Vu Le, Beverly Mislang, Amira Barger, Elizabeth Seja Min and Elliot Levin.

Philanthropy’s Evolution

Founder’s Message

More than ever before, effective fundraising is an outcome of understanding the unique character of each community and the issues that most evoke passion in that community. At PRG we are witnessing powerful and important forces shaping today’s philanthropic landscape. No where is this more evident than in the long-overdue social, economic and cultural diversification of donor markets and the fundraising profession itself.

Last month, I had the honor of participating on an AFP teaching panel with Vu Le, one of this generation’s leading voices busting traditional myths about fundraising for the “next generation.” For a glimpse at Vu’s perspectives (and to laugh a little too), check out his “9 Principles of Community-Centric Fundraising”

At PRG, we are dedicated to the intrinsic connection between fundraising, social justice, common decency, and “tikkun olam” – repairing our world. We see it every day in the often-heroic work of our client organizations across the mission spectrum who shelter the un-housed, create access to the arts, teach, or preserve our planet. Yet, in the gritty work of fundraising it becomes easy to lose sight of building community across organizational lines. Viewed in this context, it becomes okay to challenge a donor, offering a broader understanding of what’s truly needed to tackle a problem and who else is doing good work that merits their support. We applaud Vu Le and courageous others who advocate to look beyond one’s agency’s annual monetary targets toward a greater good by lowering barriers to resources for others.

The panel discussion reinforced our philosophy that fundraising is not all about the donor nor is it a zero-sum game. Rather, donors want precisely what our agencies strive for – improving lives, a compelling vision for the community and smart use of resources.

When we recognize that when we remember Vu’s Principle # 1 – Fundraising must be grounded in race, equity and social justice – fundraising is stronger and our communities simply better.

AFP Spring Forum panel discussing the evolution of fundraising 4-29-19

AFP Spring Forum exploring the evolution of philanthropy 4-29-19

Standing in Solidarity with Our Muslim Brothers and Sisters 

I recently returned from the AFP ICON conference in San Antonio, Texas. In addition tokick’n up my boots and strolling on the gracious River Walk, I attended a rather moving and remarkable session on Islam & Philanthropy. The presenters, Sana Mahoob and Muhi Khwaja, were incredibly welcoming and open, eager to share the beliefs, commitments and practices of their Muslim faith.

From a fundraising perspective, I learned about “Almsgiving,” a religious mandate and fundamental pillar of their faith that dictates individuals give away a minimum of 2.5% of their cumulative wealth every year through “Zakat.” There is even a formal calculator to help them figure out how much that is – Google it! They are obliged to direct these funds to people in need, those who are destitute and stranded travelers to name a few. Many give to “Zakat collectors” that are foundations that aggregate the gifts and direct them in a spiritually appropriate manner.

I also learned that the number of Muslims in America is over 4M and growing. In fact, in twenty US states, Muslims are the second largest group after Christians. They have hundreds of millions of dollars in disposable income and many give well beyond their mandated amount of Zakat and take on tackling some of the world’s greatest ills through large philanthropic bets.

But more importantly, I was touched by Sana and Muhi’s earnest message about the connection our Muslim brothers and sisters crave from our shared communities where they live, work and raise their families. Over and over again, they invited our participation in their culture and religion, stressing how vulnerable members of the Muslim faith feel right now around the world, encouraging us to find ways to show signs of solidarity and support.

Being practical people (of course, they are fundraisers) they had a ready list of easy ways as development professionals that we can bridge this divide and connect:

1. Ask a Muslim friend for advice
2. If you don’t have one, make one
3. Write a letter to your local mosque on behalf of your organization this Ramadan
4. Ask to visit the local mosque
5. Setup a presentation at the mosque
6. Recruit a Muslim board member
7. Research Muslims/Islam on Foundation Center
8. Reach out to your local Muslim community during trying times
9. Join an interfaith council
10. Most big cities have regional councils of Muslim organizations, present to them
11. Attend a local Muslim organization’s banquet
12. Celebrate with Muslims: Two main holidays; i. after Ramadan ii. Pilgrimage

New PRG team member

“I am excited at the prospect of helping donors fulfill their needs while providing lasting value to their communities and to the causes they hold dear.”

Please welcome Serena D’Arcy-Fisher as PRG’s newest addition to our team. Her non-profit experience spans 30 years and four continents: South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and America. With a background in International Relations, her work for innovative for-profit businesses as well as with government, university and world-renowned human potential organizations, helped to raise millions for key projects with global impact.

Serena thrives on creating major-donor programs that build capacity and connect donors to the organization’s vision. She is particularly interested in the power of story to catalyze change and promote transformational philanthropy. Her work includes a focus on capital campaigns, and she’s produced multiple major fundraising events with international celebrities, including John Cleese and Deepak Chopra.

Serena will play a critical role with PRG clients, offering hands-on development assistance as well as strategic council and donor development training. Welcome Serena!