What makes Nancy unique is that she is 94-years old and she lost her home not once, but twice.  She lost her home on May 3, 1999, the last time an EF5 tornado hit Moore – the strongest tornado on record. (She was recently highlighted in a CBS news report.)

Then why is she smiling?

I’m told the odds of being hit by two class EF5 tornadoes in a lifetime is somewhere around one trillion to one (give or take a few million).  Even if you are not paranoid, you may begin to wonder.

And she’s smiling?

Yes, she will be displaced from her home again, sift through the rubble to find those precious items that remain – again, and rebuild her house, her home, her life.  “What am I going to do?” she said. “Am I going to go in a rest home? I don’t need to rest.”

And yet she smiles.

In the aftermath, Nancy built an underground shelter as a result of the first storm.  She learned from experience that it could save her life.  And it did.

Related: Miracle in Oklahoma: Barbara Garcia Reunites with Dog on Live TV

But her wisdom did more than that.  It helped save the lives of others – five others: a neighbor and his wife, a pregnant woman (her unborn child) and a two-year old.

In spite of the loss of her home, Nancy smiled, and said “God was with us.”  Whether you have faith or not, Nancy’s wisdom, strength and sense of purpose is inspiring – and it also saved a few lives that day.

Some people were not as fortunate as Nancy or those that took refuge in her shelter.  Many found themselves without a place to go that would protect them, including those in an elementary school in the storm’s path.  And lives were lost.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them and the many families and individuals (like Nancy) that have lost everything they have.

And our support follows as well.

AARP Foundation established the AARP Foundation Oklahoma Tornado Relief Fund to support victims affected by the recent “monster” tornadoes in Oklahoma.

AARP, its staff and members are committed to helping those in need. To bolster support, AARP and AARP Foundation will match dollar-for-dollar contributions up to $250,000, assuring up to $500,000 in aid once the match is met through contributions.  The Foundation will give funds to organizations providing relief and recovery support to disaster victims.

The full impact of the historic twister in Moore is still to be determined.  They say, damage estimates may exceed nearly two billion dollars as homes, businesses and schools were completely destroyed.  So, aid will be needed, and I encourage you to give generously.

Though many will remember the devastating effects of these storms for some time, I, for one, will remember a very special 94-year old, the lives she saved, and her amazing smile.

 Photo credit: US Air Force via flickr.

Also of Interest

• In a Disaster, Could an Electronic Health Record Save Your Life?
• Best Cities to Retire: Think Warm Weather, Healthy Lifestyle
• Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being

See the AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more

No?

What is your purpose?

I have teenagers, and on occasions I hear the following proclamation, “I’m bored!”  Usually said out loud to the world in general, with only one part (unsaid) that is directed at me:  “…and what are you going to do about it?”

Boredom, idleness, and lack of motivation can often be linked to a lack of purpose, according to Richard Leider, author of The Power of Purpose.

I was struck by series of interviews Richard made of a group 65 and older.  Each was asked what they would change about their life if they could do it all over again.  The resounding response:  a life with purpose – they wanted their time on this planet to matter, to have made a difference.

Robert Byrne once said, “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.”

Do you have one?

Living with purpose is more than just mustering motivation to get through daily tasks like grocery shopping, getting your car repaired, or preparing your taxes (yes, tax season has begun – sorry for that painful reminder).  More than getting a manicure or “9 holes in” before noon.

Real purpose gives meaning to your life and others. In fact, I believe it is “other” centered:  perhaps a purpose that supports your community or helps improve another person’s life.  Even a small, but deliberate act, can have purpose:

• Spending time with an older neighbor – who may be isolated
• Serving meals at a local food bank/kitchen
• Responding to a friend’s personal tragedy
• Volunteering at a community, hospice or senior center

There are so many needs and fewer hands to meet them.  And according to a study conducted by Rush University Medical Center, living with purpose can extend your life.

If you have identified a meaningful purpose – go for it with gusto.  If you don’t, get one.

One place to start may be AARP’s new online tool, Life Reimagined.  It can help you discover your unique gifts and explore new possibilities for the road ahead.  And there are others. The important point is – get started!

Strive to live with purpose.  It can help change, sustain and bring joy and happiness to your life – perhaps even while helping others.

