July 2011 Newsletter
Greetings from Voices for Philanthropy!
In ancient times the hottest days of the summer were known as the “dog days” because they coincided with the location of the star Sirius, known as the Dog Star, and its close proximity to the sun. “Dog days” are also associated with long periods of stagnancy and lethargy. While we appreciate any opportunity to slow down in the steamy summer heat, there has been no shortage of philanthropic endeavors to inspire us this month.
It ain't the heat, it's the humility. - Yogi Berra
FOLLOW-UP: As many of you know, the Economic Opportunity Road Tour, sponsored by The Philanthropy Roundtable
, is featuring projects supported by inspiring donors and outstanding nonprofit leaders who are helping individuals and communities achieve self-reliance and economic success. In June we were delighted to feature Year Up, a one-year, intensive training program providing 18-24 year olds with opportunities to develop technical and professional skills in Boston, Massachusetts.
This month the Road Tour will stop in Orlando, Florida, to recognize the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA),
an organization which focuses on character-building through youth sports. Glenn "Doc" Rivers, title-winning head coach of the Boston Celtics and PCA national advisory board member, will provide the keynote address for this event. To register or for more information on the Road Tour please contact Elizabeth Isele at The Philanthropy Roundtable: 202.822.8333 or by email eisele@philanthropyroundtable.org.
Happy Birthday America!
The Fourth of July is a celebration of our country’s independence and has come to represent beloved traditions of Americana including baseball and apple pie. For this month’s newsletter we want to highlight one of the greatest unsung American traditions of all – philanthropy.
The Giving USA 2011 Annual Report has been released and in 2010 Americans gave $290.89 billion! While this is a decrease from pre-recession years, it is up almost four percent from 2009. Giving USA’s analysis shows that for every year in the past decade, American generosity has exceeded $280 billion annually. (Read the Giving USA 2011 Report Executive Summary)
Voices for Philanthropy believes that the stories of philanthropic generosity and the positive impact this creates in thousands of communities across the country provide the spark that can inspire and sustain us through turbulent times.
Some bright spots in today’s economy are Americans stepping up to help each other in...
... Norfolk, Virginia. Philip Walzer of The Virginian-Pilot reported that the United Way of South Hampton Roads (UWSHR)
came up $700,000 short of meeting their annual budget. When informed of the shortfall, the community made up the difference in a “close the gap” campaign that ended in the spring. UWSHR lists success stories on their website that illustrate the positive outcomes of a community’s willingness to pull together.
... Abilene, Texas. Another example is the Abilene Education Foundation (AEF) which focuses on meeting students’ needs that fall outside of school district budgets. As reported by the Abilene Reporter-News, when budget cuts to schools were looming, AEF
stepped up fundraising efforts resulting in an increase in donations to $490,000 in 2010 up from $341,000 the year before.
... Kansas City, Missouri. The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation has seen donations remain strong through the recession, receiving more donations in 2010 than ever before according to the organization’s president. President and CEO Laura McKnight is quoted
in the Kansas City Star saying, “The inspiring degree of charitable giving that occurred over the past few years demonstrates that even in difficult times, those who can give are continuing to invest in the community.”
Do you know other people who have or are coming forward to help their communities during these tough times? Share their stories on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/voicesforphilanthropy throughout the month of July.
Not Just Treasure, but Time
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in January of this year that the volunteer rate for the year ending September of 2010 had declined by about 0.5%. Why not spend some summer free time donating time where it can positively impact your community? Here are a few ideas...
Summer vacation may be beginning for students across the country but if the United Way is successful, it won’t be the end of learning. On June 21st during its annual Day of Action, the United Way launched its effort to recruit one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors to support students and help reduce the rate of school dropouts from American schools. Click here to join the effort.
Speaking of things that get wild and unruly when left unattended, why not take advantage of nicer weather while you spend your time volunteering in America’s parks? The National Park Service welcomes people of all ages and families to help maintain trails, paint fences or work at an information desk. Become a Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) here.
Finally, have you had enough of office desks, classrooms, or mosquitoes? Search your area for opportunities that are right for you and do good at the same time. Visit: VolunteerMatch OR DoSomething.org
Voices for Philanthropy Profile
Claire Gaudiani on Philanthropy – A Hallmark of American Exceptionalism
“Before there was a Declaration of Independence, there was a declaration of Interdependence.” – Claire Gaudiani, The Greater Good
In the spirit of celebrating the proud tradition of American philanthropy, this month we are featuring Voices for Philanthropy supporter Claire Gaudiani. Ms. Gaudiani is an expert in the history and economics of philanthropy. She currently serves as adjunct professor in the Robert Wagner School of Public Service at New York University.
On the subject of American philanthropy, Ms. Gaudiani writes in her book Generosity Unbound, “Generosity is in our blood as Americans, no matter when or how our ancestors got to these shores. Generosity is a value shared by the well-to-do and the not-so-well-to-do. It is shared across races and ethnic origins. Our solidarity as donors makes us all feel responsible for the well-being of our fellow Americans and of our nation.”
(pg. 28). She explains that American philanthropy highlights our nation’s unique values in that when compared with most modern nations our model to support society’s needs is decentralized and pluralistic. We give to a variety of diverse causes that grab our attention and ignite our passion whether we have a relationship with the person on the receiving end of our gifts or not. In an effort to improve our condition and the conditions of others, we find ourselves locked in a cycle of generosity, opportunity, and prosperity.
We salute Ms. Gaudiani as she spreads the value of American philanthropy around the country. To hear more from her, click here to view her V4P video.
Citations:
Claire Gaudiani. The Greater Good: How Philanthropy Drives the American Economy and Can Save Capitalism. New York: Henry Holt Books, 2003.
Claire Gaudiani. Generosity Unbound: How American Philanthropy Can Strengthen the Economy and Expand the Middle Class. New York: Broadway Publications, 2010.
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These monthly e-newsletters are designed to provide a snapshot of American philanthropy; highlighting events, acknowledging important dates, and profiling individuals, organizations and others making a difference.
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