How to Be More Than a

Passive Philanthropist

Jeff Greenstein

“There are three levels of giving thatprogressively get more difficult and

demanding but at the same time more valuableand impactful; giving one’s money; giving one’s

time; giving one’s home and heart.”

Rabbi Chaim Levine,Founder and Executive Director, Brothers for Life

True philanthropy involves activeinvolvement with an organization to provide

assistance in more than monetary ways.

Here are some of the most impactful ways to bemore than a passive philanthropist.

Serve 0n the Organization’s Board of Directors1.

If the organization has a boardof directors and committeesinvolved with coordinatingdifferent projects, considervolunteering your time as aboard or committee member. This will allow you to give thegift of time and your businessknow-how, leadership skills, orother talents to help theorganization move forward.

If you have served on theOrganization’s board or its

various committees, yourexperience will be priceless

to the organization as youbring a much-needed

executive perspective (and acan-do attitude) to the table.

Actively Promote the Organization2.

Most organizations needmarketing assistance anda dedicated experiencedteam to rely upon. Considerways you could helppromote awareness onlineand offline through yournormal communicationactivities and channels.

Brief mentions or moredetailed descriptions and

discussions can be incrediblyvaluable at introducing and

inspiring communitymembers and organizations

who may be interested insupporting the organization.

Sometimes just thedissemination ofinformation from a trustedsource can have asubstantial positive impact.

Be A Connector3.

If you have good networkingskills and are active in thecommunity in other ways, serveas a connector between boardmembers, committee members,and volunteers, and yournetwork of connections.

Consider what strengths oropportunities either party

might be able to offer theother and introduce

individuals who you thinkmight share similar passionsand values and might be able

to work together toaccomplish more than they

could do individually.

Providing access to your socialcapital — your business andpersonal connections — can beinvaluable to an organizationthat needs trustworthy andhardworking people on its team.

Organize Events4.

Consider organizing awarenessor fundraising activities eitherwith or independently of theorganization. Whether large orintimate, you could take thelead in helping to grow theorganization you are committedto by organizing, hostingand overseeing an event.

The initial goal doesn’talways need to be aboutfundraising. Education

and awareness arefoundational to ultimately

successful fundraising.

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