Muhammad Babangida is a committed philanthropist from Nigeria

Category: Youth Philanthropy Page 2 of 3

Bitcoin and Nonprofits: How They Work Together

At first glance, Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, and nonprofits might seem like an unlikely pairing. Still, upon closer examination, their collaboration can significantly benefit charitable organizations and their philanthropic endeavors. Bitcoin’s unique attributes, such as transparency, security, and ease of cross-border transactions, align well with the needs and goals of nonprofits, enhancing their fundraising efforts and operational efficiency.

Borderless Donations:

Nonprofits often operate globally, aiming to address issues that transcend geographic boundaries. Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and digital format make it an ideal vehicle for cross-border donations.

Transparency and Accountability:

The blockchain technology underlying Bitcoin ensures a transparent and tamper-proof record of all transactions. This transparency can build trust between nonprofits and donors by providing clear insights into how donated funds are used. Donors can verify that their contributions are being utilized as intended, enhancing the accountability of charitable organizations.

Reduced Payment Processing Fees:

Traditional payment methods involve intermediary financial institutions that charge processing fees. Bitcoin transactions can significantly reduce or eliminate these fees, allowing nonprofits to donate more directly to their programs and initiatives.

Increased Donor Base:

Embracing Bitcoin donations can attract a new segment of tech-savvy and crypto-interested donors who might not have engaged with traditional fundraising methods. Nonprofits can expand their reach and connect with a broader audience by tapping into the growing cryptocurrency community.

Innovative Fundraising Campaigns:

Nonprofits can leverage Bitcoin’s technology to create innovative fundraising campaigns. For instance, they could issue unique digital tokens or NFTs (non-fungible tokens) as rewards for donations, fostering engagement and excitement among donors.

Swift Disaster Relief:

In times of natural disasters or emergencies, speed is of the essence in delivering aid. Bitcoin’s quick and borderless transactions enable nonprofits to receive funds rapidly, facilitating immediate relief efforts when needed.

Holding and Appreciation Potential:

Nonprofits holding onto donated Bitcoin can benefit from its appreciation over time. If the cryptocurrency’s value increases, the organization’s financial resources could grow, enhancing its ability to pursue charitable initiatives.

Educational Initiatives:

Nonprofits focusing on education can leverage Bitcoin to teach their target audience financial literacy and blockchain technology. This aligns with the mission of promoting awareness and knowledge among communities.

Early Adoption Advantage:

Nonprofits that embrace Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies position themselves as innovative and forward-thinking organizations. This can attract attention, partnerships, and collaborations from within the crypto space.

As with any emerging technology, there are also considerations to consider. Bitcoin’s price volatility might affect the value of donated funds, prompting nonprofits to consider converting some of their Bitcoin donations into fiat currency to mitigate risk. Additionally, nonprofits must navigate regulatory and compliance frameworks related to cryptocurrency transactions in their jurisdictions.

The collaboration between Bitcoin and nonprofits can be mutually beneficial. Bitcoin’s features align well with the goals of charitable organizations, offering streamlined cross-border donations, transparency, reduced transaction costs, and the potential for financial inclusion. By embracing this technology, nonprofits can amplify their impact, engage new donor segments, and create innovative fundraising strategies that advance their missions.

How to Have a Big Impact as a Small Charity

Running a small charity may seem daunting when faced with the vast scale of global issues and the resources of larger organizations. However, size should not deter you from making a meaningful impact. Small charities possess unique strengths and can achieve significant change through focused efforts, strategic planning, and community engagement.  

Define your mission and objectives: Clearly articulate your charity’s specific objectives. Having a well-defined purpose, you can concentrate your efforts and resources toward achieving measurable outcomes. Define your target population, the social or environmental problem you aim to address, and the intended impact you want to make.

Build strategic partnerships: Collaborate with other organizations, individuals, and local communities that share your goals. Partnering with like-minded entities expands your reach and pools resources. Consider networking with businesses, schools, government agencies, and other non-profits to amplify your efforts and create synergies.

