Muhammad Babangida | Philanthropy

Muhammad Babangida is a committed philanthropist from Nigeria

What Young People Are Doing to Combat Climate Change

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On March 26, 2023

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida

Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our planet today. Young people all over the world are taking action to address this issue and combat climate change. Here are some examples of what young people are doing to make a positive impact:

  1. Participating in Youth-led Climate Strikes: Youth-led climate strikes have become a global phenomenon. Millions of young people have taken to the streets to demand action on climate change, calling for governments and businesses to take bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a clean energy future.
  2. Engaging in Political Activism: Young people are using their voices and advocating for climate action through political activism. This includes lobbying elected officials, engaging in grassroots organizing, and pushing for policy changes at the local, state, and national levels.
  3. Creating Sustainable Solutions: Young people are leading the way in creating sustainable solutions to combat climate change. From developing new technologies to implementing sustainable practices in their own communities, young people are taking innovative approaches to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
  4. Educating Others: Young people are also working to educate others about the urgency of the climate crisis and how they can take action to address it. This includes speaking at events, creating social media campaigns, and providing resources and information to help others make more sustainable choices.
  5. Joining Climate-focused Organizations: Young people are joining climate-focused organizations to work alongside other like-minded individuals and make a collective impact. These organizations focus on various areas of climate action, such as renewable energy, conservation, and policy advocacy.
  6. Taking Personal Action: Young people are taking personal action to reduce their own carbon footprint and promote sustainability. This includes making lifestyle changes, such as using public transportation, reducing plastic waste, and eating a plant-based diet.
  7. Using Art and Culture: Young people are also using art and culture to raise awareness about climate change and inspire action. This includes creating music, film, and art that focuses on environmental themes and using social media to amplify their message.

Young people are taking bold action to combat climate change and make a positive impact on our planet. From participating in youth-led climate strikes to creating sustainable solutions and advocating for policy changes, young people are using their voices and talents to create a better future for all. By supporting these efforts and taking our own actions to reduce our carbon footprint, we can all work together to address the urgent issue of climate change.

Nonprofits Helping World Hunger

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On March 23, 2023

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

World hunger is a critical issue that affects millions of people globally. While many efforts are made to combat this problem, nonprofit organizations play a significant role in providing essential aid to those in need. These organizations help to alleviate hunger in various ways, including providing food, nutrition education, and sustainable solutions for long-term relief. Here are a few examples of nonprofits that are making a difference in the fight against world hunger:

  1. Feeding America: Feeding America is a nonprofit organization that aims to end hunger in America by providing food and resources to those in need. The organization operates a network of food banks and partners with local agencies to distribute food to communities across the country. In addition to providing food, Feeding America also offers nutrition education and advocacy efforts to address the root causes of hunger.
  2. World Food Programme: The World Food Programme (WFP) is a United Nations agency that provides food assistance to people affected by conflict, disasters, and other crises around the world. The organization operates in over 80 countries and reaches millions of people each year. WFP not only provides emergency food aid but also focuses on sustainable solutions for long-term relief, such as improving food security and agricultural practices.
  3. Action Against Hunger: Action Against Hunger is a global nonprofit organization that works to end malnutrition and hunger in over 45 countries. The organization provides emergency food assistance but also focuses on addressing the underlying causes of hunger, such as lack of access to clean water and sanitation. Action Against Hunger also works to prevent and treat malnutrition in vulnerable populations, such as children under five and pregnant women.
  4. The Hunger Project: The Hunger Project is a nonprofit organization that works to end world hunger by empowering communities and building sustainable solutions. The organization works with communities to address the root causes of hunger, such as poverty, lack of education, and gender inequality. The Hunger Project also provides food assistance in emergency situations but focuses primarily on creating long-term solutions through education, training, and community development programs.
  5. Rise Against Hunger: Rise Against Hunger is a nonprofit organization that focuses on ending hunger by providing food aid and sustainable solutions. The organization operates in over 70 countries and partners with local organizations to distribute food and resources to those in need. Rise Against Hunger also focuses on building resilience in vulnerable communities through initiatives such as sustainable agriculture and disaster response planning.

Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in combating world hunger by providing essential aid to those in need. These organizations not only provide emergency food assistance but also work to address the root causes of hunger and provide sustainable solutions for long-term relief. By supporting these organizations, individuals can make a difference in the fight against world hunger and help ensure that all people have access to the basic human right of food.

What Are Some Reasons Nonprofits Might Not Accept Donations?

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On March 2, 2023

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

When a tech company from Silicon Valley wanted to give a $250,000 grant to an organization that helps reunite immigrant families separated at the US-Mexico border, the RAICES organization immediately rejected the donation. They did so because of the doner’s political ties to US Customs and Border Protection, criticized for its policies against immigrants. 

Regardless of the political issues that affected the company’s decision, it is an excellent example for other charitable organizations. Nonprofits should consider how their donations affect their mission and goals before accepting them. Donations need to align with the organization’s values or goals to be beneficial.

When a donation goes against the organization’s core values, it should be considered a red flag.

Reputation is one of the most critical factors a charitable organization should consider when accepting donations. If a potential donor’s values go against the organization’s core principles, it could affect the trust that its supporters have in it.

Before accepting a certain type of donation or partnership, an organization should thoroughly consider the potential damage to its reputation caused by the donor’s values. Having clear and published guidelines on its core principles with help. 

Good360, a product philanthropy firm, aims to find the right products at the right time to help people. Through our evaluation process, we aim to find the appropriate donations to send to the right people. They will refuse gifts that aren’t the right fit for disaster victims. 

If a nonprofit receives an offer of a product or service that doesn’t meet your expectations, it might not fit your organization’s goals. In the worst cases, accommodating the request could cost you a lot of money and time. 

Make sure your organization’s mission and goals are clear, as well as the issues you’re working on, before accepting donations. This information helps potential donors know if you’re the right fit for their giving programs.

The Donations Comes with Too Many Restrictions

Significant gifts can come with strings attached, and donors may ask for the funds for specific purposes or one location. While it’s important to keep donors happy, sometimes it’s necessary to say no thanks when these restrictions threaten the mission or values of the organization.

Saying No Opens Doors

When an organization says no to a gift because of a specific condition, it means saying yes to something better.

It can be difficult to decline a gift, but it’s also essential to consider the organization’s long-term goals and the community’s needs. Being selective about the types of donations you receive can help you achieve these goals.

How to Run Your Nonprofit More Professionally

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On March 2, 2023

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

As a professional within the nonprofit sector, you know that investing in your staff is the best way to develop and grow an organization.

There has been a debate about whether or not leaders are born. 

Here are some vital skills to run a more prosperous and professional nonprofit organization. 

Public Speaking

According to a study, 73% of people are afraid of giving a public speech.

Although you may feel afraid of public speaking, it is still vital that you practice this skill to communicate your organization’s goals and vision effectively.

Having the necessary skills to speak in front of a crowd can help you effectively communicate your organization’s goals and vision. It can also help you connect with your audience and make a compelling case for your work.

Practicing is one of the most effective ways to overcome your fear of speaking. To improve your public speaking skills, take an educational course focused on the nonprofit sector. This course will cover various tips and tricks to help you prepare for your next speech.

You can also organize weekly public speaking events to practice in a low-risk environment. This can help them develop their skills and connect with their audience. 

Communications

Having the necessary skills to communicate effectively is very important for a professional in the nonprofit industry. It can motivate your team members and connect with your supporters.

One of the most effective strategies you can use to develop effective written communications is adapting your approach to various situations. This can help you reach out to your target audiences and make an impact when developing effective marketing strategies. 

Nonprofits have to embrace social media. Before you start using it, ensure you thoroughly understand the various platforms you can use.

Relationship Building

Another vital skill for the nonprofit industry is relationship-building. This can help connect with potential supporters and grant organizations a solid financial foundation.

