Tag: Community Engagement Page 5 of 8

Why Nonprofits Need Diversity

On January 4, 2023

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

One of nonprofit organizations’ most significant issues is the need for more diversity on their boards. This is because it affects the perceptions of their organization’s fairness and equality image among the communities they serve. Absent diversity on the boards can create a disconnect and mistrust between the communities they serve.

The need for more diversity in leadership positions is a persistent issue that needs to be discussed and improved.

The sixth edition of Deloitte’s Missing Pieces Report, which analyzes the number of minorities and women on the boards of Fortune 500 companies, was released.

Despite the progress made in increasing the number of women and minorities on corporate boards, achieving full equality in the representation of these groups in the US remains very challenging. This is why organizations must prioritize the creation of more diverse boards.

Challenges

The concept of the cloning effect refers to the practice of recruiting new board members by inviting them from their immediate circle of influence. This can create a homogenous board that doesn’t reflect the communities they serve.

People may be unable to attend events and meetings because of travel and time constraints. Over-commitment can also prevent them from engaging in board meetings.

The need for clarity regarding the organization’s values and diversity is a common issue that boards encounter.

A high turnover rate can also be a problem for boards. Finding skilled individuals who are interested in serving can be challenging.

The confusion regarding the term diversity also affects the operations of nonprofit boards. While the term can refer to people and groups, it doesn’t necessarily mean the difference between race, religion, or color. It can encompass various factors such as age, education, sexual orientation, marital status, and geographical location.

The characteristics that make people unique are known as diversity. Nonprofit organizations are known for their efforts in serving and uplifting diverse communities. Therefore, boards should look for leaders representing the communities they serve.

The increasing number of minorities in the US is expected to continue to affect the country’s demographics. According to the Census Bureau, by 2044, minorities will become the majority of the country’s population. The rise of Gen Z also brings about the formation of more diverse workplaces.

Impact

If boards do not address the issue of diversity, a disconnect between the communities the organizations are serving may occur, resulting in a lack of funding, limited networks, and difficulty in coming up with new ideas. The lack of diversity may also lead to a group-think mentality and conformity biases, which can prevent the organizations from making the correct decisions.

Having diverse board members can help strengthen an organization’s credibility and connection with its constituents. It can also help raise funds and distribute grants more effectively.

Effective Grant Writing Tips

By Muhammad Babangida

On January 4, 2023

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Getting grant writing help can be very challenging, but it can also mean a lot of money for the organizations that do it. According to a report by Candid, foundations gave over $75 billion in grants in 2019. A lot of money is ready to be given to the various organizations that present their cases.

There are various steps that you can take to increase the likelihood that you will receive a grant.

One of the most critical steps you can take to increase the likelihood that you will receive a grant is to explain the project’s need. This will allow the grant committee to see how the project will benefit the community.

Why are You Different

Your work should be different from other organizations to make you stand out. Usually, a grant is rejected for a non-profit organization that doesn’t have a relationship with a foundation. However, setting yourself apart can increase your chances of being approved.

Explain the Project

Most grants go to a specific cause, different from general support. Focusing on one project can increase your chances of receiving funds. A clear explanation of how the project will run will also show the grant committee that you’ve thought about the project’s goals.

Keep it Simple

Although there are various types of jargon in the non-profit industry, it’s important to avoid using all of it to appeal to the corporate and foundation communities.

Tell a Story

A given committee may spend hours reading grant proposals. Eventually, they’ll all sound the same unless they find something that grabs their heart. Your organization’s story is the most important thing you can offer to get the reader to fall in love with it. By telling a story, you can convince the grant committee that your project is worthy of support.

Focus on Solutions

One of the most common reasons people send out negative proposals is the lack of solutions. However, try to make your proposal more positive instead of focusing on the negative. In addition to being able to tell a story, having a clear understanding of the project’s objectives can help grant committees make an informed decision.

Budget

Ensure that your budget is accurate and supports the objectives of the project. If your proposal hints at how you might mismanage your money, you’ll be removed from the running.

Get a Second Opinion

Before you submit your proposal, make sure you reach out to someone who doesn’t know much about your organization. This individual should be able to give you an unbiased opinion on the project and its goals. An outsider’s perspective can also help you build a stronger relationship with the grant committee.

Watch the Details

Foundation guidelines can be precise. If they require certain features, such as page margins, typeface, and length, make sure that you follow these guidelines. Even though these may not seem important, grantmakers want applications that meet their standards.

Wait to Be Asked for More

Even if you think that sending more than the grant maker’s request is necessary will help you win, make sure to follow the guidelines. Grantmakers will likely see your application as an annoyance if they see too much extraneous material. Wait to be asked for supporting documentation.

