Compassion fatigue does not receive the attention for being a serious issue that it deserves. Here are some tips to help entrepreneurs and donors avoid compassion fatigue.

Gain Perspective

When you are committed to helping everyone, even the smallest victory can have a long-standing positive impact. Take time to reflect on different people, places, and things that you have impacted in a positive way. Research has shown that losses have a larger impact on people than gains. Be aware that regardless of how successful your organization is, you will always need a helping hand.

Work On Yourself

If you cannot manage your own health properly, then it is harder to help anyone else. Get your rest and take some time off if you need too. Work and life balance should be a major priority.

Stay Proactive

Be prepared for potential signs of burnout. Think about different ways to prevent it. Show that you care about your team and help them. Keep the vision the main priority and track your progress toward the completion of your goals. Make sure that your colleagues are comfortable chatting with you about fatigue.

Stay Decisive

Remember that you can take a break sometimes. Don’t allow negativity to linger. Move forward when you are tired and find the strength to seek change. Avoid unnecessary decisions that can increase your burnout while hurting your motivation.

Build Connections

If your supporters only hear from you when they are needed, that is not good. Look for ways to reach your supporters and invite them into your world. Look for opportunities to create value in their lives.

Stay Faithful

To keep your confidence up, make promises that you know you can keep and manage your expectations. Don’t try to rush anything, as you’ll forget that the journey will be slow and steady.

Millennials and Philanthropy

By Muhammad Babangida

On June 7, 2017

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Wondering how to better market your non-profit or social cause to what has been called the most philanthropic generation yet? Read on to find out about the giving trends of millennials and what causes Millennials care about.

Here we have compiled a brief overview of the research on the general outlook of Generation Y on donations and philanthropy.

Millennials are close to running the world

Millennials or Generation Y are those born roughly between 1980 and 2000, succeeded by Generation Z or Centennials. As of now, Millennials constitute the biggest part of the global workforce – they are also the biggest buyers, driving consumption in most economies.

The engagement of Millennials in philanthropy is not the highest right now – Boomers and Matures or “The Silent Generation” make larger donations and greater overall donations annually. Generation Y’s paying capacity is going to increase greatly by 2020, as they mature and inherit more wealth from their predecessors.

Engaging the cautious Millennial in your cause

With millennials contributing to a growing share of the economy, they are an important source for fund-raisers. However, they are cautious investors and usually like to stay very involved in the activities of the organizations they donate to.

The “me me me” generation is perennially connected via social media. Any organization worth its salt in the 21st century needs to have a strong online presence. It adds a great deal of credibility to your brand image. Having 3 or 4 posts per year on your Twitter feed makes it seem like your company is either defunct or not very active. Updating your social media handles on a consistent weekly or even daily basis is essential to keep your audience involved.

Your biggest resource – The Millennial Impact Report by Achieve

The US national research group Achieve releases a comprehensive report on the habits of the Millennials and the causes they invest in. The Millennial Impact Report is a rich source of information on engaging this highly socially conscious generation. The 2016 Impact Report focused mostly on observing how the presidential elections would affect the issues that Millennials are interested in.

The main findings were along these lines:

Millennials don’t believe in the ability of government to bring about any change. The disillusioned generation places more emphasis on their personal responsibility to make the world better for everyone.

Despite willing to take more responsibility for the state of the nation, Millennials are less vocal about their stances than previous generations like the Boomers. Millennials tend to avoid conflict and argument.

Millennials display less allegiance to any particular political party and instead are more supportive of political figures who touched more on the issues they care about.

How all of this translates to your marketing campaign

Possibly because of the nature of social media and the availability of more information to us at any point of time, millennials are at any point aligned with 3 to 5 causes. The initial investment in any cause is small in most cases, the ones who stand out urge individuals to take further action and be more deeply involved. Acknowledgment from peers is highly impactful in helping the process along, and deeper involvement can be incited by making further action beyond the initial investment easier.

Millennials are deeply invested in social issues; this comes from an empathy knowing that they themselves or people close to them could be similarly affected. They are more responsive to cause-based marketing that directly invokes their empathy via human-centric imagery. Make your audience aware of the real issues that and struggles that people face and how your cause can alleviate them.

Mentoring the Youth in Philanthropy

By Muhammad Babangida

On May 27, 2017

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy, Youth Philanthropy

Human beings have an inert quality of graciousness, which, when molded in the right way, gives way to philanthropy. It is the desire to promote the welfare of people, to seek solutions to the many problems that plague our society.

Youth today hold a central role in philanthropy. With their never-ending energy and enthusiasm, they are the flag- bearers of philanthropy all over the world. All they need is a bit of guidance, to help them learn about the community’s needs and the grant making process. A few tips on mentoring the youth in philanthropy will come handy.

You Do Not Have To Do It Alone

Training the youth in philanthropy need not be a one person job. Get in contact with like- minded people or community partners. A team will certainly achieve more than you can ever by working alone.

There are multiple organizations active in the field who shall be happy to indulge you in their programs.

Be Specific About Your Role

A youth- philanthropy project is essentially the product of the participants and not the adults mentoring them. Your role here is to advise them, and not to teach them. You need to rely on the youth to take up leadership positions in every aspect of the process.

A mentor needs to completely alienate oneself from the decision making process. His only aim should be to create a conducive environment where the youths can make sensible and sensitive decisions.

Make it a Fun Activity

Introduce games and other leisure activities wherever you can. This will help participants find their voices whilst helping to foster trust amongst them. A bit of fun and movement helps break the ice and get the movement going.

A strong bond between the students sure is necessary, but nonetheless, the bond between the mentor and the participants has its own significance. Games can be improvised and executed to achieve these objectives.

Step Up, Step Back

It is important to differentiate between situations where you volunteer your voice and where you just step back. The greatest tool while working with youth is silence, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn by letting the youth lead.

Young people involved in philanthropy today, aged 8- 21, are extremely thoughtful and professional at making real grant decisions. Even the first- timers are eligible to take leadership roles in the social arena of the program.

All you need to do is to channelize their efficiencies in the best possible way, and, in the process, benefit the society at large.

Giving Back To The Community

By Muhammad Babangida

On May 17, 2017

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Our immediate or extended environment is a source of success, happiness and much more. Whether one owns a business or works as a salaried person, he or she is largely dependent on the society for fulfilling his/her professional and personal needs.

Hence It is rather imperative and necessary that we share some part of our success, happiness and gains with the society. While many would see it as a nice gesture, the value that “giving” towards non-profit reasons would generate is priceless.

When you want to do something for your immediate or the larger society, there is no dearth of opportunities. Below are a few tips and ideas that will help you be happier, valued and reputed through the act of giving and donation-making.

In-Kind Donations

There are many things and items that we do not need, and they are there occupying our precious space. The best way of getting rid of such items is to donate them to those who can actually use them or to someone who is in need of them. Clothes, utensils, old electronics… the list of items that you can dispose at this very moment can be extensive if you could just look for them.

Fundraising For Solving A Crisis That Affects A Society

The recent trend towards societal donation now is to solve an actual crisis faced by a community. Many different organizations (both “for” and “non” profit), community members and groups and even public agencies collaborate and link with each other and do the fundraising rounds. The cash and resources generated are used in order to solve a problem or crisis that one segment or the whole of the society faces. While you need more efforts, planning and time here, the results have far-reaching consequences.

When you want to make it short, you can also indulge in the shorter “donation drives” and can generate some donations at the public and private functions by having your own private stall or canopy.

Prizing Those Who Deserve It

Donation can also be made towards the meritorious scholars, police/fire/ military/ health care and other staff and members and other personnel and agencies that have done some extraordinary work within the society. Those who indulge in the disaster-relief operations also need more resources, and you can extend your charity towards the victims of flood, earthquake and other disasters as well.

Financial Philanthropy

Both businessmen and individuals can actually donate cash and can indulge in financial philanthropy if their needs have been fulfilled and there are humongous profits and gains respectively.

For businesses, this gesture can be very fruitful in the long run as the society views the organizations favorably who actually do something for the poorest that also make a part of it. The business that donates cash will get an instant media coverage, an excellent PR coverage, and will be better involved within the community. Finances can also be donated to a charity organization or a local NGO (Non-Government Organization).