Leverage technology and social media: Embrace digital and online platforms to raise awareness about your cause, engage with supporters, and share success stories. Establish a solid brand through a web presence and social media accounts. Use online platforms to showcase your work, seek donations, and communicate with your audience. Explore crowdfunding strategies to reach a broader donor base.

Cultivate a dedicated volunteer network: Volunteers are invaluable for small charities. Develop a robust volunteer program by recruiting passionate individuals who believe in your cause. Provide them with meaningful roles and responsibilities that align with their skills and interests. Regularly communicate with your volunteers, recognize their contributions, and provide opportunities for growth within the organization.

Focus on impact measurement and reporting: Demonstrating the impact of your work is crucial for building trust and attracting donors. Develop a robust framework to measure the outcomes and effectiveness of your programs. Collect data, analyze it, and use the findings to refine your strategies and demonstrate the value of your work. Share impact reports with donors and supporters to show the tangible results of their contributions.

Engage your local community: Actively involve the community you serve in your projects. Empowering a region can create sustainable change and ensure long-term impact. Build relationships with local leaders, community organizations, and individuals affected by the issues you address. Conduct needs assessments and involve community members in designing and implementing your programs. 

Seek funding from diverse sources: Diversify your funding streams to reduce dependency on a single basis of support. Explore grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and fundraising events. Engage with local businesses and explore opportunities for cause-related marketing or corporate social responsibility partnerships. Don’t underestimate the power of small contributions, as they can add up and provide a steady stream of support.

Share success stories and impact narratives: Highlight the stories of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by your charity’s work. Personal narratives can be powerful tools for inspiring others and garnering support. Capture testimonials, photographs, and videos that showcase the transformative effects of your programs. Share these stories through your website, social media, and newsletters to create an emotional connection with your audience.

Size should never be a deterrent when it comes to making a difference. Small charities can have a significant impact by focusing on your mission, building strategic partnerships, leveraging technology, engaging volunteers, measuring impact, involving the community, diversifying funding sources, and sharing success stories. 

Does It Matter Where Your Nonprofit Is Located?

Traditionally, the location of a nonprofit was closely tied to the community it served. However, in today’s interconnected world, where physical boundaries are increasingly blurred by technology, does it still matter where organizations are located?  

From a practical standpoint, the location can have tangible implications. Depending on the jurisdiction, Various laws and regulations may govern nonprofit organizations. Understanding a particular location’s legal framework and requirements is crucial to ensure compliance and take advantage of any incentives or tax benefits. Additionally, the proximity to potential donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries can impact an organization’s accessibility to resources and ability to fulfill its mission. On the other hand, the rise of the internet and digital technologies has revolutionized how nonprofits operate. The online realm has opened up new possibilities for collaboration, fundraising, and reaching a global audience. With virtual communication tools, connecting with supporters and stakeholders has become easier than ever, regardless of geographical distances. This has led some to argue that the physical location is becoming less relevant in the digital age.

While the internet provides opportunities for virtual engagement, it cannot replace the importance of physical presence in some instances. Nonprofits that provide direct services to their communities, such as food banks, shelters, or medical clinics, must be close to their population. Being physically present allows immediate response to local needs. This builds trust and fosters relationships with the community. In these instances, location becomes paramount to carrying out its mission effectively.

The context in which a nonprofit operates can vary greatly depending on the location. Socioeconomic factors, cultural norms, and political climates differ from place to place. Understanding and adapting to the specific characteristics of a community is crucial for groups seeking to create meaningful and sustainable impacts. Local knowledge and connections can provide valuable insights and facilitate partnerships with other organizations, government entities, and influential individuals. These relationships often play a pivotal role in navigating complex social issues and driving systemic change.

When deciding on a location, consider balancing physical presence and virtual outreach. Striking the right balance will depend on the organization’s mission, target audience, and the nature of its work. Some nonprofits may establish a central physical location while leveraging digital tools for outreach and collaboration. Others might adopt a decentralized approach, with multiple offices or branches in different locations to better serve diverse communities.

