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First 2023 Mutz Session Answers 'Why Philanthropy?'

Friday, March 3, 2023
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This blog was written by Leeann Wright, executive director of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, to provide an inside look into her Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute class.

 

 

Why Philanthropy?

This is not an easy question to answer. However, the 2023 cohort of the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute (of which I am a member) began exploring our “why” and what led us to become part of the philanthropic sector.

On the first day, Marie Beason of Prosperity Indiana gave an insightful, thought-provoking, and entertaining talk on “Why Philanthropy?” One of the most important pieces that stood out to me was “The Change Iceberg.” The visible portion of the iceberg can be considered 'technical change,' which “requires a 'fix,' expert, or an authority." Most grantmakers focus on philanthropy to address this type of change. However, that is only 10 percent of the iceberg. Under the waterline lies 'adaptive change,' the kind that “requires individual or culture change” to address areas such as behaviors, attitudes, values, habits, perceptions, and cultural norms. This 90 percent had me fascinated! Adaptive change requires looking at 'problems' in a new way and learning how to address the root of the problem, rather than a quick fix. Adaptive change is the 'why' for my philanthropy: significant, impactful, and meaningful.

Later that day, as the cohort began to get to know one another, we dined in The Vault in the basement of Barnes & Thornberg - quite literally “the room where it happened” for many of the conversations that changed the State of Indiana. John Mutz honored us with his presence and shared several stories of programs and initiatives that happened in the very room we were currently occupying. Mr. Mutz is inspirational - a visionary thinker who has always sought improvement for the quality of life for Hoosiers. I’m confident that each and every one of us left The Vault with the desire to emulate Mr. Mutz’s innovative thinking and hopes to impact our respective communities for the better.

Adaptive change is the 'why' for my philanthropy: significant, impactful, and meaningful.

The second day kicked off with “History of Philanthropy: The Past, Present, and Future of Generosity,” by Dr. Kathi Badertscher of the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She spoke of philanthropy's development as a profession since 1601, when the parliament of Queen Elizabeth I created the English Poor Law. This discussion illustrated how the problems of today can be viewed through the lens of history. If we “think like historians” and look at how the past can inform the present, we could become more effective agents of change. Also discussed: how the public, private, and nonprofit sector roles have developed over time. Each has a part to play in a community. This further consolidated my personal 'why.' As a philanthropic leader, I want to come alongside the public and private sectors to fill in the gaps and collectively support programs and initiatives in my community.

Dr. Sara Konrath spoke to the cohort about “Why People Give and Volunteer." This presentation spoke to my inner data junkie! Dr. Konrath shared some of her research findings on the different motivations for giving. Trust is the most important factor across any category and divide. If the person trusts an organization, they will volunteer or give financial support. Bottom line: if you want better health outcomes, volunteer for altruistic and social reasons. This again spoke to my own personal 'why.' My personal mission is to lead a life of significance and service, so my motivation for giving and volunteering is to help others in my community in meaningful ways.

The cohort shared a “working lunch” with three Mutz Instate alumni: Juan D. Galeano of The Clowes Fund, Karissa Hulse of IU Health Foundation, and Monica Koechlein of the Stamm Koechlein Family Foundation. They shared insights about their program experience and helpful hints for absorbing and applying all of the forthcoming information. I am so grateful they took the time to share with us and look forward to joining them among the ranks of alumni.

 

"Tech is the solution to take things off your plate so you can be more human." - Chantal Forster

 

Later, we (very appropriately) video-chatted with Chantal Forster of the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG). She shared TAG’s recent findings showing how private, family, corporate, and community foundations are investing in technology as compared to the asset base. There were so many nuggets of information! First on the list, and this is a direct quote, “Multifactor authentication is the cheapest, safest thing you can do to protect your data.” If any nonprofits out there are not using it, start now. Second, adopt a firewall. Forster said, “Tech is the solution to take things off your plate so you can be more human,” meaning it can help organizations work smarter, not harder. As the executive director of a “smaller” foundation, I can appreciate the power of thoughtfully applied technology solutions. Per recommendations, I plan to allocate at least 10 percent of my operating budget each year to technology, so we are able to find appropriate solutions for effective and efficient work processes in the office.

We ended our day with small group discussions on passages from Phil Buchanan’s “Giving Done Right.” Those discussions affirmed and solidified my 'why.' The nonprofit sector is here to better communities through collaboration and effective deployment of resources to address both technical and adaptive change. As I continue to reflect on this experience in the days and weeks to come, I hope to gain wisdom not only from the speakers, but from my classmates, who are some of the most observant listeners, thoughtful questioners, and deliberate philanthropists I have had the honor to meet. It is going to be a fantastic year!

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