Building strong relationships can help organizations retain donors and employees and avoid experiencing costly turnover.

When appropriate, find opportunities to connect with your stakeholders and supporters. For instance, events allow starting conversations and building personal connections.

It’s important to address people by name and include their interests and historical interactions to show they are unique and essential to your organization.

Delegation

As an organization grows, you must delegate some leadership responsibilities down the chain of command. Doing so frees up some of your time and allows others to grow with the organization.

You should also identify the individuals who will take on the tasks or projects you’re delegating. People interested in the project or activity are likely the best choice, as they’ll be motivated to complete it and show that they can handle the tasks. If no one is interested in the project, you might choose somebody with the necessary skills to complete it.

Budget Allocation

Some professionals assume the accounting team is responsible for allocating and budgeting resources. 

Nonprofits often have to carry out a lot of work with limited funds. As a group leader, you should allocate resources effectively to help the organization grow and sustain itself.

One of the most critical steps you should take when allocating and budgeting resources is ensuring the funds are accounted for correctly. The correct information will allow you to make informed decisions and manage the organization’s finances.

Managing a nonprofit’s finances is also a must for any professional to ensure that the organization’s success continues. Although there are various opportunities to develop these skills through professional development, becoming certified in this field is the best option.

What Is Donor Screening in Nonprofits?

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On March 1, 2023

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Regarding philanthropy, it’s essential to consider the various factors that affect a donor’s impact on an organization’s mission and vision. Having the proper resources and practices in place minimizes risk and ensures that your gifts support your organization’s goals and mission.

As we develop and manage our prospect pipelines, it’s vital that we thoroughly consider the backgrounds of our potential donors. This is especially important when it comes to large gifts.

Before accepting a gift or soliciting a new donor, nonprofits must take the time to consider the various factors that affect an organization’s mission and vision. While predicting how a gift or donation affects an organization is impossible, the 24-hour news cycle can provide important information about a potential donor.

Financial and Legal Risks

There are many risks associated with accepting a donation to a nonprofit organization, and it’s usually not worth the risk to accept it if it could affect the organization’s financial stability or lead to an issue with the law. To minimize these risks, the development department, leadership team, and individual fundraisers should thoroughly investigate the potential donors’ backgrounds and follow established policies.

A strong donor acceptance policy is critical to protect the organization’s goals and mission. It should include rules about the types of accepted gifts and guidelines for naming and anonymity. Proper procedures can minimize risk and ensure donations support the organization’s goals and mission. 

Reputation and Ethical Risks

Different standards and methods should be used by each organization to determine when a gift or donation can be considered harmful. Some nonprofits will only accept contributions from individuals who support the organization’s values or mission, regardless of their motives.

Nonprofit organizations should consider the reputation of their potential donors by checking into financial difficulties and criminal activity. A foundation or organization should consider the ethical nature of its funding source. Check if the potential donor support groups or candidates whose agenda is out of sync with your nonprofit. These are some of the questions that leaders and fundraisers should ask during the donor vetting process to help protect their organizations from potential ethical and reputational risks.

Be Proactive

Conducting prospect research before asking for donations can help identify potential donors who may pose ethical, legal, and financial risks. It can also flag prospects who have unclear or inaccessible wealth sources.

To check for adverse press reports, an organization should conduct a news search and review recently published articles.

Before conducting prospect research, an organization should thoroughly check the sources of the potential donors’ previous funding and their current involvement with various charitable activities.

Although donor vetting can be a multi-faceted process, organizations must clearly understand their goals and the resources they need to make informed decisions. A strategic plan and asking the right questions can help ensure a successful process.

How to Find Grants for Your Nonprofit

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On February 1, 2023

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Getting the funding to grow a nonprofit can take time and effort. However, creating multiple income streams can help stabilize your finances and establish a successful foundation. One of these is grants.

How to find grant funding for nonprofits 

Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back. They have a few strings attached that you must follow once the grant has been awarded.

