Direct Giving Promotes Diversity

by | Sep 21, 2020 | ShiftHappens

For much of history, giving happened directly. You saw a neighbor in need, and reached into your pocket to offer what you could to help; or perhaps a friend told you about a worthy idea, and you banded together to build a new community center or dig a well. Service and generosity are as old as time, and have historically been interwoven with relationship and community.

But the world has gotten bigger, and the non-profit sector has professionalized with hierarchies, expert practitioners, and thousands upon thousands of distinct organizations. Giving is still heartfelt and beautiful, but I don’t know a single non-profit leader who isn’t actively trying to recreate the authentic connection and relationships that direct, person-to-person giving creates so naturally.

“Big” philanthropy has offered major wins for society in ways that direct giving cannot; yet, I can’t help but wonder if there are some drawbacks to professionalizing the provenance of doing good. Have we created a perception that it is only experts that can make a difference in the world? Have we unconsciously built a system that elevates organizations over the civic engagement of individuals?

The future belongs to all of us, just as we belong to each other. I’ve written before about my belief that our model of direct giving to early-stage changemakers acts as an antidote to civic apathy. In truth, we all have a place in this ecosystem of philanthropy: organizations of all sizes, individual grassroots volunteers, and everyone in between.

As in any ecosystem, diversity will be our strength.

Instagram

Discover the power of early support for changemakers! 

🔶 This video highlights how vital our role is in empowering these inspiring individuals at the start of their journey. 
By providing faith, strength, and credibility, we help them unfold their potential and create meaningful change. 
.
⭐ This holiday season choose to support The Pollination Project Foundation and make it possible for innovative changemakers from around the world to develop powerful solutions to the challenging issues facing their communities. Thank you! 

#changemakers #philanthropy #grant #grantmaking #change #makeadifference #humanrights #youthempowerment #education #healthforall #environment #thepollinationproject #helpthehelpers
🌍🙌 Happy World Volunteer Day from The Pollination Project! 🌍🙌

Today, we extend a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to all the incredible volunteers who are the backbone of our mission. 🌟💚 Your dedication, compassion, and selfless service are the reasons we thrive and succeed.

To our grantees, grant advisors, and every individual involved in the extraordinary projects we've had the privilege to fund - your volunteer spirit is the driving force behind our impact. You're not just volunteers; you're change-makers, community builders, and rays of hope in a world that desperately needs it. 🌱✨

Because of you, we've seen dreams turn into impactful projects, ideas blossom into reality, and communities transformed by the power of volunteerism. You prove that together, we can pollinate the world with kindness, one act at a time. 🐝🌸

Let's celebrate the power of volunteerism today and every day. Thank you for being the heart of The Pollination Project. Here's to many more years of empowering communities and nurturing positive change, hand in hand! 🌏❤️

#WorldVolunteerDay #ThankYouVolunteers #ThePollinationProject #CommunityImpact #VolunteerPower #ChangeMakers #Gratitude