Giving back is a topic near and dear to me. I am sure this is so for all of you reading this. There are so many needs in every community that we can clearly see – how can we possibly not help?
In San Antonio, we are truly blessed with amazing generosity from wonderful corporate citizens, incredibly committed foundations, and philanthropically minded individuals. I truly believe the need to engage and help is a basic characteristic of being a caring human being. Monetary gifts are always needed by non-profit organizations. Yet in an increasingly expensive world, that is not always the answer for many of us who live on strict budgets. The reality is there is simply not enough to extend beyond meeting our basic cost-of-living obligations.
The reason I wanted to address this topic is that I am living proof that giving of yourself in unique ways will bring benefits you never imagined were possible. The richness of my life today is directly related to my involvement in our community over the years. I’m blessed with a broad range of friends and associates who would not be in my life had it not been for my community involvement. As a self-employed and solely self-supporting woman, I’ve had to learn how to go beyond monetary means to fill my need to help others by giving back. Here are some examples of how.
My story: I’m a people person whose mission is to bring people together for a mutually beneficial outcome. This allows me to raise money and awareness, both essential for growing an organization.
The point I want to make: Non-profit organizations must ensure their financial resources are directed to delivering needed services. So when valuable skills are donated, their financial bottom line remains focused on the core purpose while they gain tools and insights to help them grow. What are your capabilities? Are you a strong leader or a good team member? Do you have a knack for numbers? Are you well organized? What is your profession? What is a key interest or hobby? How can you contribute your knowledge and abilities to help an organization?
My story: When I first moved to San Antonio, I was invited to sit on the local board of the American Diabetes Association. Even though I did not have diabetes, I had a lifetime friend with diabetes who committed suicide. My interest in diabetes was very personal and that fueled my passion which drove me to give deeply to the ADA. My active involvement in that organization generated awareness within the community of what I could contribute.
The point I want to make: Follow your heart. Are you drawn to social issues involving children, the homeless, health, education, the arts, or the environment? Be fueled by your passion and you’ll be able to reach more deeply into your heart and soul to give. In the process, others will be inspired as they become aware of your capabilities.
My story: I have a dear friend who seems to have everything and the means to buy anything she wants for herself. This makes it hard to find a gift for her. So I made a contribution in her name to one of her favorite organizations. She said it was the best gift she’d received that year.
The point I want to make: Look for opportunities to make worthy contributions. Let’s face it, we all have lots of stuff and probably don’t need more. Instead of giving items for gifts, consider making donations in honor of friends, associates, and clients to their favorite causes.
Here are the stories of three other individuals who chose to give in unique ways and from their hearts.
- Patricia Quintana Perron, a partner with BKD CPAs and Advisors, felt unsatisfied in her service on multiple non-profit boards. So after considering how she could make a difference in a way more meaningful and unique to her, Patricia chose to shift her giving from sitting on boards to developing in-depth strategic plans for 1-2 non-profit organizations every year. This is a tremendous pro-bono gift, extremely valuable to any organization and worth thousands of dollars that the non-profit would never be able to allocate funds for.
- My niece, Jennifer Elliott, and Farzad Askari were married in Houston on November 16 of this year. Both are very successful and established business people. Realizing that they are at a point in their lives when giving to others is what feels right, Jenny and Farzad suggested that family and friends consider NOT giving them wedding gifts. Instead, they asked that donations be made to The Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research. The foundation was founded by Jenny’s matron of honor, Jaimie Broach, and her late husband, James, who recently lost his battle with brain cancer.
These are just a few examples of how giving does not have to be formulaic or limited to anyone’s expectations or preconceived notion. Giving is meant to be personal and from YOUR own heart. This is the kind of unique giving that is fulfilling on so many levels to both the recipient and the giver.
As for my personal circumstances – Had I not made the commitment to actively give of my time, money, heart and soul, there would be no Elliott Connection, LLC!!
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