How to Grow a Heart for Philanthropy

By Muhammad Babangida

On December 5, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy, Youth 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.

Recent Changes in Philanthropy Trends

By Muhammad Babangida

On November 2, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans gave more to charity than ever before. This was the third year in a row that they had raised more than they had in previous years.

Unfortunately, inflation is affecting Americans’ finances and their generosity. In addition, donations to charitable organizations are expected to become scarce due to the recession.

If the charitable tendencies of Americans are affected by the current economic situation, it could end a brief but essential surge. In 2021, the country’s donations to philanthropic organizations reached a record $485 billion.

A survey conducted by the Harris Poll revealed that about 70% of Americans donated their time and money to various charitable organizations in the previous year. Some key trends that can be expected to affect the operations of these organizations include a possible increase in volunteering.

Generational Differences

The way a charity receives support may depend on the supporters’ age. For instance, younger Americans are more likely to donate their time and money to charitable organizations. On the other hand, older generations are more likely to cut checks.

The breakdown of the data shows that younger Americans are more likely to give their time and money to charitable organizations. For instance, almost half of those aged 44 and below volunteered in the previous year, as opposed to 31% of their elders. They also attend various events supporting the cause.

The survey findings suggest that the younger generations are more likely to carry out activism through their older years. In addition, they are also more likely to donate their time and money to in-kind donations. This suggests that their charitable tendencies may reflect more than just their means.

If the charitable dollars are not enough to support the operations of charitable organizations, they should start reaching out to the younger generations. This can be done by recruiting grant writers and business development professionals. In addition, they can also encourage individuals to become pro-bono fundraising consultants.

Demographic Differences

When it comes to volunteering, men are more likely than women to support organizations that deal with disaster relief, community development, and the military. Conversely, women are more likely to donate their time and money to religious and animal welfare groups.

Different reasons explain why people give. For instance, men are more likely to support a cause by making a financial contribution in the past year. On the other hand, women are more likely to support a specific organization due to their desire to give back.

The support given by older Americans to human services-focused organizations was much greater than that provided by the younger ones. For instance, over three-quarters of those over 45 gave to these organizations, as opposed to only 16% of those under 45.

Younger Americans were more likely to support educational organizations than their elders, who were more likely to donate due to their recent school experiences. Also, parents with children under 18 were more likely to contribute to these groups.

The uncertainty caused by the current economic situation can stimulate the creativity of charitable organizations. As a result, they have to shift their focus from their traditional message to appeal to more support.

Why Collaboration Is Key in Philanthropy

By Muhammad Babangida

On November 2, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

According to foundation leaders, collaboration is essential to achieving their goals, and various resources are available to help them develop and implement effective strategies. In research, 59 percent of chief executive officers identified collaboration as a vital strategy for increasing the impact of their organizations over the next couple of decades.

Due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many foundations have combined their efforts to address the issue. For instance, Grantmakers in Health, a peer-reviewed journal for health philanthropy, has created an e-community for sharing information and strategies related to the disease.

According to a new report, collaboration is critical to achieving their goals and is also very important to the success of their organizations when it comes to influencing public policies. The report states that over 80 percent of chief executive officers of foundations actively participate in collaborative efforts when it comes to influencing public policies.

Funders

According to the Policy Influence report, foundations are most likely to collaborate with other philanthropic and nonprofit organizations. They also frequently participate in formal initiatives and programs designed to improve their organizations’ effectiveness. These include joint efforts and initiatives led by regional and issue-based foundations.

Some foundations also work informally by signing letters to promote policies or coordinating grantmaking efforts. They can also participate in programs and initiatives designed to improve their organizations’ effectiveness.

Government

According to many foundation leaders, collaboration with the government is vital to achieving their goals. It allows them to communicate their message and raise awareness about the issue effectively.

One example of a successful collaboration between the government and the private sector is the development of a criminal justice model that was designed to reduce the homicide rate in a city. The model was developed through a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, the Police Department, and the District Attorney’s Office.

Most foundation leaders also said that their organization’s long-term commitment to working with government officials is significant. A survey showed that 79 percent of the organizations that operate outside of grantmaking regularly develop and maintain relationships with local elected officials.

Solid relationships with local officials allow foundations to assess their goals and participate in meaningful discussions about the government’s policies.

One example of this is how a foundation connects with state legislators by reviewing their constituents’ needs and wants and finding relevant research that the organization’s partners or grant recipients have created. Another CEO noted that their organization works with state agencies to develop effective workforce development strategies.

Multi-Sector

According to the leaders of several major foundations, multi-sector partnerships are critical to achieving their goals. One example is how their organization works with state agencies and other organizations to develop effective community development strategies.

