Blog / Commentary

It is Not Enough to Give…

In life, when we hire someone to do a job, we don’t simply write a check and then fail to follow up on the work being done. In many cases, doing so would lead to lackluster work.

Too often, we as a society approach the non-profit world this way. A powerful cause evokes strong emotions within us, encouraging us to write a check. But then we don’t have the needed care to follow up to ensure the money is actually going where it is supposed to go. As a result, we miss out on the very personal connection that makes giving so powerful.

Our philosophical approach to giving at the Helping Humanity Fund – is not simply to give, but to hold each dollar to account and to bridge that personal connection. Each dollar we donate to others, requires an ever-increasing degree of accountability. And for our own projects, we set the same standards we are applying to others.

We believe that if each donor demands accountability for his/her dollar, regardless of the project – the non-profit world will change drastically.

How does one demand accountability? Start by asking questions. Can projects be documented, receipts provided, etc.? If larger organizations say no, then work with smaller organizations who will. It is your money, and you have a right to be personally connected with the cause with which you have engaged.

We sincerely hope that over time, standards of donor-imposed accountability will grow. This will help to strengthen non-profit institutions and provide a greater output of good across a myriad of causes. It will also serve to increase the natural giving spirit within people, as when one feels personally connected to something – he/she is much more likely to engage.

And the beauty is, this doesn’t require additional money money to achieve – it simply requires a bit of time and care.