Photo by: godserv’s

That’s the only way to express the feelings I have as I track Lance Armstrong’s “process of confession.”  In fact, I was so upset I couldn’t bring myself to watch the Oprah interview last night, which, in addition to “coming clean” had to include some justification for why he spent nearly two decades lying, attacking his denouncers and systematically deceiving a community of cycling supporters and fans. (I am one of them.)

The LIVESTRONG bracelet.

I am an avid cyclist.  I cycle to work most days and even find time on the weekends to get out and enjoy a spring, summer or yes, even a winter day, “in the saddle.”  I watched with relish most airings of the Tour de France, including the majority of Lance’s wins.

But I’m conflicted: were Lance’s lies justified?

I also donate to cancer causes.  In fact last spring, I joined a wonderful group – Team in Training® – a formal training-coaching program conducted by the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society for wannabe athletes like me — for sporting events of all kinds.  I did a Century bike ride (100 miles) with the team in September — raising funds for the cause.  I was so proud to be able to combine my love for cycling with support for a cause for which my family and I have a passion. (My mother-in-law died of leukemia in 1990).

Lance Armstrong helped fuel that passion.

So here’s my struggle:  How do you reconcile the fact that Lance Armstrong’s popularity helped inspire individuals across the country to give more than $500 million and thousands of hours to help support those impacted by cancer – their families, friends, loved ones and caregivers?

If Lance didn’t win seven Tours, would LIVESTRONG have been able to help as many people?  Create the awareness that helps fuel a society’s unifying effort to help find a cure for this horrible disease?

Perhaps.  Perhaps not.

Regardless, I have never been an individual that believes “the end justifies the means.”  I have to believe that Lance’s lies and deception did nothing but help Lance — selfishly — and now will help define his future.  It was Jeff Garvey, one of the organization’s founders, and the amazing team of LIVESTRONG — good people — who helped make the organization what it is, what it continues to be and what it will be.

Perhaps LIVESTRONG wouldn’t be what it is today without’s Lance’s popularity — but we would have found another way.  I have to think that good people would have found a way.

My prayers, good wishes and support go to the LIVESTRONG team.  My contribution is in the mail.

Photo credits:  Preston Kemp and Ribbit Voice

• 109 fatalities
• Public transportation systems severely damaged
• A lack of power has prevented those impacted from being able to access gasoline, food and other necessities
• Much is needed and less is available

What inspires me are the stories of human courage, support and kindness when it was needed most:

Hurricane Sandy’s wrath in New York.

• A surfer kayaker in Belmar has 6 feet of water in his house, but still takes the time to transport older neighbors to and from their houses — in his personal kayak.  “… people had to get out…,” he said.
• Coast Guard heroes save 14 survivors of the sinking HMS Bounty (they surely would have perished).
• Arizona Red Cross volunteer hops a plane to the region to help provide mental health services to victims.
• Over 1,000 NYC marathon runners help support the relief effort.
• Marines lend a helping hand in hard-hit Staten Island.

And many more to come, no doubt.

We all have the wherewithal to make a difference.

I may not need to remind you that older residents are more vulnerable in disaster situations.  It is imperative that we check on neighbors, make sure relief supplies are brought to those who can’t get to them and support the effort with your dollars.

On this last point, it’s important to keep a mind’s eye to scams.  Many will try to prey on generous-natured individuals who really want to help.  So, give to a trusted organization that you know.

To help, AARP and AARP Foundation have established a relief fund to support victims in the U.S. devastated by Hurricane Sandy. To help bolster the relief effort, AARP and its affiliates will match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $750,000, assuring up to $1.5 million in aid. An immediate response to this urgent appeal will allow AARP to expedite support to those who need it now. To donate to the relief fund, please go to: www.aarp.org/disasterrelief.

Hope is a powerful thing.  Help spread a little to those who can really use it.

Photo credit:  dakine kane

Featured photo credit: Ian Cunningham

If you are a type A personality (like I am), you may think to yourself that Slim may be right.  Though global poverty has decreased over the last five years, according to a Brookings Institute study, the number of fragile states is increasing and the potential impact on the poor is troubling.  According to the Economic Policy Institute, poverty is on the rise in the U.S. and the “poor are getting poorer.”  Despite great strides for poverty alleviation in Mexico (Slim’s home), a large part of the workforce, informal workers — defined as non-salaried workers who are self-employed — remain in poverty and are considered a “basic challenge to the country’s development.”

So, is Slim right?

No.

