Last week was an emotional week for America. We elected a President who is likely the most controversial candidate in American history.
As you may know from my post last week, Donald Trump was not my candidate of choice… far from it. I’ve tried to turn off the news to give myself a break, but I’ve snuck peeks from time to time. One article in my feed was by Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s Jewish son-in-law, who argues that Trump isn’t anti-Semitic. This level of delusion and denial is truly frightening.
As the candidate who was proudly endorsed by the KKK, Trump (and Kushner for his refusal to stand up) are accountable for the fact that KKK literature is now circulating in broad daylight, and swastikas (the Nazi symbol) are showing up in schools and public spaces all over the country in record numbers.
Looking Ahead with Great Concern
Looking at Trump’s goals for his first 100 days is enough to turn the stomach of most nonprofit professionals on a variety of topics…
- Civil rights
- Women’s issues
- Immigration
- Education
- Healthcare
- The environment
- And countless others
And as I’m going through the stages of shock and grief over this election, the natural question comes to mind…
Could I have done more?
Fast forward to Thursday, two days after the election, to the AFP-NJ Conference — the largest fundraising conference in New Jersey. I attended a session by Annie Fritschner, ACFRE called “From Fundraising to Philanthropy.”
In that session, Annie told her own story of how she went from being a fundraiser to becoming a philanthropist. It was a fascinating journey, but the bottom line is that she took out a $1 million life insurance policy on herself and has committed $100,000 to six charities ($600,000 total).
Inspired by Annie’s story and while searching for something to do in this post-election era, I’ve come to the only conclusion that a fundraiser can come to — it’s time to put my money where my mouth is.
I’ve Always Given, But I *Can* Do More
I’ve always given to charitable causes, but I know that I can do more.
For my life’s work, I spend my days encouraging board members and others to give stretch gifts. (A “stretch” gift is a larger gift than someone might normally give. They stretch their giving for an important cause or project.) I preach about giving generously. Now I have to ask myself the question, am I really doing all I can?
Tikkun Olam
In Judaism (as in many religions), there is a strong emphasis on charity. The Hebrew the word for giving charity is tzedakah. As a child, I was taught (and now teach my own children) the concept of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world. I always thought I was doing this through my work. I volunteer. I give to charity. But the reality is, I could do more.
For a few minutes this week, I loved the idea of wearing a safety pin to show solidarity with those targeted by Trump’s rhetoric. In fact, I was all set to run out and get a fresh pack when I read this: Dear White People, Your Safety Pins Are Embarrassing.
Putting my money where my mouth is
So here’s what I’m going to do instead: I will put my money where my mouth is. In the last few days, I’ve become a sustaining (monthly) donor to the following groups:
While I feel passionately about these organizations, I’ve rarely given to them. In the past, I’ve focused my attention and resources on children and hunger issues. While I will continue to give to these worthy causes, my attention has shifted.
Beyond Personal Giving
In the next few weeks (before the winter holidays), I will host the first, annual charity night in my home. I will invite my friends to learn about charities that are important to me and encourage them to give.
As fundraisers, we talk about giving first before we can ask for a gift. It’s now time to take our own advice, and in bigger ways than ever before.
How will you put your money where your mouth is?
I think this is very good advice. I will try and make more of an impact with financially giving and time well spent.
Amy:
As a Canadian we had no choice on our TV’s but to listen to the Trump/Clinton bazarness (not sure if that is a word). We also are experiencing some of the backlashes from the Trump win.
You have challenged us in a new way to think beyond our own charity and look past that to others that could use our help. Thanks for the challenge.
Keep us the great job you are doing, Amy!
Suzanne
Thank you for this post.
It’s been a week of gut-wrenching pain, but now it’s time to steady ourselves and resolve to do all that we can to equalize the playing field. I have no illusions that the incoming administration will cause harm beyond anything we can imagine.
However, we can vote with our actions, words, deeds and pocketbooks. I emailed many of my own friends last week encouraging them to also support the causes you listed, in addition to NPR. Freedom of the press will be one of first things to suffer, and NPR is one of the best ways to ensure that someone is speaking truth to power.
I love the idea of an insurance policy. Are the premiums tax-deductible? Just curious.
We can also remember, he did not win the popular vote. In other words, there are more people who believe in the values of democracy, acceptance and kindness than those that believe that hate and scapegoating the “other” is the answer to their problems.
Hi Shawn,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m not an accountant, but I do not believe the premiums would NOT be tax deductible, because the gifts she’s making are revocable (she can take them back). If she hands over the full policy to a charity, then she would get a tax deduction, but I’m not sure who pays the premiums at that point (probably can go either way). Any accountants want to jump in on the conversation?
Thank you, You ara a Brave lady. Your words are inspiring.
I can’t give a lot now, I do give 10 % of my earnings to charity & much time to Burn Patients.
It is something I do look forward to.
Much Success
Chaya Malka
I couldn’t agree more, Amy! My concern has metamorphosed into giving to education (Friends of Outdoor School, Oregon), environment (International Crane Foundation, Birdlife International), and education/health care for low-income families (Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Coalition of Community Health Centers). I am also changing my will to better reflect my values. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Amy,
thank you for your leadership and invitation.
