advancing australian philanthropy

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