In today’s Giving Tuesday issue of The Goods, we are shining a light on philanthropy. Join us as we uncover the power of storytelling, explore the push to protect donor privacy, and share tips to develop an effective giving strategy for 2024. Let’s hit pause on the holiday bustle and examine the many ways we can give back to our communities.
The Goods is a newsletter that helps social impact communicators keep track of the latest updates, trends, and industry best practices. This content is compiled and curated monthly by Jade Floyd, Victoria Dellacava, and Nancy Hine.
Storytelling for Change
Stories have the power to tap into our emotions and create profound connections that facts and statistics alone cannot achieve. Storytelling is a potent and transformational force that can shape attitudes, impact beliefs, and provide a framework to steer organizational change.
Change experts state that leaders can craft an impactful narrative by following four steps:
- Deeply understand their vision and distill it into simple, digestible terms.
- Acknowledge and respect the organization’s history and how it fits into their vision.
- Articulate a convincing call for change.
- Outline a methodical yet optimistic way forward.
Good leaders and good storytellers evangelize their narratives, cementing them in our memories. Whether you’re looking to inspire a cultural shift within your organization or, perhaps, hoping to increase employee volunteerism and philanthropy, consider the story you’ll tell to inspire others to follow your lead. (Harvard Business Review)
Support for Donor Privacy
Controversy is bubbling as government officials debate the appropriate level of IRS oversight for nonprofits. In response, organizations across the ideological spectrum have come together to make one thing clear: the First Amendment right to donor privacy must be upheld and protected.
Organizations voiced their concerns about the potential impact increased IRS authority could have on donor privacy. Nonprofits have contended that the IRS has a poor reputation for protecting confidential information. If granted more authority over nonprofit activity, the IRS would gain access to donor names and addresses—information that, if inadvertently or deliberately disclosed, could have damaging impacts on people’s lives.
Considering the fact that nonprofits play a critical role in advocating and shaping public policy and that the IRS already uses vague definitions to define ‘political activity’, there is no question that increased IRS oversight and authority could deter nonprofits from further civic engagement. It’s not hard to imagine that charitable giving would also take a hit if donors were required to disclose their giving to the IRS.
Ultimately, Congress has the power to ensure continued social progress by preserving the Constitutional right to donor privacy. (Philanthropy Roundtable)
Philanthropy in 2024
With 94% of US companies planning to increase giving next year, here are GSG’s top tips to make your giving strategy as effective as possible in 2024.
- When choosing causes to support, keep an eye on the news. During election years, headlines about social issues increase, especially those debated by candidates. The result? Greater engagement in topical causes and an increase in popular support.
- Make employee giving easy. A whopping 71% of employees say it’s a priority to work for an organization that supports philanthropy. Establish a culture of giving by matching employee donations or allowing employees to donate directly from their paychecks.
- Think local to build trust. Partner with small, local charities to build long-lasting community links and make an impact. Active giving—through fundraising events and in-kind donations of time, skills, and expertise—not only strengthens internal relationships and boosts employee satisfaction, but also benefits local residents.
- Encourage volunteerism. Company-sponsored volunteer opportunities can inspire employees to give back. Increase volunteerism in your organization by allowing employees to volunteer during work hours via “Volunteer Time Off” hours or host a day of service for your employees to participate in as a group.
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