Grants can be substantial, which means they can provide you with many resources for various tasks, such as planning events and budgeting.

Getting a grant can boost your organization’s credibility and attract more media attention. 

Before applying for a grant, you must first find out about the various opportunities available to your nonprofit. The grant criteria will depend on your organization’s mission, location, and associations.

Write your nonprofit’s mission statement to help you define its goals. This will help you communicate what your organization’s objective is.

Some foundations provide grants to organizations focused on specific environmental or healthcare issues.

Your mission statement should also include details about how your organization will be categorized and how it will address a specific problem.

Location

Community foundations often provide grants to organizations in certain regions. For instance, they may give grants to city, county, or state groups.

Size

In addition to the location, community foundations consider another important factor when choosing grant recipients is the group’s size and mission.

Mission

Another type of grant that a community foundation can give is to groups focused on similar principles. Usually, these grants focus on religious, cultural, or educational groups. For instance, a community foundation may assist groups focused solely on Jewish values.

These three guides will help you find grant terms you can use in your search.

Start by going to Grants.gov, a website that provides information about federal grants for nonprofits. It also has a mobile app that can help you find grant opportunities.

The Grants Learning Center can also help you learn more about the various aspects of a grant, such as its eligibility and policies.

Another great resource is GrantWatch, a website with over 6,000 grant opportunities from various funding sources, including corporations, foundations, and state and federal governments.

Another great resource is Instrumentl, a platform that allows users to track, research, and discover grant opportunities. This platform enables users to search for grants based on location and focus area. It also allows users to browse various foundations by their total giving and category.

Another excellent resource for grant searches is Grantli, which provides users with various tools and resources. This website mainly focuses on educational courses. It also lists state resources, government offices, funding opportunities, and other resources.

Another resource you can use to search for grants is Candid, a well-known website with a list of celebrities and prominent individuals.

The Foundation Center, Guidestar, Fund Director Online, GrantCraft, and Funding Information Network are all under one roof on the Candid platform.

What Is a Nonprofit Consultant?

By

On January 31, 2023

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

A non-profit consultant helps organizations with various issues, such as fundraising, strategy, and management. They can also provide advice on organizational design, marketing, and technology.

Rather than being associated with donors or philanthropists, non-profit consultants are experts in their field. These individuals have the necessary knowledge to help organizations grow.

When it comes to growing a non-profit organization, choosing a consultant with the necessary skills and knowledge to help is crucial.

These individuals can provide immediate assistance to improve the operations of a particular organization. Their fixed prices allow them to provide effective and efficient services.

Some of the services that a consultant can provide include: planning for the future of a particular organization’s donor base, designing an organizational chart, developing a strategy for growth, and improving processes related to fundraising.

Although consultants might cost more, they can yield more effective results if they have the necessary skills and experience.

Consultants can help develop strategies that can be sustainable and scalable, and they can also help raise funds for a particular organization through their connections with foundations and donors.

Many non-profits need help with funding and resources. A fundraising consultant can help them overcome these issues by developing effective strategies and managing their relationships with donors.

With the help of a fundraising consultant, a non-profit organization can grow its donor base and increase its revenue by holding events. Unlike other consultants, they don’t take commissions, allowing them to focus on their core business and provide effective services.

Areas of non-profit fundraising consulting include:

  • One of the most critical factors that a good fundraiser should consider when establishing a relationship with potential donors is the size of their giving capacity.
  • Developing a fundraising strategy involves reviewing various aspects of the organization’s operations, such as the number of gifts, diversity of fundraising, and the capacity of donors.
  • When it comes to processing gifts, the organization must have good processes designed to make the process as simple and timely as possible.
  • A fundraising consultant can help an organization raise funds on its own. They can do so by developing a strategy and managing the various aspects of operations.

Marketing Strategy

When it comes to marketing, an organization usually requires the services of an outside consultant. Although other companies may have the necessary resources and knowledge, they may need help to implement their strategies effectively. Having a consultant can help an organization overcome these issues.

