How can you make your philanthropic efforts more accessible to low-literacy beneficiaries?

In my experience, simple and clear language works for all audiences, not merely those with lower literacy abilities. Using visuals is always beneficial. Be open to exploring if the literacy challenge is the language you have chosen (English) and if translation and interpretation services would get you further in creating understanding.

Philanthropic efforts are meant to help those in need, and it is important to ensure that the intended beneficiaries can access and benefit from them. Low literacy levels can be a barrier to accessing philanthropic efforts, but there are ways to make them more accessible. One way is to use simple language and avoid technical jargon in all communication materials. This can include brochures, flyers, and websites.

Another way is to use visual aids such as pictures, videos, and infographics to convey information. Additionally, partnering with local organizations and community leaders who have a better understanding of the target audience can help to ensure that the philanthropic efforts are reaching those who need them the most. It is important to remember that accessibility is not just about providing information, but also about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages participation. By taking these steps, philanthropic efforts can be made more accessible to low-literacy beneficiaries, and the impact of these efforts can be maximized.

Back in Stratford I channeled my resources through the House of Blessing. One division distributed clothing & household items to the needy, while their food bank was in constant demand. The volunteers dealt smoothly with all education and literacy levels.

Talk simple, use lots of pictures, and make everyone feel right at home like you're inviting friends over for a laid-back chat.

It’s not just about multiple channels but also MEDIUMS. Our obsession with the written word is not just inaccessible to those with low literacy, but also a colonial hangover that restricts the opportunities that come with other forms of communication. Do you need your partners to write, or can they provide artwork, videos or audio recordings of stories, performances and songs, or even show you what you need to know? We also know a picture speaks a thousand words, imagine what a quick smart phone video or a community mural could do.

When choosing different channels, also consider diversity and inclusion. There are simple things that you can do to make your communication more accessible for everyone, with captions, translations, and alt text. Also, consider the ethical issues with some channels. Many brands recently left Twitter because of controversies.

Mix it up with texts, calls, social media, videos, and podcasts to share the love in ways that everyone gets and enjoys, kind of like offering snacks at a party to make sure there's something for everyone. Plus, throw in some translations to make sure no one misses out on the fun.

Chat with the folks you're helping to get their take, like asking guests at a dinner party how they liked the meal. It helps make things better for everyone, and sharing the wins makes everyone feel like part of the team.

Treat everyone you’re helping with the respect and kindness you’d show friends from all walks of life, celebrating their unique stories and listening more than you speak. Always ask before sharing anything personal about them, just like you'd want for yourself.

I have seen how this one and no. 6, when abandoned, left a deep hole in the target community more than once. I challenged them with the need to identify existing indigenous individual and corporate efforts with the same vision and rationale, but perhaps different methods. They not only ignored me. They resisisted and reduced me. In these cases, they came in with a great vision and rationale, but they refused to be flexible with their methodological ideology. Their founders or "gurus" had written a book, or books, about it, and therefore it was set in stone. I later learned that in at least two of the cases, they did eventually collaborate with locals, but with the wrong ones. These efforts are no more. And the community suffers.

Team up with local experts who know the community like the back of their hand, helping you connect better and make a bigger splash, just like joining forces for a neighborhood project.

This highlights a key strategy for reinventing philanthropy as more sustainable and meaningful, stressing beneficiary empowerment and education. Sustainable philanthropy addresses current needs and builds long-term resilience and self-sufficiency in recipient communities. Educating and empowering beneficiaries makes humanitarian efforts accessible and turns them from passive recipients of aids into active players in their own community. This approach is grounded in the principle of "teaching a man to fish" rather than "giving him a fish," thereby ensuring a lasting impact. Sustainable Philanthropy may catalyze long-term change by equipping beneficiaries with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools that continues to bear long fruits.

This exponentially multiplies the effect of the contribution, and removes the community from beneficiary to at least secondary benefactors. Done correctly. The work is self-perpetuating, self-sustaining and expanding. If I fail to deputize others, when I die, so will the work.