One example of a successful collaboration between the government and the private sector is the development of a state-wide partnership between various groups to increase the availability of affordable housing.

What Is Responsive Philanthropy?

By Muhammad Babangida

On November 2, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

The question of how a foundation will set its agenda is often a central issue in its development. This article explores the different grantmaking styles and how they can be used to develop a schedule that is responsive to the needs of its donors. It also argues that whether a funded partner or funder sets the plan is not so much whether they are doing so but whether they can create a solid generative partnership.

Explaining Responsive Grantmaking

One of the most common styles of grantmaking is responsive grantmaking, which allows for the grantees’ involvement in shaping the agenda. This type of approach also allows for the acceptance of unsolicited proposals and flexible project designs. Usually, the foundation will only define a portion of the issue that needs to be addressed. Still, it can give significant latitude to address it most appropriately.

The main drivers of responsive grantmaking are modesty and prudence. This approach usually assumes that other people have more knowledge about the issue than the funder. Funders looking to work outside their region or zone of experience are more likely to adopt this approach.

In responsive grantmaking, the funder is encouraged to work beyond the pragmatism of who knows what to advocate for action in a specific area or at the grassroots. This philosophy goes beyond the usual approach of working towards a particular outcome. The relationship between the funded partner and the funder is also a central component of this approach.

One of the main disadvantages of responsive grantmaking is that it tends to focus on a project-by-project approach, which can limit the ability of the funder to generalize from its experience. Since the funder is not actively involved in setting the agenda and the execution of the project, it can be challenging for the funder to commit to achieving goals and improving the results of its grantmaking.

The public and regulators’ expectations regarding grantmakers’ ability to be accountable for their results can also conflict with this type of approach.

Overall, responsive philanthropy involves giving funds in response to a known need or to support a specific project. It puts money into the hands of the nonprofits best fit to meet those needs.

Creative Ways Businesses Can Support Local Causes

By Muhammad Babangida

On October 6, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

As a small business owner, you’ve probably worked hard to establish a solid local presence. You must continue to give back to the community to help build a stronger relationship. We’ll help you find creative ways to do so. According to a survey, over 75% of small businesses donate a portion of their profits to charitable organizations. However, this isn’t the only way these businesses can give back. There are many other ways that they can support local causes.

One of the most critical steps in becoming a passionate community contributor is finding a cause you’re passionate about. This can help you develop a sense of purpose in life and contribute to the development of local communities. While philanthropy can bring tax benefits, it’s also important to remember that giving back to the community is a personal matter.

There are many ways that businesses can support local causes. Each of these strategies has unique requirements and can be customized to meet the community’s needs.

Partner with Local Nonprofits

By working together, local businesses can help each other and strengthen the local economies. For instance, you can stock up on locally made products and offer discounts to those who show a receipt from a partner or community organization. Simple actions such as liking a post on social media can also make a big difference.

Invite Employees to Volunteer

To shake up the way you do business, host a company-wide volunteer day where everyone signs up for the same opportunity. This can be a great way to create a stronger connection with the community and improve the quality of life in your local area. You can also enlist your employees to help clean a public space or bring food to a local homeless shelter. Regardless of the cause that you support, your employees will be able to see the change in your company’s attitude and will respect your commitment.

A company-wide blood drive can also be a great way to boost employee morale and encourage blood donations. Besides being used for emergency response, blood is also necessary for treating chronic disease and other medical conditions.

Donate Items or Services

While charitable donations can be a great way to give back to the community, offering your services or products to those in need can make a big difference.

Restaurants can help fight hunger by donating meals to those in need, while retailers can arrange clothing drives for local charitable organizations. Even small acts of generosity, such as providing t-shirts to a local team, can show how much you care. Doing so can also help boost the company’s marketing efforts.

Promote Sustainability

When committed to being more eco-friendly, businesses can help maintain a healthy and beautiful community by implementing sustainable practices. For instance, you can let your customers know that you’re working on reducing waste. You can also turn your neighborhood into an eco-friendly event by organizing a cleanup or starting a community garden.

Maintaining Financial Integrity as a Nonprofit

By Muhammad Babangida

On October 6, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Nonprofits can build flexibility and stability by implementing financial management techniques to improve their financial performance. This resource explains the golden rules for financial management. Nonprofits play a vital role in communities by delivering essential services and building solid relationships with individuals and groups. Their financial activities support programs and volunteers and help shape their organizations’ future. Healthy organizations use financial management techniques to maintain their stability and flexibility.

Budget Well

Budgets are significant because they provide financial information to support planning and operations. They are realistic and use clear and sound accountability to achieve their goals.

Know the Cost of Your Programs

Sound financial decisions are made based on the information that they gather. Nonprofits should also understand the costs of their programs so that they can make informed decisions regarding their fundraising needs and contract terms.

