Giving isn’t just about donating money, or about the amount you’re able to give. In honor of June 15’s Worldwide Day of Giving, this year, consider the small, intentional actions you can take that can have a meaningful impact.
Giving can come in many forms – in the nonprofit sector, this is often boiled down to the succinct phrase of giving time or treasure. In the turbulent world we are living in today, where the most vulnerable among us are at greatest risk and the organizations supporting them are facing budget cuts and challenges to their very existence, the scarcity mindset looms larger than ever before. Organizations fall into patterns of thinking that there’s not enough to go around, that it’s either us or them, or that a win by one is a loss for everyone else. When looking at time or treasure through this lens, it places leaders in the position of competing for resources, which puts them at greater risk of burnout, and challenges organizational sustainability.
So, what’s to be done? By shifting out of the scarcity mindset to one of abundance, and collectively buying in to the idea that resources and ideas multiply when shared, giving can be regenerative rather depleting. When organizations collaborate, it raises the tide, lifting all of the boats in the sector.
Here at Hera Hub, we have a nonprofit connection subhub, which meets monthly on the first Tuesday of each month at 11 am PT to discuss a variety of topics relevant to those working in or supporting the nonprofit sector. Past session topics include preventing burnout in leadership, building strong boards and strengthening governance, effective marketing and storytelling for impact, and habit formation strategies to thrive in nonprofit work. By sharing challenges we are facing, and gaining insights and strategic direction from others who are or have been similarly situated, together, we can continue to advance our missions, even when times are tough.
What are some actions you can take to contribute to this movement?
If you are a supporter/ally, consider:
- Introducing organizations you support to friends with similar interests and values
- Sharing your industry-specific expertise with organizations in need
- Re-sharing social media posts to amplify nonprofit messages and help them reach new audiences
- Spotlighting nonprofits and their work if you have a platform to do so
If you work in the nonprofit sector, consider:
- Sharing resources: whether it’s venue space, a connection, or a template
- Collaborating on a project where there is overlap in your missions
- Cross-promoting events where your followers and supporters may have a shared interest
- Mentoring others in the sector
- Co-hosting trainings for staff and volunteers
Give what you can, when you can, no matter how small it may seem. You have no idea what ripple effect it can have when others take your gift and continue to pay it forward.
About the Author
Natasia de Silva is the founder of The Inspired Ascent, a consulting practice that supports nonprofit leaders with strategic planning, board development, and capacity building. With a background in nonprofit leadership and a passion for sustainable impact, she helps mission-driven organizations grow with clarity and heart. Natasia is especially committed to fostering collaboration and resilience across the sector.
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/theinspiredascentco
Linkedin:
www.linkedin.com/in/natasiadesilva
