Did you know that 69% of Americans donate to charity on a regular basis? That’s nearly two-thirds of our entire population that’s into giving! As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect and evaluate what you are doing for your community, for your world, and for how people see you. That’s right. You can use your personal brand of generosity to make a positive impact on your community.
I have a great team. Simply the best (and no, you can’t have them!). Each year, just one way I like to show my appreciation is by donating to a charity they are passionate about. You may be thinking, “So what?” The “so what” is two-fold: 1. Giving back is important to me and those who work with me and is part of our team culture, and 2. Several of my team members came from the corporate world, where the entire organization decides to partner with a non-profit and then asks all the employees to give. Give to a non-profit they may not be passionate about with money they may not have! So, instead of corporate philanthropy, I donate to their passionate cause. It is a win-win.
Finding your “giving” fit
Philanthropy is not just about giving money; it’s about creating change and having a positive impact. It’s your time, your money or your support – to a local charity or for a cause close to your heart. Philanthropy is a powerful tool that can help build (and sell) your personal brand and even boost your business. When we give back, we not only contribute to causes we care about but also inspire others who are socially conscious and community-focused.
And with Giving Tuesday and Small Business Saturday coming up this week – two significant events that promote philanthropy and community engagement – there’s no better time to jumpstart your philanthropic journey! As entrepreneurs and professionals, we can make a difference by promoting small businesses, collaborating with local vendors, or even donating a percentage of our sales to a charity.
Philanthropy with heart
Here is how to put “giving” back into Thanksgiving:
- What are your personal values? Choose causes or organizations that resonate with your values and passions. Authenticity is key in philanthropy, so support causes that genuinely inspire you. A friend of mine who runs her own marketing company spends one morning each week volunteering at a ranch that provides equine therapy for children with disabilities. She brushes horses, mucks stalls, cleans troughs and thoroughly enjoys the quiet time with the animals, all while supporting a great work she is passionate about. All week long, she serves clients with various needs, but one morning a week is reserved for service to others.
- Share your journey. Use social media or your professional platforms to share your philanthropic efforts. Share stories, photos, or videos of your involvement to inspire others and emphasize a commitment to giving back. My friend posts some pretty great pictures of the horses she cares for, and her followers enjoy hearing about her experiences. Doing this makes others aware of the benefit of sharing their time to help their community. (Plus, who doesn’t love a 1,500 lb fuzzy teddy bear?)
- Find others to partner. Join with like-minded individuals, businesses, or nonprofits to amplify your impact. Collaborative ideas and projects not only benefit the community but also strengthen your relationships and networks. I had a professor in college who was very passionate about the local children’s hospital. She created some pretty elaborate fund-raising events and reached out to many people in the community to participate. Local restaurants donated food, a marketing company provided free advertising, and the university was a great source of manpower for the actual event. Convinced that everyone wants to be a part of helping others, she was an expert at getting people involved!
- Don’t just give it and forget it. Track and communicate the impact of your philanthropic activities. Share statistics, testimonials, or success stories to demonstrate the difference you’re making and inspire continued support from others.
So, let’s end the year by embracing generosity and leaving a lasting impact on our communities. Whether it’s through donation drives, volunteering opportunities, or awareness campaigns, invite others to be part of the change. Just like my professor, create an energy that draws people to your passions. Make your giving contagious this Thanksgiving season!