The Power of Philanthropy Blog

The power of philanthropy certainly is evident through major gifts to nonprofit organizations, but its potential can also be understood through simple, daily deeds of generosity. The Power of Philanthropy TM blog was inspired by just such an act. Working from our local library one weekend, I noticed a man heading toward the water fountain.…

Recently, I attended a community foundation’s award ceremony.  They were announcing the grant recipients for the year, and my nonprofit client was receiving recognition. I was so happy for the nonprofit’s staff, board members and volunteers. They had worked very hard on the application: gathering data, letters of support and quotes from past donors. They…

Philanthropy comes in many forms. Our family has experienced a variety of kindnesses from strangers for much of my twins’ lives. Our dog, Glory, was just one, four-legged example. My 15-year-old daughter, Trinity, has multiple disabilities. When she was five, her therapy team and I decided to pursue a service dog for her. Our ultimate…

We talk of the importance of building a culture of philanthropy, but what does that mean for your mission? The following example may help to bring this phrase to life: During a long career of fundraising in the healthcare sector, I sought to continually educate everyone in the organization on creating a culture of philanthropy…

Much has transpired since we first envisioned and launched The Power of PhilanthropyTM blog at the end of 2019. As I shared then, “Financial gifts are important, but every act of generosity matters. We all have the power to decide how we will give and receive generously to unleash the power of philanthropy in our…

We hear of the importance of taking the long view in the life of philanthropy.  This became evident to me through a relationship that extended over many years, taking unexpected turns but growing constantly. I became aware of this individual through the president of an organization I served.  It took, however, several years to create…

I received a text from the librarian at the school where our children, Logan and Haley, attended from pre-school until this year. She texted that she knew I had a way of caring for people whenever I noticed they needed a pick-me-up. She wanted to let me know that it was always appreciated and that…

Over the years, our family has supported nonprofits in a variety of sectors: youth sports and leadership, social services, health and medical services, the local zoo, theatre, food banks, education groups and faith-based organizations. From the time our children were very young, we involved them in our volunteer activities. Recently, we have asked them what…

At Kinetic, we empower nonprofits to unleash their power of philanthropy. We see this when staff, volunteers and donors come together to accomplish more, together, than they could apart. It is an honor to work amongst the team at Kinetic. Our work often forces me to reflect on times my family has been on the…

As fundraising consultants, we often speak with nonprofits about “creating a culture of philanthropy.” It’s easy to say: It’s short, sweet and memorable. Unfortunately, there’s a risk of sounding cliché, unless its meaning is fully understood and embraced. Not long ago, I realized we had created a culture of philanthropy in our family, even without…

Early in my fundraising career, I served as a planned giving representative. In my new role, I wanted to meet, face to face, with every donor in my portfolio. I made calls to secure appointments and planned out a route that would allow me to visit with as many donors as I could in a…

Researching is to a grant writer what stretching is to a marathon runner—the process brings clarity beyond focus. While researching a Missouri nonprofit client that serves people with developmental disabilities, I was deeply affected by a call with facility staff about the ten, acutely disabled patients they care for—all requiring a nurse to accomplish basic…

When my daughter was in second grade, I spoke to her class about my work as a fundraiser on career day. Based on her introduction of me, she had her own take on my job: “My mom says hi a lot at work. ‘Hi … hi … hi!’” I was fascinated and, later, asked her…

I truly believe there is power in philanthropy. Whether packaging up and passing out food or making financial contributions to help students stay in college, giving of my time, talent and treasure brings me joy. I believe this personal participation is vital for keeping the heartbeat of humanity in philanthropy. I have a friend serving…

It started out with one box in the corner of our dining room. Over the next ten weeks, we watched one box become three, then five and eventually assorted boxes and bags were stacked to the ceiling. Out in the garage, there were even more. On August 30, 2021, many of us saw the images…

As the New Year begins, after two long years of Covid lockdowns and distancing, I am more acutely aware of the small moments, gestures and words that can have the greatest meaning. As we humans tend to do, I appreciate and seek meaning and connection. Last week, the Kinetic team connected in person in Kansas…

For more than 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of leading and participating in the mission-planning efforts of many nonprofits as a volunteer, donor, board member and, in some instances, as a fundraiser and professional consultant. Embedded in those organizations’ planning efforts is an important key to philanthropy: personal stories. Whether it is the story…

Philanthropy is a matter of the heart. It is manifested in actions that express thoughtfulness and behaviors that benefit people and increase the quality of life in our communities and society. The friendships and relationships accruing from philanthropic engagement means much more than just money. The traditional perception that only assets define the practice and…

Norma Murphy1942 – 2021 The entire Kinetic team was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear colleague, Norma Murphy. Norma worked as a Kinetic consultant for nearly 30 years and retired in 2020 as executive vice president. Prior to that, she was the vice president of development for the Cerebral Palsy Research…

