Comments for New Voices of Philanthropy

Comment on The Price of Inaction by Megan Strand

Megan Strand — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:47:14 +0000

I don’t know anyone who couldn’t relate to this post – how many times we just rush about our daily lives and pass by those people (or bunnies) that need us.

In the awesome book, Survivors Club, a young man was interviewed that jumped off the Golden Gate bridge and miraculously survived. He remembered waiting on top of the bridge for a long while, just waiting for someone to notice him and commented that if someone had made even a basic inquiry, he wouldn’t have jumped. The only woman who spoke to him was a tourist. She stopped and asked him to take her picture.

This story and its lesson is relevant to organizations as well. Sometimes we think we may not have the time or resources to address those challenges presented to us on a daily basis. But maybe, just maybe, if we stopped long enough to think about lending our resources, we’d find a way.

Thanks for sharing your story.

Comment on Small Change: Why Business Won’t Save the World by Archana

Archana — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:53:42 +0000

Thanks for the link, Trista!

Comment on Know What You Want (and then ask for it) by Dan Blakemore

Dan Blakemore — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:38:16 +0000

I agree with you, Trista. If both people are clear on what the focus of the conversation will be, it should be productive for all involved.

Comment on Know What You Want (and then ask for it) by Interesting articles and posts from January 29th through February 21st :: tera wozniak qualls

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:07:15 +0000

[...] New Voices of Philanthropy » Blog Archive » Know What You Want (and then ask for it) – [...]

Comment on I’m done being busy by Athena

Athena — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:27:22 +0000

I’ll join you!… as soon as I have a free minute:) Thanks for making the point that paperwork doesn’t replace judgement. Well put-

Comment on So You Wanna Be Program Officer? by New Voices of Philanthropy » Blog Archive » Know What You Want (and then ask for it)

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:23:14 +0000

[...] unclear about what they want me to be, think, or do. Did they want a grant from Headwaters? Maybe. Were they looking for a new position and wanted some advice? Possibly. Did they want me to buy into their nutrient drink pyramid scheme? I don’t know [...]

Comment on I’m done being busy by Malik

Malik — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:45:21 +0000

Let’s be clear. That emphasis on paperwork, proof, and arguments for making a grant arises from a work culture that overly inflates academic research, and the culture of ‘traditional academic’ settings often, there’s more emphasis on say-nothing reports than being a learning organization. Enough with the blond worship of titles, white papers and academia.

Onwards with learning — in all it’s forms.

Comment on I’m done being busy by Monise Seward

Monise Seward — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:40:52 +0000

Where do I sign-up? I have been working the past 2.5 years to develop and grow a non-profit Visual and Performing Arts Charter School with no luck. A 1-page proposal is not enough room to explain to philanthropic organizations that we are not a private/religious school, we do not charge tuition or require admissions tests. After explaining all of that, there is very little room left for the mission, vision, and purpose of the rganization. I feel as though I have entered the game too late and I am not adequately prepared. Many of the good resources available are costly, which is an oxymoron for a ‘new’ nonprofit. So what would be the best way for me to break-in o the other side, e.g., working for a philanthropic organization as opposed to trying to get funding from one?

Thanks,

Monise

Comment on I’m done being busy by Charles

Charles — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:09:26 +0000

I’m with you, Trista! I also think this isn’t just an issue within philanthropic organizations, but within the larger nonprofit sector, and I’m sure in other sectors as well.

Comment on I’m done being busy by Pam McAllister

Pam McAllister — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:53:05 +0000

I’m with you! And congratulations on staying focused on the potential of your work — rather than the minutiae. I left my last staff job in favor of self-employment, but the same busyness can afflict all of us, wherever we are. Part of the human condition, I guess.

Btw, I’m a boomer … far from retiring to the lake cabin (although that sounds good some days). And really glad to see a new generation of change agents.

Best regards,
Pam