While the digital age has undoubtedly expanded the possibilities to operate across borders and reach wider audiences, the location still matters. Understand the legal requirements, proximity to stakeholders, and the specific needs and context of the community it serves. By carefully assessing these elements, nonprofits can determine the most suitable location that aligns with their mission and maximizes their potential for impact. 

How to Grow a Heart for Philanthropy

Philanthropy is about giving one’s time, energy, and money to a good cause. It can be daunting to think about doing it, but it’s also achievable if you have the necessary resources and know how to make a difference. Do not let the thoughts of famous individuals such as Angelina Jolie deter you. Small gestures such as donating a few dollars can make a significant impact.

 

Like other new habits you cultivate, philanthropy can be done in small steps. Once you have decided what matters most, start by joining forces with other individuals or groups. You can also start by contributing to established charitable organizations such as St. Jude’s or Angel Heart.

 

Philanthropy doesn’t have to involve giving money or things; it can still be doing something nice for others. For instance, volunteering with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity can be a great way to give back to the community. 

 

Although people tend to give to charitable groups during the holidays, charitable organizations need help all year long.

 

Suppose you’re passionate about homelessness or hunger. In that case, you can help those in need by donating money to local food shelters or bringing bags of nutritious snacks and toiletries for those experiencing this need. If you are interested in addressing it on a larger scale, you can join a civic group or donate to organizations working on the same cause.

 

There are numerous philanthropic opportunities that individuals and corporations can enjoy. Look for a volunteer services department near you. They are responsible for coordinating individuals who give their time to the organizations. Anyone 16 years old and older can join The Denver Health Foundation, which also accepts monetary donations to support various initiatives.

 

One of the essential advantages of philanthropy is that it can help boost one’s happiness level. Doing something nice for others can increase one’s confidence and make you more satisfied with life. Doing something as simple as helping a fellow worker can also improve one’s inner happiness. Being kind is the best way to feed your philanthropic heart.  

Investing With Your Children in Mind

It’s instinctive: parents always want the best for their children. And whether it’s the top-of-the-line baby food or a four-year degree in the United States, children are certainly expensive. Don’t be discouraged. There are ways to invest in your child’s future while planning for retirement or paying off the mortgage.

Start Planning Early

When you’ve just returned home from the maternity ward and holding your newborn, planning for an expensive college is probably not the first thing you have in mind. But it helps a lot to start early. This is because of the effect known in the investing world as compounding. Think of it like pushing a snowball up a hill. Every year, not only do you get paid interest on your principal but also any previously accumulated interest. It’s minuscule over a short period but can add to massive amounts of capital over two decades.

Try to set aside a fixed amount every month to dedicate to savings towards your child. This takes the guesswork and stress out of it. By investing every month, you’ll benefit from what is known as dollar-cost averaging. You’ll benefit from market fluctuations because you’ll be purchasing at periods when the stock market is low.

Additionally, many countries have tax-advantaged savings accounts for education. For example, in the United States, this is known as the 529 Plan. This will add a big boost to your savings.

Invest Your Savings

Inflation will eat at your savings. So although a savings account might seem to pay a high rate, in reality, the rate is much lower. You’ll want to invest in the stock market. Find a financial product that suits your risk appetite and time horizon. Alternatively, you could talk to a financial advisor. If so, you might want to go for a fixed fee consultation rather than paying a percentage. You’ll pay less in service fees in the long run.

Save Money

Being thrifty has a bad reputation but it pays off in the end.

Some people like to focus on the big things. For example, a smaller apartment in a less swanky part of town could save you big. A used car is a fraction of the price of the new one.

Others like to focus on expensive daily habits. That daily latte is hurting your wallet (not to mention ballooning your waistline.)

Saving for your child’s future is an intimidating task. It doesn’t have to be if you plan, invest, and be thrifty.

