Philanthropy, the voluntary sharing of time and money to make the world a better place, is more than a zero sum game in which the donor has to lose something for for the recipient to gain something of like value. Donors also clearly come out ahead. The act of making a gift helps them realize more of their human potential and become better people.
There is plenty of research backing this up. Consider a recent Razoo.com survey showing more than nine in 10 adults (94 percent) have donated to others — and that doing so is one of the top three “feel good” activities (45 percent) — behind being in love (56 percent) and hugging their children (48 percent) — but beating out eating gourmet meals (27 percent) or working out at the gym (24 percent). A majority of those who have ever donated to those in need feel that they’re making a difference (60 percent), feel satisfied (48 percent), feel good about themselves (43 percent), and feel excited (28 percent).
When you’ve been in the fundraising business long enough, you recognize the “high” donors get from making a gift. It’s an uplifting feeling, evidenced by the smiles on their faces and their eagerness to hear about the impact of their gifts.
In the late 1980s, Dr. James Andreoni, economics professor from the University of California at San Diego, presented research that the internal motives for giving were indeed more important than many people had acknowledged. He came up with a name for his idea — the “warm glow” theory — and it has stuck.
In the warm glow view of philanthropy, people aren’t giving money merely to save the whales. They’re also giving money to feel the glow that comes with being the kind of person who’s helping to save the whales.
Talk to donors who make gifts at all levels, from $1 to $1 million and more, and you’ll hear about their lives being enriched.
Donors get as much from making a gift as the recipients. Philanthropy is a rising tide that lifts all boats — including those carrying the recipient, the solicitor, and the donor.
Keep in mind that philanthropy doesn’t belong exclusively to any one group, even the wealthy. Some 70 percent to 80 percent of Americans contribute each year to at least one charity, giving $1,800 each, on average.
There are boundless opportunities to give and advance important causes through non-profits and other organizations with missions worth supporting. Remember, giving means the sharing of both time and money, and the two typically go hand-in-hand. So those who donate both time and money derive more benefits than those who just give one or the other.
The start of a new year is a perfect time to get started or ratchet up your level of engagement. Philanthropist role-model Bill Greehey likes putting it this way: “Givers are healthier, happier, richer, and live longer. Share your success with others.”
Original Source: http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/Philanthropic-donors-get-as-much-as-they-give-4176627.php