According to Merriam-Webster, philanthropy means “goodwill to fellow members of the human race” or “the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes” if you prefer the Oxford English Dictionary.

Donate money or time this holiday season.

Philanthropy is a generous act:  an act of giving and receiving.  I would contend it provides the framework and hope that can help cure all social ills.  Philanthropy is an action that unequivocally states that helping people, particularly the poor and disadvantaged, is an important thing to do.

Americans lead the way.  The greatest generation may be the most generous generation to have ever lived and I believe the Millennials will push us to new and greater heights.  Even though we have seen a slight decrease in overall gifts to charities during the Great Recession, Americans continue to donate nearly $300 million — more each year — and volunteerism is on the rise, with 63.4 million volunteering in 2011 (Giving USA).

The holidays will quickly be upon us and each of us may be a little more aware of those with less or without.  Though a global solution to poverty may not be in the cards this holiday season, your gift, time and charitable efforts may help a person struggling or in need. Give often and generously.  It will make a world of difference to someone — perhaps even someone you know.

Your act of philanthropy can make a real difference.  And who knows, perhaps the wealthiest man in the world will be moved to give more by your example.

Photo credit: Mindful One

Same goes for nonprofits.

As a sector, we have trained our donors to judge an organization’s “worthiness” for support based on criteria like: the percentage of how much support goes to program as compared to fundraising or general administrative expenses; how much it costs to raise a dollar; or how much they pay the CEO.  These are all efficiency measures – important and relevant to any nonprofit. 

Value and Measures

But here’s the bottom line: It’s NOT the most important measure.

In my opinion, it’s not even #2 or #3.  Metrics that correlate to the impact an organization’s work has on the lives of those it serves, the number of those reached and the awareness created for the issue you are trying to address are so much more important.  These speak to an organization’s effectiveness.

How much is it worth to pay the right nonprofit CEO at a scale worthy of his skills and abilities to double the impact an organization has for those they serve?  Is the price of doing “good” less than the one that increases sales or profitability for a for-profit?  Do we expect for-profits to be efficient with their marketing dollars as a measure of effectiveness?  Of course not.

However, watchdog groups report on efficiency – some almost exclusively so.  For instance, CharityWatch (previously known as American Institute of Philanthropy) reports on an organization’s worthiness almost exclusively based on efficiency derived from the organization’s financial statements (e.g., IRS 990 form, audited financials).  I believe this is shortsighted and doesn’t tell the whole story.   Others like BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Navigator have paid careful attention to the issue and, as a result, do a much better job at trying to find the balance between effectiveness and efficiency (e.g., BBB reports on 20 standards for charity accountability).

So why do people focus on it?  Because efficiency is easy to measure and social impact is not.   

There are a number of great initiatives that begin to measure social impact in a more meaningful way.    I’ve followed with great interest the work of Paul Brest and the Hewlett Foundation, as well as funding consortiums like Living Cities that not only strive to do “good” with their dollars but also strive to measure the social impact of their investments.  Many nonprofits are benefitting from this important work, and will become even more effective as a result.  This burgeoning trend should be welcomed and pursued by non-profits and then communicated to donors as more relevant criteria for determining where support should be applied. 

After all, a spouse’s value is not based on efficiency, and a nonprofit organization’s isn’t either.

Photo credit: Chandra Marsono

Millennial Volunteers

Enter the Millennials (Generation Y or the “Net Generation,” as they are sometimes called).  Though Wikipedia doesn’t define a specific start or end date for this generation, they are typically referred to as those born between the late 70s (or early 80s) and early 2000s.

I am the father of four, all which fall within this generation, and I am impressed and awed by the caring nature, self-confidence and acts of giving/volunteering that are demonstrated by these young people.   My youngest actually runs a small nonprofit of teens who give and raise funds for blood cancer diseases and all 20+ members combine forces to generate some $50,000 or so each year from their efforts.  Impressive. (OK, a little “proud father” coming out).

But now there is even more proof.  The Millennial Impact Report 2012 (conducted by Achieve and Johnson Grossnickle+ Associates), the third in a series, continues to point out the growing impact in philanthropy of this group.

• 75% of those surveyed gave in 2011, well above the national average.
• While the majority of those gifts were $100 or less, the typical millennial gave to at least five organizations and 87% said that they expected to do the same (or more) in 2012.
• 63% reported they volunteered for nonprofits in 2011, and 81% who volunteered were invited by a friend.
• 77% said they were interested in a leadership position (e.g., board, committee)
• By a margin a 2:1, Millennials who volunteer were more likely to make donations.

