Working For Good
Happily, in the United States, the not-for-profit sector is seen as a viable and respected career choice. A vocation ambitious people aspire to. But is that perception held worldwide?
Not necessarily. No one doubts that the corporate world is cut-throat competitive. But surprisingly, and consistent with what I said previously, this is something the corporate world and corporate philanthropy have in common. Which brings us to Parallel #3:
#3 It’s Still Competitive
Do you see volunteering in the not-for-profit space as a ‘hobby’ for people ‘constructively engaged otherwise’? You’d be surprised at how many people do.
And they’re wrong. Global giving is serious business. The 2015 Coutts Report stated that donations worth US $56 billion were made via 2,197 transactions of a US $1million or more. Only 15% came from organizations, the rest was contributed by individuals.
The same source cited the Major Giving Index, which predicted that the world’s major donor population would grow from 18,500 in 2015 to 27,000 by 2020. That’s 18,500 people who personally donate upwards of US $1 million to causes of their choice.
Now compare this with the fact that 80% of the world’s population lives in poverty. COVID-19 has brought on even more economic vulnerabilities.
Suddenly 27,000 people donating US $1million to solve the world’s problems doesn’t seem enough, does it?
This is what makes this space so competitive, and every gain such a big win.
And just like in business, actors in this space need to brace themselves for disappointment and frustration.?
It takes both heart and a determined spirit to make things happen.?