The winner of the 6 word philanthropy memoir contest is Jason from the "A Small Change-Fundraising Blog." Jason actually had two entries but my favorite was "It is a work in progress." For his creative writing, Jason wins a four pack of Do Good Guides, which includes Nonprofit and Philanthropy Fellowships, Becoming a Presentation Powerhouse, Branding Yourself for Personal and Professional Success, and Leading Without Authority. Congratulations Jason!
Reach your big, hairy, audacious goals
* Image from MysticMystro on Flickr
My vision for this blog has been to help move young people and people of color to leadership positions in the philanthropic sector because I believe it is important to bring new voices to the often closed world of philanthropy. Researching the topics I have covered here like accepting criticism, new technologies to improve grantmaking, results-only work, and not getting too full of yourself, have all helped me on my own journey of becoming a better grantmaker. That journey has brought me to the next phase of my philanthropic career. It is with a mixture of unbridled enthusiasm and awestruck humbleness that I announce my appointment as the new Executive Director of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice. Headwaters is an amazing organization and it is an honor to be able to lead their work to create a more just Minnesota.
I normally have a "don't ask, don't tell" policy about my age because I think when people hear how young you are they often ignore what you have to say but I will make an exception today. At 30 years old, I will be one of the few young people in the country running a foundation. I am not one of those individuals that is happy about being the ONLY woman, or African American, or young person in a leadership position, so today I ask you to look at your own career goals and figure out what it will take for you to get to your "would love to do it but don't think it would be possible in a million years" job. The field needs your skills, expertise, and insights to reach its full potential, so let yourself be open to the possibility.
Girl Meets Business
There is a great new blog out there called Girl Meets Business. The sites blogger, Angela, is writing for Gen Yers who are new to the workplace. Her advice is spot on and also helpful for all age groups. She has recently written a great post about accepting critism (don't we all love to do that). From Angela:
Hearing criticism, even constructive and polite criticism, can be painful. I mean, really, who wants to hear about the things they do wrong?I’ve got news for you - You do! The fact is most people, when hearing a criticism about their work or their actions or whatever, will immediately go one of the following routes:
Denial. “What you mean that report was wordy? It wasn’t wordy. You’re wrong. It was great.”
Dismissal. “The fact that you just told me my report was wordy isn’t even worth considering.”
Defensiveness. “The reason the report was too wordy was because you didn’t give me enough time to edit it. If you’d given me enough time, I could have pared it down. My other reports haven’t been too wordy.”
Disregard. “Did you say something to me?”
Denial. “What you mean that report was wordy? It wasn’t wordy. You’re wrong. It was great.”
Dismissal. “The fact that you just told me my report was wordy isn’t even worth considering.”
Defensiveness. “The reason the report was too wordy was because you didn’t give me enough time to edit it. If you’d given me enough time, I could have pared it down. My other reports haven’t been too wordy.”
Disregard. “Did you say something to me?”
Here’s the deal: The report was wordy. Your clothes do fit you poorly. You do need to improve your organizational skills. You are too confrontational when you speak to your boss. Read the rest here.
Don't forget to enter the philanthropy memoirs contest here.
Microloans for Housing Projects
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently had an interesting article at Habitat for Humanity's plans to start a microlending program to fund building projects. From the Journal:
Habitat for Humanity is looking to grow funds by borrowing a developing-world concept: microloans. The Atlanta-based nonprofit, which builds homes for people in need, is expected to announce Thursday the launch of a microloan program in partnership with the Maryland-based Calvert Foundation. It will allow individuals to invest in — rather than simply donate to — Habitat's philanthropic mission.
Investors can buy a stake in Habitat's microloan program for as little as $100. If the program is a success, investors eventually would receive interest payments on their money.
Microloans are typically used to provide small amounts of credit to people or businesses that do not qualify for traditional loans. The concept has become increasingly popular in the developing world, but it is a first for Habitat, which has subsisted almost entirely on donations, grants and proceeds from home sales. Read the rest here.
What do you think about this plan? Will nonprofits that have the capacity to pay back funds begin fundraising more and more in this way?
Don't forget to enter the 6 word philanthropy memoirs contest here. Entries will be accepted until August 7th.
Six Word Philanthropy Memoirs Contest
I read a review about an interesting book called Not Quite What I was Planning, which is filled with six word memoirs from famous and not so famous people. I love the idea of distilling your life story into six words and wondered if I could pack in my passion for the nonprofit sector and my love for staff development into six little words? I also wondered what sort of amazing 6 word manifestos you would come up with, so I am hosting a contest. From now until August 7th you can post your own 6 word memoir in the comments section of this post. There will be some sort of amazing prize for the winner, as determined by me. I could be more descriptive but what is better than a surprise prize?
My career in 6 words is:
Helping do gooders do good, better.