Diversify Your Funding Sources

Although it’s a good idea to diversify your funding sources, it can be very challenging due to the various factors that make a successful move.

Monitor Your Cash Flow

One of the most critical factors a nonprofit should consider regarding financial management is its cash flow. A steady flow of money can help them manage their expenses and keep their financial operations running smoothly.

Teach Financial Information

Developing financial literacy is also a must for influential leaders. This can be done by encouraging everyone to learn the ins and outs of financial management. The necessary skills can help them make informed decisions and manage their finances.

Keep an Emergency Fund

A steady flow of money can help a nonprofit manage its expenses and keep its financial operations running smoothly. A good reserve number can also help a nonprofit respond to unexpected events.

Maintain Accountability and Transparency

Due to the increasing number of government agencies and foundations demanding information about how a nonprofit uses its financial resources, many organizations are now adopting transparency as an essential part of their operations.

Remain Interdependent

The financial management of a nonprofit is tied to every aspect of its operations, such as planning, evaluation, and governance. Having the necessary skills and resources can help keep the organization running smoothly.

Tips for Growing a Philanthropic Organization: Part 2

By Muhammad Babangida

On August 16, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

This is part two of the discussion on how to grow a philanthropic organization.

Demonstrate Your Impact

Building trust is also vital when it comes to establishing a charitable organization. A study by Root Cause revealed that 75 percent of donors ask for information about an organization’s impact before making a financial contribution. This is significantly higher than the 68 percent looking for information about an organization’s overhead costs and 63 percent looking for information about an organization’s social issues.

One of the most critical factors you should consider when establishing a charitable organization is making sure that the organization is transparent. This is very important because it lets donors know that the money they give goes directly to the cause. For instance, through the website of DonorsChoose.org, donors can see the exact titles of the books an organization has sent to the classroom. They can also see the thank-you notes that the students write after reading the books.

Since the inception of DonorsChoose.org, the organization has been committed to providing transparency and accountability to its donors. This is because they know they can see their impact and make an informed decision when giving.

Stick to Basics

Although it may seem like the basics are boring, these things will work when you start a charitable organization. While trying new social media platforms or methods may be tempting, you should not prioritize these things over the organization’s fundraising fundamentals.

New tools may be tempting, but they should not be considered a replacement for the organization’s existing resources. Instead, they should be focused on developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between donors and the organization. When you deeply understand the relationship between the organization and its donors, you can make an informed decision regarding investing in new technology.

One of the essential factors that you should consider when it comes to establishing a charitable organization is developing a solid direct mail acquisition strategy. Although it may seem daunting, Grow noted that it is crucial to be smart about it. She said that one should be able to understand the market, and the other should compensate for what is beyond their expertise.

One of the most critical factors you should consider when establishing a charitable organization is developing a robust direct mail acquisition strategy. This strategy should be able to generate solid leads and grow the relationship with its donors.

Tips for Growing a Philanthropic Organization: Part 1

By Muhammad Babangida

On August 16, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

The goal of a charitable organization is often to get bigger. This makes sense, as the more it can grow, the more it can make a difference. Unfortunately, growing a nonprofit organization can be challenging.

Even though most nonprofit organizations are small, the big organizations have to start somewhere. This is because growth is achievable, especially if you are willing to put in the work required to get the job done. Unfortunately, many factors go into running a successful nonprofit, and we won’t try to solve them here. However, we can help you navigate through these obstacles and give you some ideas on how to grow your organization.

Utilize Your Existing Resources

Even the most prominent organizations can operate on a tight budget. However, smaller organizations have more difficulty attracting and retaining the right staff members. One of the most critical factors you should consider when growing a nonprofit is having the proper amount of staff time. Having the proper amount of staff time is also vital to ensure that the organization can reach its goals.

Smile Train, a New York-based organization that provides cleft lip and palate surgery to children in developing countries, uses a model known as a “teach a man to fish” method. This goal is to train local surgeons with a small team from the organization. The organization uses this method to help expand its operations.

Stay Mission Focused

There is a fine line between spreading yourself too thin and doing more with less. It may take time to balance doing more with less and ensuring that the organization is focused on its mission. One of the essential factors you should consider when it comes to growing a charitable organization is ensuring that the new initiative or task is in service of the mission.

Establish Trust

Many organizations are involved in the charitable world and must maintain their integrity. One of the most critical factors you should consider when it comes to growing a charitable organization is making sure it is transparent. This is very important to ensure the public can see how the organization runs.

An increasing number of philanthropists expecting more transparency from their organizations also contributes to the growth of charitable organizations. The younger generation of donors is more likely to donate when the organization has a connection to its mission.