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Advancing Philanthropy
Reflections and suggestionsBy Ted Flack, PhD,CFRE
22 May 2009
The problem• Reported public perceptions:
– NPOs should be funded by government;– Reduced reputation of NPOs;– Fragmented NPO sector.
• Reflections:– Many are government funded – so how do we differentiate?– All institutions are less trusted – so how do we signal
trustworthiness?– Fragmented NPO sector because it is not a single industry – so
what do we share?
Some opportunities• Redefine an “Australian philanthropy”
– Develop key messages to change perceptions– Raise awareness of opportunities for involvement– Recruit champions of philanthropy– Encourage leadership for innovation
• Reflections:– What is “Australian Philanthropy”? Market research?– Australian themes: “Fair go”, “help a mate” = egalitarian– American themes: “Philanthropy” = display of affluence & influence?– UK themes: “Philanthropy” = landed gentry and “nouveau riche”
Our storyThe whale’s cry is carried for thousands of metres and
profoundly disturbs the rest of the pod
Even elephants mourn their dead
Our hearts go out to sick children
We care about strangers in trouble
Does you your heart sing when you hear a story about someone succeeding against
the odds?
Do you get “goose bumps” when you read about their courage?
Simpson and his donkey
Then you are a philanthropist!Literally - someone who loves mankind
There’s plenty of reasons not to -– Not my responsibility– I pay taxes to look after that– I might get sued– I haven't got time
But do you do anything about it?
Or you can go with your feelings
• Give (not tip)• Volunteer (not talk)• Join with others who care
(not hope it goes away)• Help now (not “another day”)
Possible lines• We are going to do something about that• Yes, I do give a damn• Count me in – I’ll help• Hey, that’s not fair, no way I’m putting up with
that• I feel we’ve all got to give a hand• Well, you know, we have all got to pitch in
Or the conscience thing……• I didn’t quite get around to it, but……
New evidence for philanthropy
Evolutionary psychology literature:• Axelrod (1984), The Evolution of Cooperation
• Frank (1988), Passions within Reason: The Strategic Role of Emotions
• Ridley, M. (1996). The Origins of Virtue
• Diamond, (1997) Guns, Germs & Steel
Medical research• Moll, et al., (2006), using MRI technology, show that
humans have parts of their specialised brains especially designed to support philanthropy