Why Risk is Necessary in Philanthropy

It is sad to note that philanthropy is not as impactful as it should be. This is due to many philanthropists being afraid to be bold and take risks. Many want to stick to the traditional form of philanthropy of giving out funds without creating meaningful impact.

Also, there is no open discussion about risk in philanthropy. In the world of philanthropy, calculated risk is essential. Philanthropists invest money to achieve specific results. And just like any other investment, there is an interplay between risk and return in philanthropy.

There is a system failure in the world today in that philanthropists do not get the impact they intend. For instance, MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, may not achieve philanthropy’s societal impact even though she makes considerable donations to organizations.

Why? Even with her good intentions, MacKenzie Scott is conservative with her approach. She falls into the regular donations rather than fund an unconventional idea that she has passion. Her donations cut across organizations fighting racism, climate-sensitive organizations, and pro-democracy groups. She may be creating an impact but not to the extent the colossal donations should. She can do much more.

Scott is not the only one taking this traditional philanthropy approach. Others, like Jack Ma and Larry Ellison, have followed suit. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with their intentions. However, they can achieve much more impact.

You might be wondering how they can do this. Donors can disrupt the philanthropy world through catalytic philanthropy. This approach is different from charitable donations. It goes beyond writing a cheque. The philanthropist goes a mile further to research the source of the problem facing society. Instead of pouring money into the problem, the philanthropist establishes the root cause first. That’s results in using the power of money responsibly.

Catalytic philanthropists do not ignore the aspect of risk. Otherwise, this would jeopardize the impact of their funding. They, however, assess and measure risk vis a vis the return of their donations. This strategic philanthropy embraces risk through progressive risk management systems. With this approach, they develop disruptive solutions to the world’s challenges.

To wrap things up, philanthropy is not as simple as just giving donations. Until risk-taking becomes the norm, philanthropists will miss the chance of maximizing impact. Risk is about being quick and reacting to the environment to provide customized solutions.

Check Out These Great Podcasts If You Love Philanthropy

Podcasts have become immensely popular in recent memory and they can be great sources of entertainment, knowledge, and news amongst other things. If you’re interested in philanthropy, charity, or nonprofits, podcasts can be an invaluable resource. You can hear so many perspectives on various social issues as well as how you can help and there are so many different podcasts out there. Here are a few great podcasts about philanthropy.

The Business of Giving

If you’re looking to hear possible solutions to social problems throughout the world, check out The Business of Giving. This show is hosted by expert philanthropist Denver Frederick, and every week he invites various philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, and nonprofit experts onto the show to discuss these social problems. With Frederick’s 40+ years of experience and the knowledge of these various experts, they dissect these social problems and try to come up with possible things we can do to solve them.

Futures in Fundraising

If you’re passionate about fundraising and want to know more, check out Futures in Fundraising. Every episode you’ll learn something new on topics such as using your organization’s data for good, advancing careers in development, or just new ways for you to give. They often provide great tips as well, just in case you decide to become a professional in the fundraising world. Every episode features an interview with someone who went on their own fundraising experience where they experienced both highs and lows.

Nonprofits Are Messy

Running a nonprofit organization isn’t easy. There are so many different aspects to think about and as host Joan Garry would put it, they’re messy. In her show, Joan discusses topics such as marketing, leadership, fundraising mistakes and so much more. Practically everything you can learn about nonprofits is discussed in this show, making it the ultimate resource for anyone wanting to improve their own organization.

The Important Podcast

The reason people become philanthropists or decide to work with nonprofits often comes down to one thing: they want to help people. The work they do is ultimately meant to serve those who are in need, and that’s exactly what The Important Podcast is all about. Each episode features inspirational stories of people helping others with an important mission to share these stories to as many people as they can.

Is Your Board Ready to Get Hands-On?

A problem with boards across the United States is that they lack diversity. The reason is likely that boards recruit members that have similar thought processes as the existing members. However, it is important to note that a diverse board can lead to many successes

 

To get the board ready to be hands-on, a few things will have to occur. 