However, it isn’t just that they give, but how they get their information, how they decide to become involved and how they give that is changing philanthropy.

• Most get the information via their smart phone (77% surveyed use one), via websites, social media or e-newsletters.  Not the mail (“snail mail”) or chance meetings.
• Most learn about events, volunteer activities or opportunities via Facebook (67%) or Twitter (28%).  Many choose to “follow” the nonprofits/charities that interest them most.
• 70% give online via a nonprofit’s webpage.

It’s clear, we have arrived in a digital world, and connecting for younger people has become a daily (if not hourly or more often) activity.  Philanthropy will be changed, and even more vibrant, as a result.

I, for one, am very excited about the future of philanthropy in our country.  I just never thought our young people would be the ones to lead the way.

Photo credit by:  Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

1.  Call and ask organizations you support not to sell or exchange your name and address.  It is standard practice for nonprofits to exchange lists.  This is usually handled ethically and carefully, as typically no funds are exchanged and there are often limited uses attached to the exchange agreement (e.g., one-time use only), and only very limited information is shared.  The organization is looking for “like-minded” individuals who may have the desire to support their cause based on their giving patterns, and exchanging lists with another like-organization is an effective approach.  Other organizations may sell their lists as another way to generate revenue, which is not a practice I advocate.  I believe the relationship with the donor is far to important to treat their personal information (even in this very limited way) as a commodity.  So, let the organizations you support know that you don’t wish to have your name exchanged or sold.

2.  Don’t just throw it away.  When you get mail from good organizations you have no intention of giving to, send the letter you received into the envelope they sent you (usually a prepaid postage envelope – so you don’t even have to pay for the stamp) and write a kindly worded note that asks them to remove you from their phone, email and mail lists.  Believe me, they will appreciate it.  It saves the organization money and they really don’t want to send you mail you don’t want.

Don’t throw that mail away!

3.  Don’t just delete it.  Same goes with email.  At the bottom of each email (usually in small print), good intentioned organizations include an “opt-out” link.  Simply click on the link and follow the instructions for removing you from their solicitation list.

4.  Don’t ignore those calls.  If you are like us, my wife and I don’t always answer our home phone.  For those of you who have caller ID, you say “I don’t know that number, so I’m not going to answer it.”  Some organizations are easily identifiable.  When they call you and you don’t want solicitations and have no intention of giving to them, answer the phone!  Then ask (kindly, of course) the following:

Thank you for calling.  I (we) have made our decisions regarding our giving and this is not a cause we wish to support.  So, please remove us from your lists:  your phone, mail and email lists.  I know this will help save you time and resources and they are so precious these days.  I know you can appreciate that.  Thanks again.”

And then hang up.  That’s all you need to do.

There is nothing that will remove every unwanted fundraising appeal from your mail, email or voicemail box, but following these steps can help.  More importantly, it will help good organizations apply a little bit more of their precious resources on achieving their stated purpose.  And that is good for everyone.

You can follow me on Twitter @Whitehead_Dave.

Photo credit by: uzvards

If you are in my position as a development professional, you sometimes get that call (or letter) from a donor that starts with, “Why do you send me so many requests for support?”  Obviously, if it’s “so much” it must be “more than I want.”  I usually get right to the point – how often would you like to hear from us?  Would you rather join our sustainer program? (A sustaining donor is one that gives automatically each month without the regular request.)

In short, the question rarely gets answered. 

Too much mail!

So, here’s the answer:  Donors are compulsive and generous.  When you ask, they give.

We did a recent test (over a 6-month period) to determine what people would do if we sent donors less mail.  It was eye-opening.  We worked under the assumption that if you did what people said they wanted – sent them less mail – then they would feel less burdened, less put upon and therefore, more gracious and generous.  Unfortunately, not true!

In late 2011, we did a random test with 20,000 donors.  We cut their mail in half.  Just sent them an occasional request – our best actually – the one’s that get the highest response and we cut the ones that were less effective.  Over a six month period, the same 20,000 people gave less money over the same period one year earlier.  Overall, we saw a 30% increase in support year-over-year in mail solicitations, but the test group not only did not keep up with most, their support declined. 

People gave more when they received more requests. 

 That said, it doesn’t have to be that way.  Frankly, it doesn’t serve donors and it doesn’t serve organizations. 

