Philanthropy is not only a way to support a cause you care about, but also a way to enhance your personal and professional growth. As an employee, you can become more engaged in philanthropy by following some simple steps that will help you find your passion, leverage your skills, and connect with others. Here are some tips to get you started.
The first step to becoming more engaged in philanthropy is to find a cause that resonates with you. You can do this by researching different issues, organizations, and initiatives that align with your values, interests, and goals. You can also ask yourself what problems you want to solve, what impact you want to make, and what legacy you want to leave. Finding your passion will motivate you to learn more, give more, and do more for your chosen cause.
The second step to becoming more engaged in philanthropy is to leverage your skills and talents to contribute to your cause. You can do this by volunteering your time, expertise, or resources to a nonprofit or social enterprise that works on your issue. You can also look for opportunities to apply your skills in new ways, such as mentoring, coaching, consulting, or teaching. Leveraging your skills will help you develop new competencies, expand your network, and add value to your cause.
Yes, an hour of your time at the local Foodbank is always welcomed and helpful. But if you are an accountant and you can spend one hour going over their books and helping them file their taxes; that hour of time is many more multiples of ROI to them in the long term. Not everyone can find the overlap of the four quadrants of their personal “Ikigai” but if you can employ what you are best at for a cause you care a lot about, your energy will pay dividends to the world.
The third step to becoming more engaged in philanthropy is to connect with others who share your passion and vision. You can do this by joining or creating a community of like-minded individuals, such as a club, group, or network. You can also participate in events, campaigns, or projects that bring people together for a common purpose. Connecting with others will help you exchange ideas, learn from experiences, and amplify your impact.
The fourth step to becoming more engaged in philanthropy is to seek support from your employer and colleagues. You can do this by finding out if your company has a corporate social responsibility program, a matching gift policy, or a volunteer leave policy. You can also ask your manager or HR department for guidance, feedback, or recognition for your philanthropic activities. Seeking support will help you align your philanthropy with your career goals, balance your work and life, and inspire others to join you.
The fifth step to becoming more engaged in philanthropy is to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. You can do this by being open to new opportunities, challenges, and perspectives that may arise along your philanthropic journey. You can also be willing to experiment, learn, and adjust your strategies and actions as you go. Being flexible will help you overcome obstacles, embrace diversity, and discover new possibilities.
The sixth and final step to becoming more engaged in philanthropy is to have fun and enjoy the process. You can do this by celebrating your achievements, acknowledging your contributions, and expressing your gratitude. You can also find ways to make your philanthropy fun, such as gamifying your goals, creating a theme, or adding some humor. Having fun will help you sustain your enthusiasm, maintain your well-being, and spread joy.
If you love a nonprofit, get involved and share the experience with others. Help your community get involved and encourage others to engage too. The nonprofit will often have ways to help and can make themselves available to help you move their mission forward. In 2024 I’m the event chair for St Jude Walk/Run Palm Beach. I’m getting my neighborhood involved through Nextdoor and I am asking my husband to get his architectural firm to have a team? It’s a great time and all dollars raised go to research and treatments for sick children. Anyone in any location can get involved and we are building a great network for this worthy cause and having a ton of fun too!