Rick Godley’s Post

I appreciate this writer's perspective following the release of recent Giving USA data. Giving adjusted for inflation is down and fewer Americans are giving to nonprofits than in the past, but what about the spirit of generosity in our country? Is it thriving? As the writer suggests, we see generosity expressed in the many ways that people come together to help neighbors, volunteer time, and give informally through crowdfunding campaigns. Even as we as we recognize expressions of generosity beyond charitable giving to nonprofits, I think there is some fragility to the spirit of generosity that has been a mainstay of American culture. The underpinning of generosity is community and the value that people place on the collective beyond the self. Many of the institutions that have inspired community involvement in the past, like churches and civic organizations, have dwindling membership. We need to find new ways to engage and enliven communities. Community foundations, like Arlington Community Foundation, are uniquely structured to serve as connectors and as incubators for new ideas to build and strengthen communities. And I see many, many examples of local nonprofits working hard to create real relationships, not transactional ones, to connect community members to community needs and the work they are doing to address them. What are your ideas? What inspires you or what would inspire you to get involved in your community? https://lnkd.in/eqYyuvHm

There are more than a few reasons why life here in Los Angeles is grand but one of them is the inspiration I get from the small but mighty non-profits that continue to make our city better. One is Public Matters, founded by Mike Blockstein and Reanne Estrada. If you want a break from the news cycle, have a look at this article titled "Conspiratorial Joy Lives Here."

AMPT is excited to share that we are launching our AMPT Up Blog! Through this new tool on our website, you will be able to read exciting news, op-eds, interviews, and more from our staff! We are excited to launch with two pieces from AMPT Leadership! Read ángela m. munguía's "Love Letter to AMPT" & Ana Agarrat Abel's "What we are learning from the AMPT Nonprofit Convening" below! #AMPTUp #TheAMPTUpBlog #BlackNonprofit #LatineNonprofit #CapacityBuilding #ChicagoNonprofit

As we approach the holidays and 2024, here are three quick and simple suggestions for having better political conversations when we disagree. From Braver Angels (https://lnkd.in/eR7AwBtF)

Reading this article made me think of a few things: 🔵 It is critical to know your supporters...DATA is key! 🔵 Recurring gifts are crucial to a healthy portfolio. 🔵 Don't rely on one particular type of donor. Have a balanced portfolio of funders; major donors, middle level, recurring, events, foundations, corporations and planned gifts. 🔵 Peer-to-peer fundraising can be a great way to engage supporters, specifically those that want to do more and maybe not able to write those big checks. https://lnkd.in/eF6Rdy3g #Philanthropy #CharitableGiving #Giving

Are you concerned about political polarization in America? Have you seen or experienced friends and family worsen their relationships over political disagreements? Would you like our political discourse to be more civil and constructive? Well friends, I got an organization for you! Please consider participating in a Braver Angels event. You can learn the good faithed reasons why people may hold different political views and develop understanding, appreciation, and even friendships with people who see American politics differently than you. All events are fun, civil, and informative - well worth it! https://braverangels.org/

The Giving USA report has certainly generated some concern amongst nonprofits, but it should not be a surprise. The response to the report has involved a lot of data sifting and many questions in a search for causes. The answers, however, are not simple cause and effect; they require a more complex view of the philanthropic terrain and a deeper understanding of why people give or don’t give or, more specifically, what they are willing to give. The “generosity crisis” may even require us to redefine what constitutes generosity and what forms it takes beyond monetary contributions. This Vox article digs into some of the questions we need to ask. Well worth your time to read. https://lnkd.in/eiwtYc6C

New PBS series 📽️ "The Invisible Shield" examines how #publichealth makes modern life possible, but it is often underfunded, undervalued and misunderstood. Learn more and stream here ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q02rjFhV0

To all my lawyer and soon-to-be lawyer friends: Can starting and running a (nonprofit) law firm be a "source of pride...and joy?" Yes, it can be. Watch this short video and see what Sarah Beth Withers has done in (lil) Washington, NC. What about you? Interested in being "a beacon of hope, an agent of change, and champion of justice?" It is possible. I'm not saying it'll be easy, but it can be done. Check out the Incubator for Legal Practice and Innovation: ILPI for more details - after watching the video!

Check this out to learn more about the Women in Leadership of Central Illinois scholarship for local women! Applications are due the first week of March. They are simple and straight forward to complete, so no worries about timing. Go get it!