The World English Dictionary offers this definition of “philanthropy”:
1. The practice of performing charitable or benevolent actions
2. Love of mankind in general
Philanthropy is a delicious word, isn’t it? And a magnificent feeling—knowing you can make a difference in the lives of others—especially those not so obviously connected to yours. Our goal is to empower you to be a philanthropist.
Fundraising falls under the philanthropy umbrella. We define it as an activity consisting of equal parts of excitement and anxiety.
If you haven’t experienced it yet, you will. One day you’ll find yourself at a PTA, youth sports club, church group, Rotary, social club or some other nonprofit meeting raising your hand when the call goes out for a Fundraising Chair. Before you know it, someone’s handed you this year’s “stretch goal” and you’re wondering how you’re ever going to pull it off.
No worries! We’re here to help. Our Guide offers you great articles & tips that will educate and inspire. And we have built tools into our website and magazine that will help simplify, amplify and document all your philanthropic and fundraising efforts. We’ve also included books and a few other online resources as well.
If you’re interested in actual examples of fundraising in action, please visit our Get Involved section. Also, for additional inspiring stories about philanthropists, please visit Get Inspired.
How To Be An Effective Philanthropist or Fundraiser (And Everyone Can Be One!)
Fundraising Dos and Don’ts | See these tips in action: A Fundraiser’s Tale—Central School
Effective Techniques To Raise More Money In The Digital Age
Prue Beidler: How To Be A Good Board Member
Using Philanthropy For Personal Celebrations Like Holiday, Birthday or Bar and Bat Mitzvah Parties
How To Fundraise For Cancer And Make A Difference
Get Inspired By These Better Makers
Lisa Watters, Benny’s World
Janet Meakin Poor, Philanthropist Specializing in Plant Conservation
Marcia Doniger, Northbrook Citizens for Drug and Alcohol Awareness (NCDAA)
Vickie Burke, McGaw YMCA
Gabrielle Rousso, The Art Center of Highland Park
Kathryn Guylay, Nurture
Carole Dibo, The Wilmette Theatre
Maureen Smith, Philanthropist, The Joffrey Ballet
JJ Hanley, JJ’s List
Michele Snyder, Jennifer Lynn Snyder Teen Heart Foundation
Diane Mayer, The Lyric Opera of Chicago
Susan Kauffman, The Michael J. Fox Foundation
Shirley Ryan, Philanthropist, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Northwestern and others
Barb Flanagin, KARING (Katrina Relief in Northbrook and Glenview)
Jodi Mulder, Organizer of Shop with a Cause and Fair Trade Activist
Connie Duckworth, ARZU Studio Hope
Wendy Serrino, UNICEF
Karen Thomson, Literature for All of Us
Alexandra Nichols, Philanthropist, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Music Institute of Chicago and others
Sheridan Turner, Kohl Children’s Museum
Judge Margaret Mullen, Mary Pat Maddex Place
Barry Reszel, Libertytown Productions
Brian Paul, Saving Tiny Hearts Society
Tom Ricketts, Cubs Care and Cubs Charities
Mark Mulert, Family Resource Center
Sandra King, Graceful Conception
Phil Sheridan, Mobile CARE
Welz Kauffman, The Ravinia Festival
Sophia Siskel, Chicago Botanic Garden
Michael and Laura Alter, City Year Chicago
Robin Doerge, Children’s Memorial Hospital and Shedd Aquarium
Cynthia La Schiazza, After School Matters
Ellen Stirling, Shop Your Cause Lake Forest
Jennifer Sobecki, Designs for Dignity
Karen Marshak, Philanthropist, Midwest Hospice & Palliative CareCenter
Prue Beidler, Philanthropist, Chicago Children’s Museum and others
Susan B. Noyes, Philanthropist, The Lyric Opera, The Music Institute of Chicago and others
Pam Weston, Philanthropist, The Art Institute of Chicago and others
Patty Reece, Fundraiser, The Warren Cherry Scholarship Fund and others
Beth Drucker, Go Green Wilmette
Related Articles
Please visit our Get Inspired and Get Involved sections for more articles highlighting how your friends and neighbors are making a positive imapct on the lives of others.
How We Can Help You
Want Better Fundraising Results? We Can Help
Additional Resources:
Books:
Planned Giving: A Guide to Fundraising and Philanthropy (Wiley Nonprofit Law, Finance and Management Series)
Ronald Jordan
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Giving Back
Elizabeth Ziemba, J.D., M.P.H.
This guide, and our entire Make It Better media company grew from the articles and column Susan B. Noyes originated at NorthShore magazine and from the work of the entire Kitchen Cabinet who founded Make It Better.
