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Slide Notes

Every day, the world of philanthropy gets more culturally complex. As the sector continues to evolve, we must be aware of commonalities and differences in how cultures relate to philanthropic giving, and how that impacts fundraising strategy. In this session, we'll discuss the rich vocabulary, varied currency, donor motivations and key relationships in our many philanthropic communities and develop techniques to nuance your fundraising programs.

Learning Objectives & Participant Outcomes:
Identify demographic trends of our potential and current donor base
Evaluate fundraising strategies in a community focused context
Identify strategies to build relationships in cultures and/or communities not your own

Thanks to Dr. Noah Drezner, University of Maryland, College Park, Ann-Mary MacLeod, University of New Mexico, and Connie Hubbs, ConnieHubbs.com for providing some of the content for this presentation through a co-presentation we did for the Council on Resource Development.

Understanding Giving Across Cultures

Published on Nov 18, 2015

Trying to connect to diverse communities in fundraising? Listen first, then maybe ask. Here are some reflections on making those connections.

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

House of Philanthropy

Creating a Framework for Cross Cultural Giving
Every day, the world of philanthropy gets more culturally complex. As the sector continues to evolve, we must be aware of commonalities and differences in how cultures relate to philanthropic giving, and how that impacts fundraising strategy. In this session, we'll discuss the rich vocabulary, varied currency, donor motivations and key relationships in our many philanthropic communities and develop techniques to nuance your fundraising programs.

Learning Objectives & Participant Outcomes:
Identify demographic trends of our potential and current donor base
Evaluate fundraising strategies in a community focused context
Identify strategies to build relationships in cultures and/or communities not your own

Thanks to Dr. Noah Drezner, University of Maryland, College Park, Ann-Mary MacLeod, University of New Mexico, and Connie Hubbs, ConnieHubbs.com for providing some of the content for this presentation through a co-presentation we did for the Council on Resource Development.

About me

Topics

  • Why cultural context is important
  • Questions to ask
  • What to do with what you learn

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Culture (n):
the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group

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We do not expect cultures to behave the same way, so why should they give the same way?

Example: Legacy Gifts
or
How do you talk about legacy gifts when you can't talk about death?

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As norms for cultures evolve, how does their ability or attitude about giving change?

Example:
Differences from immigrants to first generation

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Asking questions

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1. What values
are connected
with philanthropy?

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Giving Values

  • Give back for benefit received
  • Investment in others
  • Recognition of success (big or small)

Giving Values

  • Family relationships
  • Make sure the next generation is better off
  • Hard work
  • Respect elders

Giving Values

  • Clan relationships
  • Supporting the greater good
  • Show up
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2. What words
are used for giving?

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Vocabulary

  • Tithe
  • Donation
  • Philanthropy

Vocabulary

  • Face
  • Filial piety
  • "Donation" is something you give to monks

Vocabulary

  • Sumi'nangwa
  • Nami'nangwa
  • Hita'nangwa
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3. What is the
currency of giving?

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What is a "gift"?

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Currency of giving

  • Cash is king
  • Cash equivalent
  • Maybe in-kind

Currency of giving

  • Cash
  • Influence
  • Connections and introductions

Currency of giving

  • Show up and "carry your bucket of water"
  • Food
  • Practical
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4. What relationships are important
to giving?

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Important Relationships

  • Trusted person: peer, celebrity, leader
  • Family
  • Institutions: church, university, others

Important Relationships

  • Elders
  • Family members
  • Family business connections

Important relationships

  • Clan connections
  • Off-reservation v. "at home"
  • Trusted advisor
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What to do

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Listen first

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Cultivate an advisor

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(and admit when you made a mistake)

GoalBusters Consulting
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