Saheed Kehinde Yusuf

Topic: Making an Impact: Are Your Philanthropic Efforts Addressing the Root of the Problem? Author: Kellie Rastegar Revision Date: 02/287/2022 Word count: 835 making an impact, philanthropy Making an Impact: Are Your Philanthropic Efforts Addressing the Root of the Problem? At first glance, it would appear that philanthropy is working. After all, Pphilanthropic giving has increased year after year since 1977, with 2020 increment eclipsing recordsbeing no exception. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, in 2020 alone, Americans collectively donatedprovided $471.44 billion in monetary donationsphilanthropy, up 5.1% from 2019. Yet, despite this risingincrease in contributions to promoting human welfare philanthropic efforts, keyperennial societal problems persists or, in some cases, keep multiplyinghave too swelled in number. An unfortunate proof that our decades-long attempt to balance the welfare scale continues to elude us. Nevertheless, Because theif goal of philanthropy is meant to bridge the disparity in wellness and fortunes of those on the low-end of the income scalebracket and the high-earners making an impact, then we cannot ignore this acute paradoxical phenomenon is one too acute to be ignored. But we have to answer certain questions in order to massively improve the impact of our donations. This is why iTo this end,n this article asks we raise the question of whether our current philanthropic efforts are truly solving welfare challenges the ‘problems’ society faces, or merely sustaining bankrolling them into perpetuity — as well as and explores providing a viable pathway to solutions. The Many Faces of Philanthropy It can be difficult to Ddetermining the impact ofwhether or not philanthropy is making an impact is often difficult simply because there are so many different facets of giving. Donors and high-net-worth individuals can make monetary contributions to a particular cause, which is the most popular form of charityphilanthropic giving. AlternativelyConversely, they can increase their personal level of involvement and commitdonate more time and energy to supportworking hand in hand with local organizations, passing out meals at a local soup kitchen or bathing dogs at an local animal shelter. Another popular form of Pphilanthropy iscan even take place in the donation of basic resources or relief materials, such as medical equipment, canned food, clothing, and computers, and the like which are delivered directly to individuals in need. Emotional vs. Strategic EClosely examiningIt’s only when the intent behind giving can establishphilanthropic efforts is closely examined that it becomes clear if they philanthropic exterions are in fact addressing the root cause of the problem or simply papering over the cracks. In the world of giving, aActs of givingions typically takestem from one of two dimensionsplaces. The first encompasses is from a place of compassion and empathy and is, which is often referred to as charity. This form of generosity usually attempts to provide a prompt but ese are philanthropic efforts that largely arise to solve the short- term solution to a crisis and, in return, grantsprovide emotional relief to the givers. Let us consider this provision of aid in the context For example, take the problem of homelessness. Charity would entaillook like offeringproviding food and temporary shelters to people without housinghomeless populations so that they are able to meet their dayto -day, essential needs. Philanthropyic efforts, on the other hand, focuses on come from a place of the strategic, calcuated applicationthinking of financial or expert resources to solves social issues. , deep study and calculation. Using the same exampleAlso in the context of homelessness, true philanthropy requires identifying and addressing the potential underlying factors of homelessness, such as chronic drug abuse, inadequate access tolack of mental health resources, or low housing inventory. The ultimate goal ofwith philanthropy is to initiate and executecreate a long- term plan tothat prevents the ‘symptoms’ from replicating repeating itself. Unfortunately though, charity often looks and feels better than consideringtaking a more deliberatestrategic approachfix and consequently , which is the favorite approach ofwhy it is the path donors often take. To illustrate, Cclearing a street of homeless tents and seeing people in a shelter can triggerprovide the warm illusion of an intervention that worksthat the problem has been solved. WhereasHowever, it’s only when vulnerablethere is certainty that individuals remain offin crisis will not return to the streets would good intentions and deeds be delivering the desired resultsthat philanthropy can be certain it is making an impact. Finding the Root Cause High- net- worth individuals can seeking to maximize the tangible results and impacteffect of their philanthropic efforts bycan and should focus on identifying isolate the root causes of the key social issues they wish’d like to improve. Better utiilzation of material and immaterial donations To accomplish this begins with will take deepan extensive study into the institutional forces, both political and societal, at play that are aggravating humanitarain crises, from extreme poverty to widespread illiteracy in certain countriesfeeding the problem. Also, AaIt will also take a certain level of bravery and courage advocacy on the part of the individuals or groups is crucial to reinforcing the correlation between philanthropy and raising good quality of life. For instance, A key factorsuspect public poilcy is driving the homelessness crisis in certain parts of the country is directly tied to public policy. C certain public policies rules and regulations have made it all but prohibitive to build stymied affordable housing schemes, and would require a philanthropist looking to address homelessness may find themselves in the uncomfortable position of having to take a political stand to address. Fortunately, giving does not have to demand an individual take a costly personal positionmake a politcal resolve — which could compromise their personal or professional wellbeing — decisionthough, as there is a wealth of information and resources available that simplify the do make the task of investigating finding the root cause of social issues much easier. Philanthropists can often find within the premisescoffers of local universities and institutions of higher learning, experts eager to work with donors on creating a lasting impact. A donor can also coordinate directly with non-profit organizations, thatwho will have the front of the line data, to better understand the current situation and explore the best solutions. Additionally, generous individuals can hire professional consultants to examine the potentialdesired impact of philanthropic pursuits a donor is looking to achieve and createinitiateassemble a plans for their execution its accomplishment. Once the decision is made isto be philanthropic and not charitable, the pieces of the puzzle will probablyoften fall into place, that translatetransforming that vision into reality. Influencing Outcomes: Investing in the Right Is Key to Maximizing Philanthropy Philanthropy remains a critical optionway for high- net- worth individuals to create an impact in promoteenhance the liivving conditions ofin their local communitiesy and the in overall society at large. Through philanthropic donations and charitable endeavors, donors can empower those underprivileged and underserved in ways that government and private business can not. However, to maximize the effectiveness of these resources, we must direct it is critical thatour philanthropy towardis invested in causes that will the sources, not the symptoms, ofsolve the root problems of key social challenges to a quality lifeissues. Only by committing to this pathdoing so, can philanthropists be certain they’re truly makeing a genuine difference in the lives of those vulnerable.