Document Type

Article

Date

2017

Comments

Papers written by graduate students for Assistant Professor Patricia Sobczak's Public Administration 656 Fund Development for the Nonprofit Sector course.

Date of Submission

March 2017

Abstract

There are many elements to consider when creating a culture of philanthropy. First, one must acknowledge the definition of philanthropy. Philanthropy is defined as “the practice of giving money and time to help make life better for other people” (Philanthropy, n.d., para 1). Although this is true, an organization which promotes a culture of philanthropy may view philanthropy as its broader definition of “an effort to promote human welfare” (Philanthropy, n.d., para 2). A culture of philanthropy is a newly perceived way for organizations to view the process of securing resources (Gibson, 2016). There are four components on which a culture of philanthropy is built. These include (1) shared responsibility for development, (2) integration and alignment with the organization mission, (3) focusing on fundraising as engagement, and (4) developing and sustaining strong donor relationships (Gibson, 2016). Barriers that may become apparent when trying to create a culture of philanthropy include the steadiness of big business philanthropy, and the lack of a concrete way to illustrate the culture’s effectiveness. Such barriers convey why organizations who are creating, or transitioning to, a culture of philanthropy should employ a strategic change process. It is indicated that are five steps to promote a successful change process (Cummings & Worley, 2014). These steps include (1) motivating change, (2) creating a vision, (3) developing political support, (4) managing the transition, and (5) sustaining momentum (Cummings & Worley, 2014). Utilizing a strategic change process will create organizations in which the love of mankind is at the core of their philanthropic practices.

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VCU PADM 656 Fund Development for the Nonprofit Sector

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