We just heard Dan Pallotta, author of Uncharitable, speak about how nonprofits (and foundations) need to banish the word "overhead" from their lexicon and change the focus of donors and foundation regulations from the percentage of the gifts given that go to operating expenses to a focus on what really works.
In other words, said Pallotta, we need to take control of the conversation.
In my opinion, the new communities and discussions fostered by online communications tools and social media will play a huge role in that. We saw it with the presidential election in 2008, and we can see it going on now.
Only mere weeks ago, the nonprofit KIVA garnered attention when it was pointed out that the way in which it uses donations wasn't necessarily what donors thought. KIVA and some of its intelligent advocates took control of that conversation, and I believe that KIVA has emerged stronger than ever as a solid, effective investment - and I have no idea what their "overhead" is. Nor do I care.
There is a wealth of information and opinions that we can tap into and spaces where we can discuss and create a new conversation about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector within the realm of cyberspace.
Foundations of all sizes, stripes and opinions can and should be a part of this discussion. Who's ready to take control of the conversation?
In other words, said Pallotta, we need to take control of the conversation.
In my opinion, the new communities and discussions fostered by online communications tools and social media will play a huge role in that. We saw it with the presidential election in 2008, and we can see it going on now.
Only mere weeks ago, the nonprofit KIVA garnered attention when it was pointed out that the way in which it uses donations wasn't necessarily what donors thought. KIVA and some of its intelligent advocates took control of that conversation, and I believe that KIVA has emerged stronger than ever as a solid, effective investment - and I have no idea what their "overhead" is. Nor do I care.
There is a wealth of information and opinions that we can tap into and spaces where we can discuss and create a new conversation about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector within the realm of cyberspace.
Foundations of all sizes, stripes and opinions can and should be a part of this discussion. Who's ready to take control of the conversation?
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