My wife and I are donors to quite a few organizations we really care about, and we give the same amount (or more) to those organizations each year regardless of how much mail they send us.  And since I am cost conscious, care about these organizations and want them to apply as much of my money to programs and less to sending me mail, I do a few things – and I recommend that others do the same:

1)  Make a giving (or philanthropy) plan.  My wife and I talk about our giving priorities and what and who to give to.  This is a great start.  It identifies what kind of impact you want your giving to have and identifies those who can help you achieve it.  Sometimes it means going out and doing your homework, as there are some tremendous “diamonds in the rough” organizations that are having huge impact but are less known.  It doesn’t take as much time as you think, and it is a sound investment.  So, do your homework and make a plan. 

2)  Let the organizations you give to know your giving preference.  Some organizations we give a monthly gift (sustainer support) and we ask them to take funds out of our account or credit card each month.  Others, we ask them to send us one solicitation a year and we tell them what month to send it.  Others (those we don’t give to) we call and ask them to take us off their list – they are wasting their time and resources. Believe me, organizations appreciate it.

3)  Do what you said you were going to do. Data will tell you that what people “say” and what people “do” are very different things.  It is true.  So, when you get your request – respond!  If you are just asking them to send you one request a year and have no intention of giving to that organization, the data will again prove that more mail works.  Don’t do it.  Tell organizations what you intend to do and then do it.  And if you change your mind, no problem.  Just let them know.  Again they will appreciate it.

Be a little more proactive in your philanthropy.  Heaven knows, we can all save ourselves a lot of mail and quite a few trees at the same time.

You can follow David on Twitter at @Whitehead_Dave.

Photo credit: sam saturday !

In a recent article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Jack Shakely shares that in this time of deficits, the deduction may be too costly to keep.

And he has a point.

• An individual giving a million dollar gift to a building project or a new national program – doesn’t need the tax deduction.

• Seventy percent of Americans don’t itemize and don’t get the benefit of a deduction anyway, even if they are (and they are) generous with their dollars to worthy organizations.

• The charitable deduction is not the top reason why most donors give.

• We are in a fiscal crisis and more in the coffers, even a little bit more, will help meet the country’s financial obligations.

So, why should we keep the charitable deduction?  Because it is just one small way to reward people for doing the right thing

Money

Yes like many people, I have been disheartened by the dialog going on in Washington.  We seem to have lost our heart – at least our civility – when it comes to the public debate.  The country is polarized and a major fight within Congress and between Executive and Legislative branches seems to be a daily news story.  In some ways, we are not just polarized, but paralyzed – and doing the right thing seems to have become less important (my opinion).

I confess my wife and I get a charitable deduction as we have a mortgage, give a meaningful percentage of our income to charity and itemize.  Is the charitable deduction a major reason for our giving – no.  But, it helps.  I would contend that I give more then I would otherwise, because Uncle Sam gives me a little back. But is that a reason to keep the deduction.  Perhaps.  Perhaps not.

I contend the reason to keep the charitable tax deduction is because it gives our government, governed by the people, just one way to say that giving is important.

You can say people will do it anyway, but believe me, less money would flow and fewer people would give – we know that.  In a study conducted by Dunham + Company in January 2012, it concluded, “…that cutting, capping, or limiting the charitable tax deduction…would likely drop total donations by as much as $5 billion to $7 billion.”  Why? Because after 23 years in the fundraising profession, I can tell you that any excuse to hold onto what you have – works.  To give it away is difficult and any excuse will do.

However, on the other side, one small incentive to motivate a single act of kindness, an act of selflessness, an act that represents what we want our world to be – works too.  With encouragement, our generous nature shines through.

I would offer that any incentive that spurs that single act is worth a fortune.  It helps us focus on others rather than ourselves, lightens our heart, helps make the world a little better, and, in a small way, may even make a difference in someone else’s life.

If you saw the movie, “Pay It Forward,” you know what I am talking about.  One act of giving can spur tens, hundreds, perhaps even thousands of generous acts that ripple from the one. Motivate an individual – motivate a community – motivate a country.

In short:  it’s not about the money.  It’s about the power that one gift can have.  Reason enough.

Removing the charitable deduction is a bad idea.  The country can’t “afford” it?  I believe the country can’t “afford” to live without it.

You can follow David on Twitter at @Whitehead_Dave.

Photo credit by: 401K