Not for profits often do not have time or resources to come together or organise. They are too busy delivering services, representing their particular issues or groups, or responding to ever-changing policy and circumstances, to build coalitions, or to find links with others delivering similar services, or advocating in similar areas. Philanthropic Trusts have the resources to bring like-minded organisations together. Often, as funders, they have the knowledge of which other organisations are operating in similar areas, and help groups come together to identify areas of overlap and duplication, as well as potential for co-operation and complimentary activity.
The newest and fastest growing form of philanthropic trust in Australia is the community foundation. This model, originated in North America, but taking root all over the world, is an excellent vehicle not only for community development and involvement, but also for bringing philanthropy, voluntary organisations, business and government together in very practical ways. They help harness funds for projects, encourage community leadership, and provide a conduit for government funds that is targeted and community-centred.
The first community foundations were established in Australia in 1983, and now there are in excess of 20 such foundations, either existing or in the pilot stages of development. The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal was recently established to assist local community foundations get off the ground in rural Australia. This exciting project was the result of a partnership between the Federal Government and the Sidney Myer Fund, one of our most innovative philanthropic family trusts.
Identifying the motivations for philanthropy and for volunteering, is an important exercise if we are to determine necessary support for both. Charity, or "giving" to one's community, is in modern times not just about donating money to those less fortunate―it is about participating in a community of relationships, about partnerships, and about giving of oneself, of one's soul. There is so much potential for exchange, for mutuality, rather than just an unequal relationship between giver and receiver, well off and poor.
Younger donors present an exciting challenge to the not for profit organisations they support, especially those donors who have achieved wealth and personal success through building their own businesses. They tend to want to be more involved in projects, rather than just hand over a cheque. They want their volunteering to involve a relationship with the work they have chosen to take part in. They understand that the keys to their own professional success, including attention to research, marketing, and communications, are valuable tools that they can pass on to not-for-profit organisations.
This in many ways can be problematic for those not for profits who would rather just take the money and do things the way they have always been done.
Relationship with Government
The more reciprocal relationships developing between donor and recipient need to be replicated at the structural level. Instead of not for profits having the permanent role of "beggar" outside the gates of government, we should be aiming for a greater level of partnership and exchange.
