What’s in the word?

The word philanthropy, whilst remaining traditional and full of prestige, has lost its meaning in the widerreaches of modern society. Philanthropy is perhaps not a word used by the younger generation, and ismore commonly associated with a super rich, older generation.Our generation are far more likely to use the word ‘giving’ when describing an act of philanthropy. Thisword is more likely to encompass the lower to middle classes, and may be associated with long-tail, smallamounts of giving, rather than the weighty numbers attached with the word philanthropy.

Our Generation

Mobile

Anything, Anywhere, Anytime

With mobile phones now providing the internet through location independent, 3G platforms, we are nowused to getting information and interacting wherever we are, whenever we want to.

Social

Anyone in the worldThrough Social Media sites (Facebook, Twitter) and forums, blogs and any website with user generatedcontent, it is simple to put your message out there.Charities need to harness low friction payments (Mobile, GetGiving etc) and master the art of conversation. Through the mediums of Social Media, everyone is on a level playing field, no matter whatthe budget. Charities are able to communicate honestly and transparently to spread their message, andthey will be accepted and embraced by the social community.

Future of Philanthropy

Blended Models

In the 21

century, there are blended models of how to make money and give something back. Largerbusinesses are succumbing to corporate responsibility and turning to philanthropy in a bid to ridthemselves of the ‘for self profit’ reputation they may currently carry. There aim is to continue to besuccessful whilst giving money to charity or working on social enterprise projects. Those in the charitysector, or those who wish to donate but may not have ample resources, are also looking to socialenterprise to make their impact.‘Make money whilst doing good is a fundamental concept of philanthropy in 2010 and onwards. Not onlydo people want to create more sustainable solutions when they give, but they also want to be successfulthemselves whilst doing good for others.It is important to use a combination metrics that business people understand. This means calculating areturn of investment and being able to provide measurable results.

Technology

Technology has brought massive opportunities to giving since the Internet became such a mainstream tool,and now reaches even further with mobile internet.For example, the mobile app, GetGiving facilitates instant, location-independent giving in a few presses of a keypad, allowing donors to pay at the point of emotion. For example if they connect with a charitiesmessage on a billboard they can now donate whilst being inspired by or engaged with that ad.The social side of this technology means that everyone in the world can participate in conversationsthrough many platforms (CRM) and devices, and charities and business should be communicating throughevery means possible. Whether it is by post, email, SMS, social media, videos, apps etc.Allowing your customers or clients or followers to communicate with you via these channels giveseveryone choice to get in touch no matter what their preference. This is an extremely effective method of communicating with everyone, and with a member of staff to respond in a fast, reactionary manner (toSMS, Soc.med, email etc) you can create a firm support network for those interested in you.Find those who support you and APPRECIATE them – Badges – web pagesEmail thanks – Christmas giftJust Giving bring local ambassadors to the surface and it gives relational pressure to make small donation.

Enterprising Development

When looking at investment into an enterprising development, it is essential to envisage the long termplan for that project. One off donations or short burst of funding will not beneficial for the cause unless amodel is put in place that can be sustained and developed.For example, see the analogy below:Give them Fish – Eat for Today –

Good

Teach them how to Fish – Feed a Family –

Better

Teach them to teach others. Show how to make fishing rod. Change a country. –

Best

To break Africa’s Western dependability we need to create and equip leaders who can disciple and mentoryoung mothers and fathers, not just good children.