Blog - Muhammad Babangida | Philanthropy

Digital Tools for New Charities

On May 3, 2023

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Starting a new charity can be a daunting task. With so many tasks and limited resources, making the most of every tool at your disposal is essential. In today’s digital age, many digital tools can help new charities get off the ground and make a meaningful impact.

Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms are a powerful way to connect with potential donors, volunteers, and supporters. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow you to reach a large audience cheaply. You can use social media to share your charity’s mission, showcase your impact, and engage with your followers. Developing a social media strategy for both your goals and target audience is essential.

Crowdfunding Platforms

Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, and Indiegogo provide a way to raise funds for your charity’s mission. You can create a campaign that outlines your goals and why your cause is meaningful. Crowdfunding can effectively reach a large audience and tap into the power of social networks. Setting a realistic fundraising goal and developing a compelling story resonating with potential donors is important.

Donor Management Systems

Donor management systems like Salesforce or Bloomerang provide a centralized platform to manage your donor data. You can track donations, manage donor relationships, and develop personalized communication strategies. Donor management systems can help you build stronger relationships with your donors and improve your fundraising efforts.

Email Marketing Platforms

Email marketing lets you create and send targeted email campaigns to your supporters. You can use email marketing to share updates, promote events, and encourage donations. Segmenting your email list and developing personalized messages that resonate with your audience is essential.

Website Builders

A website is critical for any charity looking to establish a solid online presence. Website builders like Wix or Squarespace provide an easy way to create a website without coding. You can use your website to share your mission, showcase your impact, and encourage donations. Developing a user-friendly, mobile-friendly website aligned with your brand identity is essential.

Volunteer Management Systems

Volunteers are a critical part of any charity’s success. Volunteer management systems like Better Impact or VolunteerMatch provide a platform to manage your volunteer program. You can recruit volunteers, track volunteer hours, and communicate with your volunteers. Volunteer management systems can help you build a strong program supporting your mission.

Digital tools can be a powerful way to support new charities and help them achieve their goals. Social media platforms, crowdfunding platforms, donor management systems, email marketing platforms, website builders, and volunteer management systems are just a few digital tools for new charities. By leveraging these tools effectively, new charities can build a solid online presence, connect with supporters, and make a meaningful impact.

What Would It Look Like for Communities to Give Generously to Others?

By Muhammad Babangida

On May 3, 2023

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Giving generously to others is a powerful way to build strong and resilient communities. When individuals and organizations come together to support each other, everyone benefits. In this article, we’ll explore what it would look like for communities to give generously to others.

A Culture of Generosity

Creating a generosity culture is the first step in building a community that gives generously. This means encouraging individuals and organizations to give back to their community meaningfully. This can be achieved through education, outreach, and advocacy. Creating a culture of generosity means valuing the contributions of each community member, regardless of their background or status.

Shared Resources

Communities that give generously are those that share their resources with others. This can include everything from food and clothing to housing and transportation. By sharing resources, communities can ensure that everyone has access to the necessities of life. Shared resources also help to create a sense of interdependence and mutual support within the community.

Volunteerism

Volunteerism is a critical component of a community that gives generously. When individuals give their time and talents to support others, they strengthen the community. Volunteers can provide various services, from mentoring and tutoring to delivering healthcare and legal assistance. Volunteerism also helps to build social connections and networks within the community.

Philanthropy

Philanthropy is another crucial aspect of a community that gives generously. Philanthropists can financially support organizations that serve the community, including charities, non-profits, and community foundations. Philanthropy can also help to support local businesses and entrepreneurs, creating economic opportunities and building wealth within the community.

Community Events

Community events are a great way to bring people together and foster a sense of generosity and goodwill. Events can include everything from festivals and fairs to fundraisers and charity drives. By participating in community events, individuals and organizations can help to support local causes and build connections with others in the community.

Collaboration

Finally, a community that gives generously values collaboration. Working together, individuals and organizations can pool their resources and expertise to achieve common goals. Collaboration can take many forms, from forming partnerships and coalitions to sharing best practices and resources. Collaboration also helps to build trust and mutual respect within the community.

