Good lessons from a giant in philanthropy

At the time, the board had a practice of selecting a “Young Trustee,” a graduating senior who would serve on the board for four years.

This was my first significant exposure to the world of philanthropy – big philanthropy.

At one of the first meetings I attended, now-New York City Mayor and global philanthropist Michael Bloomberg announced a $50-million gift to the university, the largest in the university’s history at the time, and one of his many legacy gifts to the institution.

Mayor Bloomberg has given more than $2.4 billion to charitable organizations over the years.

Later I had a chance to hear Mayor Bloomberg give a talk on giving, and asking on behalf of the university.

It’s been many years since my interaction with the mayor, but his message still resonates with me today.

Lessons in giving

Here’s what I learned from Mayor Bloomberg, lessons in fundraising, paraphrased, that apply to donors big and small and those who ask for gifts big and small on behalf of charitable organizations:

• “I give because I know my gift will contribute to major breakthroughs in medicine and public health that will save lives.”

Translation: Give to effective organizations and institutions with big ideas.

Make investments that will pay dividends perhaps even beyond our lifetime – in this case, public health dividends.

In the words of writer and social entrepreneur Bill Shore, “create something that will endure” and that you might not even see completed in your lifetime.

• “Don’t be afraid to ask for more than a donor may be able to give. They’ll likely be flattered you think they can give that much.”

Translation: First and foremost, you can’t be afraid to ask.

Secondly, although you should never completely overshoot when you ask, his take, I believe, is that the act of asking is a nice form of flattery.

People generally want to be engaged and included in the process of building organizations.

• “We all have a responsibility to leave the world in better shape than when we arrived, to shape the future for the better.”

Translation: You can’t take it with you.

There are many important and worthy public policy issues, human development needs, charitable causes and educational institutions that are looking for leadership.

If you haven’t already, consider what issues are important to you and dedicate your time and resources to support those causes.

For our region, the cumulative effect of major communitywide philanthropy is certainly a life left in better shape than when we arrived.

I’m sure Mayor Bloomberg would share even greater insight to us after a lifetime of giving.

There are many great and principled philanthropists from whom we all can learn in our own community and beyond.

You don’t have to have billions or millions to make a difference.

Small gifts, added up, will do that.

Tracy Yellen is a managing partner with MJD & Associates and serves as chief operating officer for the Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso. MJD is an El Paso-based consulting firm that provides highly personalized and action-oriented consulting services to help non-profits achieve their vision, goals and objectives.

For more information, go to www.mjdassociates.com or email tracy@mjdassociates.com.