How To Make Your Values Matter

The leftovers are long gone, and so is your extended family. But if you’re still feeling thankful, what better way to pass on that feeling than to help a new generation of Terps? This Giving Tuesday, you can help alleviate the burden on thousands of students, sending them into exam week and the holiday season with the best present of all: financial peace of mind. Of course, your generosity can extend beyond your alma mater to support cancer research, earthquake victims or many other causes. Angela Bies, the School of Public Policy’s Endowed Associate Professor of Global Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, explains how you can give to best reflect your values.

Why Do Nonprofits Matter?

Nonprofits literally permeate our lives from cradle to grave. I was born in a nonprofit hospital. I took nonprofit dance lessons and played nonprofit sports. Donors funded my education at a nonprofit liberal arts college and paved the way for my future. My grandparents are buried in a nonprofit cemetery, and my mom is in a nonprofit nursing home. I listen to nonprofit radio. Foundations and donors fund university research, scholarships and activities to create the next generation of visionary nonprofit leaders, and on and on it goes.

What Is the Role of Philanthropy in Giving Today?

It plays a very significant role in scientific research and discovery and helps inform public policy. There’s increased reliance on nonprofit and philanthropic actors in the co-delivery of public services. Partnerships between the three sectors—government, industry and nonprofits—are necessary to tackle the world’s most challenging problems, like climate change and poverty alleviation.

How Should People Approach Giving?

They have to balance the head and the heart. Many donors give when asked, but the starting point shouldn’t be, “What should I do in response to this request?” It should be, “How do I want to put forth my values in the world?” Taking a step back and using a rubric of your values and due diligence to make decisions opens possibilities you might not have considered before.

What Are Some Issues to Consider Before Donating?

Does it make sense to work through an existing organization or create something new? There are also different ways to make donations, whether through contributing to a general operating fund for unrestricted use or to specific campaigns, buildings or services. There’s the question of near-term versus long-term donations—trying to fix something urgent today or deciding to focus on a lasting contribution over a longer-range horizon. Also, do you want to give smaller gifts to a number of organizations, or go deep within one organization? Can I offer my time or expertise, in addition to my dollars?

Why Should People Give?

One common misconception is that it’s only for the ultra wealthy. Small contributions can add up to big change. There’s also new research about health and brain science that suggests that we may benefit from giving. If a person thinks it’s their imagination that it feels good to give, it’s probably not—it’s good and it’s good for us.

Resources

GuideStar: Repository of registered nonprofits operating in the United States; includes each organization’s IRS form 990.

Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance: Site offers evaluations and accountability standards.

InterAction: Coalition of international development and relief organizations based in the Washington, D.C. area.

Local resources include Maryland Nonprofits and the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers.