The Basics of Giving – Mission and Impact!

I was reviewing, as the year was coming to a close, some articles I had pulled throughout the last 12 months that I had not read in detail. I was surprised to come across one from the Nonprofit Times back in June that I had not commented on. It's just as relevant now as it was six months ago. 

In a study conducted by Give.org, researchers asked questions of donors as to why they give to a nonprofit. And while there has been a justified increase in diversity equity and inclusion, what was tried and true is still valid today. The number one reason people give to their organization of choice is mission and outcome. What you do and who you affect. 

What was highlighted in the article is that DEI is not a major factor in the choice of where to give. The research went on to say that while donors are interested and advocating for stronger diversity equity and inclusion, it's not a “proxy” for their philanthropic choice.  In fact, those who responded to the survey indicated that it's an internal issue the organization must address, from the board of directors through the leadership to the staff and if appropriate highlighted by human resource departments.

I hope we all can agree the goals of DEI are critical for organizations.  We all should want a “blind” hiring process, as well as allocation of resources to those in need, where meritocracy and/or need is the only aspect we consider. And while it's obvious that's not always the case (unfortunately), we should all remember it's our mission and how we help others that are driving people to consider supporting what we do.

In the end, there's absolutely room for both thoughts. But it's a good reminder that some of the historic basics of knowing why people give still hold true today.