Stella Boyle Smith Trust Gives $1 Million Gift to ACH; Tolletts Give $3 Million to UAMS Jones Eye Center; UA Reports 17 Percent Rise in Private Gifts In Fiscal 2010 – now those are the kinds of headlines you like to see. Those weren’t the only good headlines regarding philanthropy, just the ones I happened to see.
Jason Franklin is the executive director of Bolder Giving, a New York-based nonprofit dedicated to inspiring people to support important causes, issues and communities by pledging a substantial portion of their wealth to charity. He said, “Scores of ordinary people are stepping up, committing 20 percent, 50 percent, even 90 percent of their income or assets to important causes. Next-door philanthropists are an important part of the fabric of American life, and we are thrilled to celebrate their commitments to give, as well as those of the 40 extraordinary billionaire U.S. families who recently committed 50 percent or more of their assets to charity.”
Some years ago I worked for a nonprofit that was building a new wing, and employees were invited to give or pledge money for the cause. Nonprofits aren’t known for their high wages; however, when you love the institution, you want to help. I mulled over how much I could afford. What would happen if I needed that money for an emergency? A pledge is a pledge.
When I heard that one of the janitors, a man who looked to be in his 70s, made the first gift, it didn’t take me long to make up my mind about my pledge. Although it took me about two or three years to pay it, as I remember, it was worth every penny.
If you have a feeling that you haven’t been as philanthropic as you’d like, please take a look at our annual Wish List from nonprofit organizations. Read their stories, see what they need and send them a check. Times are a little wobbly these days, but there’s always something you can do to help.
Sincerely,
Becki Moore
Publisher and Editor, Soirée