Fundraising Topics to Know

By Muhammad Babangida

On May 12, 2017

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

The fundraising landscape is changing rapidly. Some of those changes make raising funds more challenging, but there are new tools to use and resources to access too. Based on media coverage from the past year, let’s look at the five fundraising topics you’ll need to master to have success this year.

Donor-Advised Funds

Donor-advised funds, which are vehicles used by corporations and other groups to distribute charitable donations, account for a significant portion of all donations, and that amount is only trending upward. Even individuals and families are participating in these funds now as a means of helping others in a safe, productive and simple way. These funds often have application processes and other requirements, and learning how to request money through these channels successfully is crucial moving forward.

Sizable Donations from Major Donors

A large percentage of all donations are made by a very small group. This group comprises the biggest donors, and the competition for their gifts is fierce. Just as you must learn to navigate the channels of donor-advised funds, you must learn what big donors want, how to compete for those gifts and how to retain that charity once you have it.

Crowdfunding

In the opener, we mentioned the changing landscape of fundraising, and social media on the Internet, and in particular crowdfunding, is the leading cause of that change. This platform provides you access to more financial resources and a wider audience, and when a crowdfunding effort is successful, it can go viral and grow at a rapid pace. The environment is also quite different than from traditional fundraising, and it often requires rethinking our approach.

Fundraising at Year-End

The key to fundraising successfully on a consistent basis is having a strong push to end the year. The final quarter of the calendar year is when the majority of donations happen. This is when organizations and even individuals know how much financial flexibility they have before reaching the write-off cap. Year-end fundraising is so important that you should begin planning for the next one now.

Fundraising Outside the Box

A consistent them here is competition. Competition is fierce. You need to distinguish your organization, and you need to engage donors in new and interesting ways. This is more than just putting a clever spin on a bake sale. Nonprofit professionals must analyze their markets and create business strategies just as for-profit professionals do.

Guide to Founding a Charity

By Muhammad Babangida

On May 9, 2017

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) exempts nonprofit charitable groups from taxation, allowing financiers to deduct their donations to the groups while filing tax returns. Here are important steps to follow when starting a certified charity.

1. Know the different types of charity organizations you can start

There are different organizations based on missions. For instance, animal charities are concerned with the welfare of animals. Public charities receive most of the funds from the government while private foundations receive funds from small groups.

2. Confirm if your organization qualifies to be an IRC §501(c)(3) compliant

Your charity must be organized and managed just for “exempt purposes.” The exempt purposes include that the organization should run for public interest only.

3. Name your charity

The name to be used must adhere to rules set and be accepted by the Office of the Secretary of State among other conditions.

4. Set up a mission statement

A mission statement summarizes the importance and purpose of your organization. It is used in the filing of IRS and state files for the entity.

5. Incorporate the organization

This stage involves steps such as naming the corporation, the state of incorporation, and Articles of Incorporation among others.

6. Request a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

In all your communications with the IRS, EIN must be used. An EIN is applied by filling the IRS Form SS-4. You should only apply for an EIN after your company is legally incorporated.

7. File to get tax exempt status

Send the correct IRS files to be considered for tax-exempt status by the federal and state government. You can use IRS FORM 1023-EZ or IRS FORM 1023.

8. Comply with charity regulations in your area

Different states, counties, and cities have different rules for charity organizations. You need to license and file the necessary annual reports.

9. Create a website

A great website enhances the credibility of your charity and ability to raise more funds. Your website should have your mission, testimonials, and charity activities you have undertaken.

10. Insure the charity

Choose the best insurance for your charity. You may need property and general liability coverage.

11. Plan how to raise money

The most difficult thing for many charities is to raise funds. Plan how to use various avenues such as social media and marketing to raise funds.

12. Minimize your costs

Many donors are concerned about how their contributions are used. Keep the administrative costs low to attract more donors.

13. Look for volunteers

Volunteers are crucial as they expand your mission and help in raising funds. The main advantage of volunteers is that they are not paid.

14. Deal with your employees appropriately

This involves offering your employees a fair salary. Look for employees who believe in your mission.

15. Other things

This involves activities like opening a bank account among others.

Welcome!

By Muhammad Babangida

On March 7, 2017

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Welcome to the official philanthropy website of Muhammad Babangida. Please stay tuned for more updates!