Contrary to popular belief, marketing consultants only charge an organization a little upfront. Instead, they usually charge on an ongoing basis and get paid for the projects they complete.

Best Podcasts for Grant Writers

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On January 30, 2023

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

For grant writers who are looking to improve their skills or learn more about the grant writing process, many resources can help.

One of the most effective ways to improve one’s knowledge about grant writing is by listening to podcasts. These free programs can help non-profit organizations develop grant-writing strategies. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including master classes and high-level topics.

Behind the Grantmaker’s Curtain by Instrumentl

Instrumentl, a leading grant-focused expert, hosts a weekly podcast that features a special guest discussing the various aspects of grant writing. As it tackles a vital topic, the program is part of the conversation of some of the most prominent individuals in the non-profit world.

The programs cover various topics, such as the golden rule for successful grant applications and the importance of storytelling.

It is designed to make grant writing more approachable by featuring interviews with prominent philanthropy professionals.

Grant Writing Simplified by Teresa Huff

In her podcast, Teresa Huff talks about the various aspects of grant writing and advises experienced and beginner grant writers. Her approach is geared toward those who are just starting.

Teresa Huff’s website features various free training and resources, as well as coaching and mentoring opportunities. She is also a partner of Instrumentl.

Grant Writing & Funding by Holly Rustick

One of the most accessible options for grant writers is Holly Rustick’s approach. Her website also features a variety of podcasts geared toward new grant writers.

Holly offers a variety of master classes designed to help grant writers improve their skills. Her G.R.A.N.T.S Formula is a framework that explains the critical steps to securing grants.

Prospect Research Institute

The institute focuses on the non-profit sector and has various resources for grant writers. It also offers a variety of training courses geared toward grant writers.

This free podcast discusses various topics, such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.

Nothing for Granted by Eliana

Nothing for Granted has gained a place among the top-ranking shows.

Eliana has a wide range of knowledge about grant writing, which is helpful for agencies and consultants. She also offers advice for new grant writers.

The audience for this show is mainly composed of consultants and freelancers. Eliana talks about the aspects of being both a consultant and grant writer.

Creating Passionate Volunteers

By

On January 4, 2023

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Are you a part of a local nonprofit or charity organization? Do you supervise and recruit volunteers?

If so, you’re aware of the vital role of non-paid workers in a community or charitable organization. 

You’ll also need to find volunteers who can help with various tasks, such as fundraising and IT.

You can use online and offline methods to recruit volunteers. Both ways can help organizations identify potential volunteers and determine how to utilize them to meet their needs.

A Good Match

Start by looking for volunteers who are passionate about their work and have the necessary skills and experience to meet the organization’s needs. For instance, childcare providers are ideal for one role, while construction workers are good at physical activity.

Online Recruitment

You can also post a call for volunteers on the organization’s website’s homepage. Make sure the form includes details such as the desired skills, experience, and physical demands.

You can also reach out to your supporters, donors, and partners by email. Ensure the link to the recruitment page is included in the message.

Use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with potential volunteers and spread the word about your cause.

You can also check for volunteer-matchmaking sites that operate in your area. For instance, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation connects its employees and partners with local nonprofit organizations in various countries.

Without Technology

You can also speak out at community events to promote your organization. For instance, you can contact schools, clubs, and businesses to inform them about your cause. You can also distribute flyers and register volunteers at the event.

You can also post fliers around the community to inform potential volunteers about your organization. Consider the demographics of the individuals who are interested in volunteering and the appropriate locations.

You can reach out to local media outlets such as radio, television, and newspapers to place an ad for your organization.

Try holding a fundraising party, which can be a great way to get the community’s attention.

Network

Although you can recruit people online or offline, remember that your network can also help you replace retiring volunteers. If you’re still new to the organization, you can use your friends and family as a resource to find new volunteers.

Most importantly, If you’re passionate about the cause, you will instill the same vitality in those around you.

Why Nonprofits Need Diversity

By

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.

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