Welcome to Cultivating Generosity, a Rad Philanthropy NewsletterWelcome to Cultivating Generosity, the newsletter to help you flourish as a values-driven and joyful nonprofit and advancement professional. I'm here to help you connect to you and your community's purpose. I'll share tactical information to engage your supporters around the acts of giving (time, talent, treasure, ties, testimony), ask you to reflect deeply about the why behind your programs, provide sector news, and we'll have a fun time while we're at it. |
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For those of you eager to know what we named our kitten, we settled on Biscuit! When he's extra cute he's Biscochito, which is also the state cookie here in New Mexico. He is the perfect sweet dumb orange boy! In today's issue you'll learn about: Moral imagination Black Philanthropy Month My songs of the summer
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Rad Reflections Moral Imagination |
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One of my favorite ways to think about philanthropy and our instinct to help others in our communities is moral imagination. I first encountered it in the fundamental text, "Understanding Philanthropy." It came up again in a different frame this past week. I've been part of a Introduction to Effective Altruism discussion group this summer, a free program that I think is valuable for those thinking/curious about the moral underpinnings of giving. Here's an interesting quote from our reading: "In this sense a person... can be thought of as a moral pioneer or moral psychonaut, inventing new forms of moral experience...They are at the foundation of our civilization. Many of my personal heroes are moral pioneers, including the author of the Sermon on the Mount, the abolitionist movement, the suffragettes and feminist movement, Martin Luther King and other leaders in the civil rights movement. All these (and many more) engaged in acts of moral imagination that expanded the range of moral experience available to the rest of us to emulate." As fundraisers and nonprofit staff, we are the facilitators for this work of moral invention and imagination. Here are a few ways to tap into this kind of thinking as you set out to change the world: Encourage donors to tap into their moral imagination when it comes to how they want to make an impact with their giving. Invite staff to fire up that moral invention during critical visioning work around mission or strategic planning. Dream big as you think about how and where you want to make an impact in your career - and then see what steps are needed to turn that imagination into reality.
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Learn Black Philanthropy Month |
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August is Black Philanthropy Month and a great opportunity for fundraisers to immerse themselves in the history of and get inspired by giving for and by this community. Hear from the founder of Black Philanthropy Month, Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland, about activities taking place this year and how you can get involved. Madam C.J. Walker's Gospel of Giving by Lilly School of Philanthropy Professor Tyrone Freeman shares lessons about the history of Black women's giving. I am especially interested in how Walker and others used of all kinds of gifts - time, talent, treasure, testimony, ties - and even more beyond how we usually define philanthropy, like social entrepreneurship, to support their communities. Donors of color have often been excluded or ignored from nonprofits for reasons ranging from the weaknesses of wealth screening to unconscious bias about wealth. The Lilly School has issued reports on US donors of color that shed more light on their giving behavior, interests, and relationships with nonprofits. |
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Playtime with Perry Song of the Summer |
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If you're not already having a BRAT summer or feeling Hot To Go, may I interest you in my favorite musical delight this summer? After finally getting to see New Mexico's premier ABBA cover band, Abbaquerque, a few weeks back, I am fully gripped by their musical stylings once again. Fun fact - in high school, my AIM screen name was myfriendfernando. If it's been a while since you binged ABBA or you don't know where to start, here are some of my faves: Take a Chance on Me If you like this one, try Super Trouper next! Chiquitita The sad piano outro gets me every time. Money Money Money Another banger to add to your fundraising-themed playlist. SOS This one gets a high spot in the pantheon of perfect pop songs. Gimme Gimme Gimme So many riffs, so little time. |
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Did this newsletter leave you with any burning questions about fundraising or nonprofit? Drop me a line at perry@radphilanthropy.com and I'll help you out. Interested in working with me? Book a session with my Calendly link. You can also find past issues here or subscribe if this was forwarded to you. |
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