This text is part of the special Philanthropy section
A one-time donation of a few dollars, a recurring donation or even a planned donation are motivated by a common goal: to act to improve things. And if choices are often made based on our emotions, we must not lose sight of the factual elements communicated by an organization or a foundation in order to evaluate their impact: annual reports, governance structure, composition of the board of directors , sustainability, etc.
“An individual tends to give to causes that are directly related to their life experience — hospital, school, local community,” says Clarence Epstein, executive director of the Claudine and Stephen Bronfman Family Foundation. “A foundation like ours has decided to give priority to certain sectors — the environment, entrepreneurship, culture and community services. Our foundation’s team analyzes these ecosystems in order to increase the chances of impact. We try to be judicious, innovative and proactive. »
Mr. Epstein recalls that, in the world of philanthropy, much attention is paid to analyzing impact based on key performance indicators or administrative expense ratios and, if Although budgetary efficiency is essential in large organizations, it is much less so when it comes to supporting small-scale causes. “If you decide to support causes for many years with the intention of doing good, you have to have confidence that your “return on investment” [sera démontré]. »
See beyond the simple donation
When we want to do a good deed and choose to make a donation, whatever it may be, it is interesting to look at the long-term effects and secondary ramifications of a philanthropic action, beyond the immediate results.
Josée Darche, general director of the J.-Louis Lévesque Foundation, refers to the ripple effect, the ripple effect, in philanthropy, a concept according to which we focus on the cumulative and expanding effect of a philanthropic action or a donation on a community or a cause. “Like the waves that propagate on the surface of water when you throw a stone, the effects of a philanthropic action can spread well beyond its initial starting point,” she illustrates.
The benefits of a carefully chosen donation or philanthropic initiative are not only limited to those who benefit directly, but can also affect other people or aspects of society indirectly. She gives as an example a donation to support children’s education. “It can generate positive impacts on the child’s family, their community and even society as a whole in the long term, helping to create a cycle of social and economic improvement. »
Do better, one donation at a time
Doing well, but better, encourages philanthropists to take a holistic approach and consider the most effective ways to maximize their contribution to lasting positive change. “A relevant question to ask yourself when considering donating is whether you want your support to fill gaps in existing services or whether you want to direct your funds to institutions that are not part of the social safety net , specifies Mr. Epstein. Whatever your choice, the needs are great. »
Remember that there are important differences between the act of making a personal donation, what we call local philanthropy, and that of going through a foundation — whose main objective is philanthropic support. Accountability, kindness and rigor are some of these differences.
“Our foundation has decided to prioritize supporting Montreal’s institutions and communities. This is a personal decision of the Bronfman family based on their values and resources. It is also a strategic decision, because we believe that we can have more concrete action if we act at the local level,” specifies Mr. Epstein. Other donors may favor different regions or causes of local, national or international scope. “No matter what, it is essential to learn about the subjects that interest you and to make your decisions based on what is important to you,” concludes the general director.
Donors play a much greater role than the simple fact of donating an amount out of emotion: it is an involvement which is in accordance with one’s convictions and which must be thought through rigorously. “Take the time to visit the foundation’s website, learn about its mission, read the annual reports, participate in events, become a partner in the cause,” says Josée Darche. Those who give can grow with an organization and advance a cause. A person who gives and gets behind a cause is part of the solution. » It is therefore by letting the heart and the head work together, with the aim of maximizing the impact of its involvement, that we can envision a better world.
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.