As I See It: Philanthropy is More Than Just a Transaction!
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When people hear the word “philanthropy,” their minds often jump to wealthy individuals writing large checks or major campaigns for nonprofits. While fundraising is a key aspect of philanthropy, it is much more than just raising money.
At its core, philanthropy is defined as voluntary action taken for the common good. It includes donations of time, talent, advocacy, and resources dedicated to advancing a cause. It should be a mindset, a culture, and a commitment to mission achievement. It is the bridge between a nonprofit’s vision and the change it seeks to create.
It is always appropriate to consider ways to strengthen your culture and philanthropic health. And it is especially important today, as many nonprofits face uncertain times due to potential changes in public funding, shifts in donor interest and generational transitions.
Philanthropy takes many forms, including:
Giving Time: Volunteers are the backbone of many nonprofit organizations. Whether serving meals, tutoring students, or offering professional skills pro bono, time is a valuable philanthropic resource.
Advocacy and Awareness: Raising awareness about social causes and advocating for policy changes can be just as impactful as financial donations.
Knowledge Sharing: Mentorship, strategic guidance, and offering expertise help nonprofits operate more efficiently and scale their impact.
Corporate and Community Involvement: Businesses that embrace corporate social responsibility and encourage employee giving or volunteerism contribute to a philanthropic ecosystem.
Sustained Engagement: Long-term commitment to a cause—whether through monthly giving, board service, or continuous advocacy—demonstrates that philanthropy is a way of life, not just a one-time act.
Why Embracing Philanthropy Matters
When organizations and individuals embrace philanthropy as a culture rather than just a financial transaction, nonprofits thrive. It leads to deeper engagement, stronger partnerships, and a greater impact on the communities they serve.
Fundraising may often provide the fuel, but philanthropy is the foundation that keeps nonprofits moving forward. It is the collective belief that we are all responsible for creating a better world—and that every act of generosity, big or small, contributes to that vision.
Learn more about how to create a culture of philanthropy in your organization – and how we can all impact generosity through M. Gale’s 2025 Executive Education Series.
A community service for our nonprofit colleagues and friends, we aim to support the exploration of the local philanthropic landscape and how you can inspire generosity wherever you are. We're launching the series with in-person sessions in north Texas, beginning on March 6.
2025 Executive Education Series: Leaning into American Generosity
March 6, 2025 2:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Learn about The Generosity Commission's findings and recommendations for the nonprofit sector.
Explore, together with other professionals, what the Commission's findings mean for our community.
Discover what it takes to embrace a culture of philanthropy within your work and how this impacts mission advancement.
Contribute to our nonprofit brain-trust on how we can work together to implement the Commission's recommendations for the common good.
To register, click here.
Results-driven leadership is the name of the game for Laura Hutyra. As Vice President and a seasoned fundraising executive, Laura helps nonprofit clients throughout Texas and beyond solve challenges and meet their mission, while also leading the team in collaborative projects and operations to grow the company.