 

  1. An open mindset.

To get hands-on, the board has to open their minds to new thought processes. Things will be uncomfortable at first because change is not comfortable. However, once this period of discomfort passes, the board will reap the successes of multiple viewpoints. 

 

  1. Organizational Goals

Once a more diverse team is established, it will likely be necessary to reflect on the organizational goals and possibly expand them. This will allow room for growth within the organization and allow all members to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion. 

 

  1. Time Commitment

Establishing a diverse team and equity is no easy task. The board members have to be ready to put the time in to achieve this huge goal. This will likely need to be a discussion in which all board members are present, and the expectations are clearly outlined. 

 

  1. Multiple Leaders

The board cannot set out on this journey with a sole leader. To be effective, multiple people on the team will need to be passionate about this change and dedicate themselves to the project. This will put the board on the right track for success.

 

How to Get Loved Ones to Start Giving

When a person is passionate about a cause, it is natural for them to want family members to join and support. Most nonprofit contributors are individuals who want to see a change in society. They are not staff or prominent people. However, asking a family member to donate can be awkward, and an individual can be unsure of how to start the conversation. Here are ways in which an individual can encourage a loved one to start giving.

 

  1. Tell a Story

Encouraging a loved one to donate may require more than dry statistics. An individual needs to use storytelling to show the impact of the cause on people and society.

 

  1. Use Different Ways to Reach People

The use of social media can be of great benefit in reaching friends and family who are not in close contact. But for those that are close, a phone call or an email can be effective. An individual can also request loved ones to get involved in the cause other than making donations.

 

  1. Make it Easy

It is important to have a proper donation channel. Eliminate guesswork and consider the various ways in which people make donations. Let them understand whether the organization can receive gifts.

 

  1. Organize a Birthday Fundraiser

An individual can demonstrate commitment by asking friends to donate in honor of a birthday. Online platforms such as GoFundMe can be effective for this campaign.

 

5. Express Gratitude

An individual should always thank the potential donors even before they reach out for their wallets. It is also important to express gratitude when sending the message or when sharing the online platform link.

The Biggest Trends In Philanthropy for 2020

As the world evolves, philanthropy evolves as well. People are always finding new ways to give back and make a difference in the world, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter. While we’re halfway through 2020 and things are much more complicated than many expected in the world due to the global pandemic known as COVID-19, many trends are still occurring or can be expected to occur. Here are a few of the biggest trends we’ve seen and will continue to see in philanthropy as 2020 continues. 

People Will Continue To Give Regardless Of If It’s Seen

While it can sometimes be hard to believe, people are giving back more than ever nowadays. The biggest difference is that you don’t always see people giving back to a charity. Many Americans give to crowdfunding sites such as GoFundMe, or will try and raise money or needed supplies for families that are struggling. GoFundMe says that a new fundraiser is started on their site every 8 seconds, which is mind blowing to think about. More than ever people are trying to do better regardless of whether or not it makes them look good, and many are trying to make sure those donations go directly to the people in need as opposed to the organizations that act as intermediaries.

Philanthropy May Become More Polarized

With the 2020 presidential election fast approaching, many people will begin to donate to causes that may be the focus of some political conversations. This is commonly called “rage giving” and isn’t always the greatest way to approach philanthropy. This political polarization can cause larger funders to shift the way they approach their charitable giving, such as funders adopting a non traditional “charitable” LLC which helps them engage in policy debate more.

Tech Will Move Philanthropy More Than Ever

This trend likely doesn’t come as much of a surprise, and will also be a trend that we see for years to come. As time passes, technology becomes better. This is only inevitable, and the better tech becomes, the more people will utilize it to make their lives easier. This can be seen with philanthropy as well. Due to mobile phones and the existence of apps on our phones, it’s faster and easier than it ever has been to vet a nonprofit. They allow us to give to the causes we choose almost instantly, and it’s even easier to share that with our friends and family in hopes that they will also give back.

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