Inviting Others to Experience the Joy of Giving: A New Year Challenge!
Last month, I had the honor of addressing our annual alumni fundraising dinner on the joy of giving. The warmth and engagement from our alumni community were truly inspiring, prompting me to extend the conversation beyond our immediate circle. In this article, I wish to share the essence of that speech with the broader public, inviting everyone to explore the transformative power of giving and philanthropy.
Facts about Giving
Numerous inspirational quotes emphasize the virtue of giving, all of which we can succinctly summarize by the timeless wisdom, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” While this resonates with many of us, the logical assumption follows that, giving leaves us with less, and, therefore, should make us less happy.
However, research has debunked this notion.
Far from diminishing well-being, giving has been scientifically proven to enhance lives. Psychological, physiological, and social benefits accompany the act of giving.
Psychological Benefits: Giving, whether it’s money, time, or skills, brings joy to both the giver and receiver. Remarkably, research indicates that the joy derived from giving lasts longer and runs deeper, fostering feelings of meaning and purpose in life.
Physiological Benefits: When one gives, the brain responds similarly to receiving. Donating money activates the pleasure and reward centers of the brain just as much as receiving money. It’s also argued that giving contributes to reduced stress, higher tolerance to pain, and potential anti-aging effects. Now you know what to do if you want to slow your aging process. The figure below shows how your brain responds to happiness!
While acknowledging that the benefits of giving are not always direct, it’s safe to conclude that giving contributes to a positive emotional state and, consequently, overall well-being.
Social Benefits: Giving is a socially learned and replicated behavior. It enriches people’s reputations and social relationships—kind individuals are likable, and others naturally want to be around them.
So what can we do to experience this joy?
Let’s delve into practical steps that can guide us on the path to experiencing the joy of giving:
- Identify Your Areas of Interest: Reflect on your past experiences to pinpoint areas that resonate with you. For instance, if you’ve overcome challenges related to education, you might be drawn to supporting vulnerable children by covering school fees.
- Start Small, Grow Gradually: Similar to any other goal, it’s essential to commence with modest steps and progressively expand your efforts. Beginning small allows for a more manageable and sustainable approach, ensuring a solid foundation for your giving journey.
- Make Long-Term Commitments: Sustainable impact often arises from long-term commitments. Consider dedicating yourself to causes that align with your values over an extended period. Long-term engagement fosters deeper connections and more meaningful contributions.
- Look for Opportunities to Practice Giving: Actively seek out occasions where you can practice giving, whether through volunteer work, offering your skills, or contributing your time. Actively participating in opportunities amplifies the impact of your giving and allows you to witness and experience more joy.
- Set Annual/Monthly Giving Goals: Just as you establish financial savings goals, consider incorporating giving goals into your plans. Set clear targets for the amount or resources you aim to contribute annually or monthly. This intentional approach ensures that giving becomes an integral part of your overall lifestyle and financial planning.
What can we do to help others experience the joy of giving?
Let’s explore effective ways to encourage others to experience the joy of giving. Understanding that many individuals express a desire to give but may lack clarity on how to do so, it becomes our responsibility, especially as non-profits, to extend invitations for them to partake in the joy of giving. In this endeavor, we are all called to be ambassadors of our shared cause, recognizing that the act of giving is inherently contagious.
With this in mind, here are some practical steps in inviting others to give.
Invite Others to Participate: Actively encourage individuals to participate in activities aligned with their cause. Whether it’s attending events, volunteering, or engaging in collaborative efforts, their involvement can make a meaningful impact.
Encourage Involvement in a Noble Activity: Present the opportunity for others to be part of a noble activity that contributes to our mission. This can range from educational initiatives to community-building projects, allowing individuals to play a role in a cause that aligns with their values.
Promote Contributions to a Worthy Cause: Articulate the significance of contributing to a worthy cause. Help others recognize the tangible impact of their contributions, emphasizing the transformative effects on the lives of those we aim to support.
Facilitate the Experience of Giving Joy: Highlight the joy that accompanies the act of giving. Share personal experiences and stories that showcase the fulfillment derived from making a positive impact, making it relatable and inspiring for others.
Highlight Impact: Showcase the tangible impact of collective efforts. Illustrate how individual contributions, when combined, create a ripple effect of positive change.
Share Success Stories: Inspire others by sharing success stories that underscore the real-world outcomes of giving. Concrete examples provide a powerful narrative that resonates with potential contributors.
Address Needs and Challenges: While sharing the positive aspects, be transparent about the needs and challenges your cause faces. Strike a balance by communicating the urgency without overwhelming potential contributors.
NB: When extending invitations, pay attention to the language used. Employ words that resonate with empathy and understanding, making the communication inviting rather than burdensome. For instance, consider saying, “Let’s come together to educate one more girl.”
Conclusion
As we collectively embark on setting new year goals across various facets of our lives, a unique challenge is extended to each one of us—to incorporate “giving goals” into our aspirations. However, let us not confine the joy of giving to a solitary experience. Instead, let’s actively reach out and invite others to share in the profound joy that comes from making a positive impact. Together, we can amplify the ripple effect of generosity, creating a brighter and more compassionate future for all.
Wishing you a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Article by Lucy Njue, a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Grants Proposal Development Consultant, Author of "The Basics of Fundraising," Social Impact YouTuber and Speaker, and Creator of Proposal Writing and Fundraising Courses. Check her work on: https://realtimeinsights.co.ke/ and https://lucynjue.com/