National Philanthropy Day
Ronald Reagan proclaimed November 15th National Philanthropy Day in 1986. He urged individuals and organizations to “observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to recognize the enormous achievements of all who have given of themselves for others, and to rededicate ourselves to the great tasks ahead.”
Let’s take a moment to reflect on this. It is important to note that this day is not just about donors. In the nonprofit sector, we are extremely aware that volunteers, staff, board members, and donors are groups of people who have ‘given of themselves’ to bring about new solutions, strengthen the community, and nurture a sense of generosity and togetherness. The nonprofit sector is remarkably potent in its ability to bring about such outcomes, and it is very cool there’s a day set aside to celebrate this.
And the bit about focusing on the “great tasks ahead” seems timely as we close out the year. The nonprofit sector is quite adept at doing that, and National Philanthropy Day seems like a great opportunity to define what these great tasks are. What comes to your mind? What are the issues that we need to highlight? Here’s a few:
Women are under-compensated in the nonprofit sector despite being more capable leaders than men (Nonprofit HR)
Low income individuals are shown to donate a higher percentage of their net income than wealthy people, despite the wealth gap that has been growing since the 1980s (Philanthropy Roundtable)
Minority-led organizations receive less funding than white-led organizations (The Chronicle of Philanthropy)
The ‘great tasks ahead’ can, perhaps, all be summed up in just a few words. Just as with the great tasks of today, they all pertain to the attainment of peace, diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and justice within our communities, our organizations, and our hearts.
Let’s use National Philanthropy Day to stand united in our desire to build healthier communities, to ensure that all nonprofit organizations are funded equitably, and that the wonderful diversity of people in our communities is celebrated and included as we all strive to create a better world.