Random Acts of Giving

Fundraising lore is full of providential moments. You can plan, strategize, research until the cows come home, but sometimes luck and a higher power are on your side when looking for money.

Two days ago I welcomed my third child into the world. She’s a beautiful, healthy vision of an angel. And, with two older brothers, she’ll likely hold her own quickly. This experience, like the previous two, gives me pause to think of how lucky I am to father a brood and without the tremendous burden that some families do with a serious infant or child healthcare issue.

With this in mind, my wife and I have decided to make an annual contribution in each of our children’s names to three organizations that address, research or assist families with serious infant/child illnesses. Our first act is going to the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). The women (I’m sure there are men, but they weren’t in our hospital with us) who served, cared for, listened, educated, encouraged, and cajoled confidence into us for those adrenaline-filled 12 hours pre-birth were testimony to the health care profession. I can’t imagine the sights they see day in and day out. Before a baby arrives they are dealing with people who are largely void of sensical decision-making powers. Each person walks off the street bringing personal baggage, expectations, education of the birthing process, and of course, pain tolerance. Some are with a team of family supporters; some are alone. These nurses ease into each situation. Talk about customer service skills. Going from room to room, they hold a power to articulate a situation in a caring tone with civility and authority, while exuding an unguarded openness for dialogue. To grapple with the fact that at any moment in one or all of the rooms they are serving could deliver life altering news is intense.

I say all this as a preface to, I have no idea what NAPNAP’s fundraising goal is. Maybe my gift will put them over the top? I don’t know really what percentage of my dollar will go to programs vs. operations, and quite frankly nor do I care. I don’t expect to get every mailing and be recognized broadly. This is a random act of giving. We were so personally moved by the work of these individuals, we are going to act. Isn’t that what we all hope for in raising money? That the cause or people working for a cause so move a prospective donor by the work that they act with their bank account? (This is why letting prospects see your organization's work firsthand is vital to your fundraising succes. Let the programs or services sell themselves.)

Kick off 2007 with your ‘thankful in 2006’ list. Don’t just give to your usual suspects. Pull out your wallet, checkbook, or internet browser and give. Enjoy the fulfillment of a random act of giving and become part of the lore.