How to Become a Philanthropist like Betty White (Part1)

When we hear the word "philanthropist" images come to mind of extremely wealthy people like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and (my most recent favorite) Dolly Parton who give tens of millions of dollars to charity each year. While by definition such celebrities are absolutely philanthropists, I believe that we have too strongly linked extreme wealth with the term in a way that has led those of us who will never reach that level of net worth to believe what we do for good doesn't also qualify us as philanthropists. Let's realign the term philanthropist with what it actually means- someone who does deeds or takes action showing love to "mankind".

What does this have to do with Betty White? If we have to look to celebrities for examples, Betty White is an incredible example of the type of philanthropist we should all aspire to be. I'm sure that Betty gave money to the charities she cared most about but that's not how she chose to best help non-profit organizations- she was a philanthropist by bringing awareness to causes, serving as an ambassador for those in need, and volunteering her time to charities.

So how can you start today on your journey to become a philanthropist? I'll break it down into two parts, volunteerism and responsible giving. This post will offer suggestions on how to get started volunteering; I'll give you a week to take action then next week I'll post step two with tips on how to make the most of whatever funds you are able to donate. Here we go:

First, What's Your Why?

Finding a cause that you actually care about is the number one way to make sure that any of this is truly impactful. Please note: I did not say that it has to be some cause that deeply impacts your soul.... it just needs to be something that actually interests you. Common motivations:

1. Personal relationship to yourself or someone important in your life. Example: Volunteering to support cancer research because you experienced a loved one go through a cancer battle.
2. It's just something that has always tugged at your heart. Example: As a young child the ASPCA commercials feat. Sarah McLachlan's "In the Arms of an Angel" made you cry and forevermore be sensitive to causes supporting animal welfare (IYKYK).
3. You have a specific skill set that you'd like to develop and can do so by working with an organization. Example: You're a financial advisor who would like to develop your socialization/public speaking skills so you find a nonprofit looking for volunteers to lead financial literacy classes for underprivileged youth.
4. You want to boost your resumé. Example: You're in sales and there isn't budget for you to have a team under you. You want to add management experience to your resumé so you join then lead a fundraising committee for a local nonprofit.

Second, Research Non-profits Needing Help

Just as important as finding a motivation to volunteer is finding the right non-profit organization to give your time to. It's easy to call to mind a number of big national organizations who might need assistance but I'm going to urge you to try to find somewhere local. Not only are smaller, local charities typically the ones who are working the hardest with the least amount of resources, but they also tend to provide a more direct level of support to those in need thus allowing you a more interactive experience.

1. In the U.S. we have VolunteerMatch, an incredible national database of non-profit organizations looking for volunteers just like you.
2. Check with your employer. If the company you work for has a charity or foundation, they probably have a platform to assist you in finding volunteer opportunities.
3. Never underestimate Google. "Volunteer opportunity Austin Texas environment clean-up trash pick up" just found me 43 million results in .71 seconds.

Third, Not Just Any Non-profit but One That Really Needs You

This is the one that might seem a bit controversial but if you really want to use your time in the most effective way for you and the charity, talk to their volunteer coordinator and be sure you are a good fit for their needs. While volunteering provides you benefits, often organizations tend to have to DO extra work creating programs that they don’t really need in order to recruit volunteers. That’s not a good use of anyone’s time. Meet them where they are and allow them to do the same. 

Lastly, Be Consistent 

Most non-profits will take you up on your offer to volunteer anytime, even if it’s just for one hour at a seasonal event. If you aren't able to commit to more, try to at least plan for that one hour at that one event to be a consistent act of volunteerism for you.

Now go get started and come back next week to finish your transformation into a Betty White kind of philanthropist.