Several years ago, I was working with an organization to help shore up their organizational development operation. While conducting a review of board giving, I came across a member who had given the same gift for 15 years. It wasn’t substantial, but it was consistent and large enough to catch my attention. What was unusual was…

Early in my fundraising career, I directed a mid-size university’s regular giving program. It was the first time I developed and managed the regular giving budget and determined the best use of those funds. I decided I would invest heavily in a fall appeal geared toward our most loyal donors. Since we were asking our…

Early in my career, I was a planned giving representative for a large religious and social service organization. During a presentation I was giving, a woman shared with me that she was going to include the nonprofit in her will. It was great news. Later, I searched our donor records and discovered that in the…

Harvesters is a food bank for the Kansas City region—a large warehouse-transportation distribution center for partners who provide food to those they serve. Before the pandemic, we’d been used to addressing natural disasters. Groups would rally to areas, so we had practice with that, but we had never faced a combination economic, health and education…

When a major fundraising campaign begins, one of the first tasks is to find leaders who can take on the tremendous challenge of seeing it through to the end. The question around the table is: Who will find this cause worthy enough to volunteer, knowing there will be challenges, frustrations and disappointments—along with the unbelievable…

I was probably 13-years old when I first heard the song on the radio, I Need Love, by LL Cool J. I liked the beat and melody, but I did not, initially, pay much attention to the words. It was not until I heard some guys in my class rap the lyrics that I felt compelled…

With a deep breath—heart pounding—I dialed the phone number. He answered on the first ring. An introverted young grant writer, calling the direct line of the director of a major foundation, on behalf of a nearly unknown nonprofit, was intimidating at best. It wasn’t my first call, but I will always remember it as a…

Last year, which—for many—is fading quickly in the rear view mirror, was certainly a challenge. But it also offered invaluable opportunities to learn and grow, lessons that should not be forgotten. As nonprofit donors, volunteers and fundraisers, we discovered much about ourselves and our organizations in 2020. We learned up-close and personally (even while being…

I recently heard my daughter tell some of her classmates what her mom did for work: “She’s a helper.” I love that description. It’s my mission and, apparently, my job. It is also an example of the power of philanthropy to positivity influence so many people—not only those served by nonprofits, but the donors, volunteers…

As a gender-inclusive fraternal organization, Alpha Phi Omega’s members improve the world one community service project at a time. Not surprisingly, our revenue took a big hit when college campuses switched to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our annual fund is supported through direct mail to our alumni members. We rely on…

My husband and I attended an event several years ago when I noticed a young woman sitting at a picnic table nearby, alone and crying. I walked over to check in, and her story spilled out. She and her boyfriend had moved there from another state, because they heard a company in town was hiring.…

I remember a time, as a child, when friends brought over boxes of food for our family. In my 11- or 12-year-old mind, I thought, “How nice that they brought us all this great stuff!” Looking back, I recognized that my parents had been going through a rough patch, financially, and they had needed the…

Great things can begin with small steps, and there is a multiplying factor when fundraisers, donors and nonprofits each do their part, while pulling together. In 2016, I was part of a community work group. Many of us have participated in committees like this. There was a common desire to do good, help people and…

As a fundraising consultant, I understand the value of connecting donors with nonprofit missions that matter to them. I know what it means to organizations to receive financial funding, but more than that—to receive enthusiastic support from donors whose gifts convey respect and appreciation for the nonprofit’s work. I also know what it means as…

I grew up in a large family. We lived modestly, but always had the essentials of life and made the most of our circumstances. Even though my parents had a limited income, they made sure to give their time and money to charitable causes. They paid a full tithe to the church, and participated regularly…

As fundraisers, we are often given a front row view of the positive impact of donors’ gifts and the power of philanthropy to change lives profoundly. Each of us encounters the power of philanthropy in our own space and time. In my case, I was working at Kansas City Hospice, as the first full-time grant…

One day, while stopping by my son’s elementary school, I struck up a conversation with two of his friends. One of the boys was wearing his school uniform; the other boy was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Since this was an unusual occurrence, I asked them about it. The one young man, wearing his street…

As the holiday season quickly approaches, everywhere, we see this reminder: ‘Tis the Season… We see it in commercials, newspaper ads, online banners, social media, billboards and numerous other platforms that draw our attention to the commercial side of the holidays. For nonprofits, ‘Tis the Season… is even more important and meaningful. As a major…

The following was adapted from a presentation I had the pleasure of making during Mi Esperanza’s gala fundraiser, Passport to Hope, in Covington, Louisiana. Mi Esperanza means MY HOPE and began in 2002 with a vision to provide life-sustaining change in the lives of women in the villages surrounding Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Everyone benefits from giving:…

I was at the library near my home on a recent Saturday morning wrapping up loose ends before a week on the road. I often tuck into my local branch on weekends to thin my briefcase. I looked up from my computer and saw a man walking slowly through the lobby toward the restrooms and…