As a small and new foundation, we find the biggest challenge that all our Partners describe is running after donors, particularly CSR, for funds – even getting the ones that have been approved, on time!
It never fails to hassle us.
As we see it, providing funds for some goods/ service is a very simple process. You could do it with money, or in kind, what a barter is all about. And it is a fair process – with each side giving and receiving something it wants.
I want a branded bag – I pay money and I receive it. The premium I pay gets me the additional feeling of joy/ status/ whatever it is that I seek.
I need to visit a place – I do multiple transactions – money or miles exchanged for a ticket, for a space to stay in, booking of vehicles, other services.
In fact, if one was to extend it a bit more, we pay in cash or kind for people to look after our garden, our pet, our kids, learning new skills, to do a task we don’t want to do or cannot do. And as we have grown more civilised and evolved, we learn how to treat those at the other end with respect.
How does this change when we fund organizations, in the not-for-profit space? Do we carry some baggage of inequality?
When an organization or an individual provides funds for social good, they have a choice, they get a payoff, and it’s like any other stuff that they do each day.
They why the unequal mindset?
If we choose an organization, commit to them for a certain period of time, we also commit to treating them as equals, with respect. We need to follow that commitment.
The donors get a huge payoff in terms of participation, through someone who is doing the heavy lifting on ground. There is a huge feel-good aspect, status as ‘givers’, respect through association, meeting our targets of philanthropy, a sense of participation…
The organization gets resources and the ability to continue doing their work, being able to scale up.
Such a wonderful exchange!
There is no place for inequality here – of making the organization chase us, ask us many times, made to feel as if it’s a favour, etc.
Let’s be respectful, professional, part of an equal exchange.
