Rebuilding Trust and Radicalizing Resource Mobilization: A New Era for Philanthropy
Philanthropy is evolving, not just in practice but in the philosophy that underpins giving. In today’s world, where economic disparities are growing and societal needs are more visible than ever, the act of giving has taken on a new urgency. But how do we ensure that the spirit of giving remains pure, impactful, and sustainable? For many thought leaders in the field, the answer lies in rebuilding trust, changing mindsets, and radicalizing resource mobilization.
Rebuilding Trust in Giving
A recurring theme among philanthropists and community leaders is the need to rebuild trust in giving. Mistrust often hinders the flow of resources to those in need, making it harder for philanthropy to function as it should.
“We need to reconstruct trust because sometimes giving is constrained by mistrust. This will really bring back the spirit of giving for good,” notes Dr. Isooba Moses, emphasizing the role trust plays in unlocking the full potential of generosity.
When trust is present, giving is not just about the transfer of material resources; it becomes an expression of our shared humanity. Dr. Moses further reflects, “For me, giving is a sign that I am still alive. I give because someone else gave me. I share knowledge because someone else shared their knowledge with me.” This reciprocity strengthens the social fabric, creating a community where each individual understands their role in supporting one another.
Shifting from Pleasing Donors to Fairness in Resource Mobilization
Another challenge facing modern philanthropy is the tendency to focus too much on pleasing donors, often at the expense of creating real change. Dr. Isooba Moses points out the importance of fairness and inclusivity in how we mobilize resources.
“We need to radicalize our resource mobilization (pleasing donors) and have an aspect of fairness in us.”
Rather than merely catering to the desires of wealthy benefactors, resource mobilization should be about creating equitable opportunities for all to contribute. This radical shift in thinking moves philanthropy away from transactional relationships and closer to transformational ones.
Beyond Money: The Value of Time, Talent, and Treasure
Philanthropy isn’t just about financial donations. Many people have come to realize that everyone, regardless of their economic status, has something valuable to offer. As Jacqueline Asiimwe highlights, “Giving is not just about money. It’s time, talent, and treasure. We all have something to offer, and a little goes a long way.”
This broader understanding of giving expands the reach of philanthropy, making it accessible to all. It acknowledges that people can contribute in a myriad of ways, whether through volunteering their time, sharing their expertise, or donating resources. It also encourages people to give what they can, knowing that even small contributions can have a significant impact.
Transforming Mindsets Around Giving
A crucial aspect of transforming philanthropy is changing the mindset around giving. Ms.Shamim Nirere warns against a “motivate us” approach, which places too much emphasis on external validation and limits the way people give their time, treasure, and talent. “The ‘motivate us’ approach to learning limits how people show up and give of their time, treasure, and talent. We need to change mindsets around giving to create change,” she states.
This highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation in philanthropy. Giving should not be about personal gain or external rewards; it should be a reflection of one’s values and desire to make a difference in the world. A shift in mindset can empower individuals to engage more deeply with causes they care about, ensuring that their contributions are more meaningful and impactful.
Rejecting the Commercialization of Politics
One area where philanthropy intersects with governance is in the commercialization of politics, where votes are often treated as commodities to be bought and sold. Dr. Isooba Moses critiques this practice, stating, “When it comes to the commercialization of politics, there is no value added; it’s just love for one’s self. You shouldn’t be putting a price on a vote. It’s not in a space of giving.”
This commercialization undermines the democratic process and diminishes the value of civic participation. In contrast, true philanthropy encourages civic engagement by promoting environments where people feel empowered to contribute to the greater good without expecting financial rewards.
A Call for Authentic Giving
As we navigate the complexities of modern philanthropy, one thing is clear: we need to embrace more authentic, trust-driven, and inclusive forms of giving. Whether it’s through time, talent, or treasure, the act of giving should be rooted in a desire to create lasting positive change in our communities.
“Giving is the litmus test of knowing that I am still alive,” Dr. Isooba Moses eloquently puts it. It is through giving that we express our humanity, strengthen our communities, and contribute to a more just and equitable world.
Listen More from Dr. Isooba Moses, Ms. Shamim Nirere and Ms. Jacqueline Asiimwe.