Building a community that gives generously requires creating a culture of generosity, sharing resources, volunteerism, philanthropy, community events, and collaboration. By working together to support each other, communities can build strong and resilient networks of support that benefit everyone.

Inspiring Children to Get Involved in Nonprofits

By Muhammad Babangida

On May 3, 2023

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

By introducing children to the world of nonprofits at a young age, we can inspire them to become engaged members of their community for years to come.

Education

The first step in inspiring children to get involved in nonprofits is to educate them about the importance of giving back. This can be done through books, videos, and other educational resources that teach children about the impact of nonprofits in their communities and worldwide. Helping children understand their actions’ effect can inspire them to become active and engaged community members.

Volunteerism

Volunteering is a great way to get children involved in nonprofits. Children can learn about nonprofits’ important work and positively impact their communities by volunteering. Volunteering opportunities can include helping at a local food bank and participating in a beach cleanup. By making volunteering fun and engaging, we can inspire children to become lifelong volunteers.

Fundraising

Fundraising is another way to get children involved in nonprofits. By organizing a fundraising event, such as a bake sale or a charity walk, children can learn about raising money to support important causes. Fundraising events can also be fun to get children involved in their community and build new friendships.

Youth Programs

Many nonprofits offer youth programs explicitly designed to help children get involved. These programs can include everything from after-school programs to summer camps. Children can learn about nonprofits’ critical work by participating in these programs and developing new skills and interests.

Community Service Projects

Community service projects are another great way to get children involved in nonprofits. By working together on a community service project, children can learn about the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Community service projects can also help children to develop a sense of responsibility and ownership.

Role Models

Finally, role models can be a powerful way to inspire children to participate in nonprofits. By introducing children to inspiring role models, such as nonprofit leaders and volunteers, we can help them see the impact that they can make in the world. Role models inspire children to become active and engaged members of their community.

Inspiring children to get involved in nonprofits is a powerful way to teach them about giving back to their community and positively impacting the world. By educating children, offering volunteer opportunities, organizing fundraising events, providing youth programs, encouraging community service projects, and introducing inspiring role models, we can inspire children to become active and engaged community members for years to come.

7 Inspiring Philanthropists

By Muhammad Babangida

On March 28, 2023

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Philanthropy is the act of giving time, money, or resources to charitable causes with the goal of making a positive impact on society. Many individuals have made significant contributions to philanthropic causes, and their generosity has inspired countless others to give back. Here are seven inspiring philanthropists who have made a difference in the world:

Bill Gates: As the co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. He has used his fortune to create the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which supports a wide range of causes, including global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
Oprah Winfrey: Oprah Winfrey is one of the most well-known philanthropists in the world. She has donated millions of dollars to support causes such as education, health, and the arts. She has also established the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, which provides education and leadership opportunities for disadvantaged young women in South Africa.
Warren Buffett: Warren Buffett is one of the most successful investors of all time. He has pledged to donate more than 99% of his wealth to charitable causes through the Giving Pledge, which encourages wealthy individuals to commit to giving the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes.
Malala Yousafzai: Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for girls’ education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She founded the Malala Fund, which advocates for girls’ education and provides support to girls in countries such as Pakistan, Nigeria, and Syria.
Jeff Bezos: Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon, has made significant philanthropic contributions through the Bezos Earth Fund, which focuses on climate change and environmental causes. He has also made donations to support education and homelessness initiatives.
J.K. Rowling: J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, has used her fame and fortune to support a wide range of causes, including multiple sclerosis research, poverty alleviation, and education. She has also established the Lumos Foundation, which works to support vulnerable children and end the institutionalization of children around the world.
Mark Zuckerberg: Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, has made significant contributions to philanthropic causes through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which focuses on education, science, and medicine. He has also made donations to support disaster relief efforts and community development initiatives.

Philanthropy is an important way to make a positive impact on society. These seven inspiring philanthropists have made significant contributions to a wide range of causes, and their generosity has inspired others to give back as well. By supporting charitable causes and giving back to our communities, we can all work together to create a better world for future generations.

What Young People Are Doing to Combat Climate Change

By Muhammad Babangida

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

By Muhammad Babangida

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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?

By Muhammad Babangida

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

By Muhammad Babangida

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?

By Muhammad Babangida

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

By Muhammad Babangida

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.