In the wake of the election results my wife and I increased our giving to ACLU, to water protectors at Standing Rock, and to Democracy Now. I have also invited friends to join me in giving to whatever cause they care most deeply about. My wife and I are going to host a house party for the ACLU where we will invite friends to make a donation and commit to recruit five new members to the organization.
Tomorrow night I am giving a talk at my Buddhist group entitled, “reckoning with president-elect trump: take refuge, take heart, take action” and will donate all of the offerings to to purchase, transport, and erect two tipis at Standing Rock. The tipis will provide shelter for up to 20 people to sleep at night and for up to 40+ to gather during the day.
Thanks for sharing, Kathryn! Keep up the good work. If we all do our part, it will get done.
Very inspiring, Amy. Thank you. I too am shocked and horrified, but all the more determined to be a force for good in the world. You’ve given me some new ideas on how to make that a reality.
I read your emails on a daily basis and found today’s message particularly inspiring. Thank you for your honesty and for being a wonderful example to all fundraisers.
Amen sister! Perfect response.
Please unsubscribe me from your mailing list. You have no clue on politics. I was always taught that fundraisers need to be apolitical. You have completely broken that rule, and crossed the line. I am so insulted by your comments, Trump is going to be great for this country. Wait and see. Do not believe the biased media stories, they are all anti-trump. Thank you!
Kat in Vegas
Hi Kat – No problem to unsubscribe from my list at anytime.
I majored in Political Science in college and have been a student of politics ever since, so I do have a firm grasp of the subject. However, I am sorry you feel insulted by my comments. Yes, we will have to wait and see, but I am very alarmed by what I’ve seen so far. Only time will tell, but I will not sit idly by.
We have reason to be alarmed. When people tell you who they are, believe them. The media has only reported on what he has said.
He doesn’t have a history of business success, benevolence or decent behavior…I’m not willing to take a chance on someone who has been very open about who he is.
THANK YOU Amy,
I just had this very conversation with folks in New Haven, Connecticut last night, lets put our money where are mouth is. There are local non-profit organization who are doing the work, PLEASE give of your time and your money.
Amy,
I am wondering how your personal political views have anything to do with fundraising. Not all of us feel the same as you. How about we all pull together and make it work.
Thank you for your comment, Ralph. The reason I got into fundraising in the first place was to help the world become a better place for my children and future generations. Unfortunately, I believe we just took 100 steps backwards when it comes to civil rights, healthcare, protecting the environment, and so much more. Therefore my political views have everything to do with fundraising.
That being said, I would love to pull together and make it work. If you have any ideas on how we can work together and move forward, I would certainly appreciate and be open to them.
If you read most of the comments in the Safety Pin article, most people do not support his viewpoint. I say buy the pins and wear them and also put your money where your mouth is! Every positive step, no matter how large or small, has an impact.
Thanks for pointing this out, Lisa. I will happily wear a pin if has a chance of doing good.
Amy, I wholeheartedly support your actions and I’ve done the same over the past week. I put my money where my heart is, making gifts to charities and causes that I care about: Southern Poverty Law Center, EMILYs List, National Resources Defense Council, the Human Rights Campaign, and Planned Parenthood, These gifts are in addition to my monthly religious giving and other charitable causes I support during the year. No matter your political persuasion, you can make a gift and have an impact on causes you believe in. Philanthropy is a tool for everyone.
Oh what a fascinating story. Thanks Amy for sharing your view with us. However it has to be taken to scrutiny. Given the American political climate of today it is more advisable to take your money where your mouth.
In English we say ‘happy is a man who can discern pitfalls in his way for he can avoid them “The more you come to realize the impact that gonna be inherent the better. You can take action to alliviat possible economic slump.
However it should be noted that it is a wait and see situation
Amy – the couple who earlier this month won “Outstanding Philanthropists” at our local (AFP Memphis) Crystal Awards (our National Philanthropy Day) awards offered a challenge to the audience to give their children for Christmas (or birthday, or other holiday), a blank check in a “stretch” amount with the challenge to find a charity to give this to and “report back” to the parent (original giver) information about the selected charity. The comment was that the parents would be so very impressed with the hard work each of the children put in to their charity selection, and that that year’s gift from the parent would be remembered far longer than the favorite sweater or decorative item or jewelry that might have been the usual holiday gift.
I loved the idea, and, like you, was wondering how I could help after this year’s election, so my husband and I are writing 4 checks this year – one to each of our grown children – each representing a monthly donation to their favorite charity, and asking that they research and report on the group they choose to donate to. We’re adding it to our own giving, but that’s our way to “stretch” our giving.
Together, we can lift up those who feel most vulnerable with this new administration. And, as Margaret Mead so appropriately noted, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” We can do this together! Happy Thanksgiving!
Hooray! Thanks for sharing, Karen!
As a colleague in the field, I value your moral and practical stand. We must be vigilant and protect ourselves and our neighbors from acts of hate as well as the gutting of our very limited social safety net. Our democracy and the future of our planet depends on this.