Myth #3: The Philanthropic Sector is Unregulated and Disorganized

Earlier this year, I was invited by LinkedIn to share my thoughts on myths in the philanthropic world. I decided to expound on that thought and am writing a 5-part series on MYTHS OF PHILANTHROPY. You can read previous blogs here: 

Myth #1: Philanthropy is Only for the Rich 

Myth #2: Philanthropy is Boundless 

Today’s blog came to me following a meeting on Governance I had with a few of my Board members. We spent the meeting looking at how we needed to restructure our bylaws to match our new strategic direction. 

As background, Governance and bylaws are part of those organizational functions that I mentally categorize as “boring, but important.” Nobody cares about them until there is a problem or an emergency. 

SCF’s bylaws had been updated in 2019 and fortunately were strong enough to see us through the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent pivoting of our mission to become Coastal Virginia’s premier server and funder for the arts. 

 “Boring, but important.” 

As I was walking back to my car in the gentle breezes of a Coastal Virginia fall and mentally congratulating SCF on weathering the storm of the last few years, my reverie was interrupted by notifications on my phone that more serious problems were brewing. Hurricane Milton had just strengthened into a Category 5 storm and would follow on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which caused catastrophic destruction in the southeastern U.S. 

This brings me to today’s topic: 

Myth #3: The Philanthropic Sector is Unregulated and Disorganized

There is a myth that nonprofits are unregulated and disorganized. This is wildly untrue for most nonprofits and foundations operating in the United States. We have bylaws, audits, gift acceptance policies, Governance committees, cyber security policies, insurance policies, Form 990s (tax returns), monthly financial statements – and so much more! Although we do have our moments of disorganization, just like anybody else in business. 😉 

Back to the notifications about Hurricane Milton, though. A quick scroll through my Inbox and LinkedIn feed shows my colleagues throughout Virginia, the Southeast, and beyond sharing how to help. I couldn’t help but think how the organizations we turn to in a crisis are the ones that are well run and governed by great infrastructure. 

“Boring, but important.”

Rita Breen, my favorite corporate social responsibility expert, shared on LinkedIn the incredible philanthropic effort generated by her team at Georgia Power Foundation to help hard-hit area. She mentions mutual assistance crews working in other states, like Texas and Florida. 

Heidi McPherson, a former boss of mine and now CEO at the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo (CA), shared the Council on Foundation’s “Philanthropy’s Response to 2024 US Storms.” 

Closer to home and from an organization that I am part of, the Virginia Funders Network shared how Virginia funders are working to help those affected. I’ve shared the list below. 

• The Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation issued this statement joining relief efforts. 
• Appalachia Funders Network has created the Appalachian Helene Response Fund. 
• American Red Cross Virginia is collecting funds to support displaced persons in Virginia. 
• Community Foundation of Western North Carolina has opened their disaster relief fund. 
• Philanthropy Southeast and NC Network of Grantmakers have set up resource pages on their websites with multiple organizations to support. 
• Smyth County Community Foundation, partnered with Smyth County Administration, has created the Smyth County Disaster Fund to assist in efforts to return housing to livable standards.  
• United Way of Southwest Virginia has set up a Southwest Virginia Disaster Relief Fund. 
• Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters' website has information about volunteer opportunities. 

Every one of these organizations, in my opinion, is a well-run philanthropic organization. They are organized, regulated, and follow good principles of Governance. These are the types of organizations we in the industry to turn to in an emergency. “Boring, but important.” Please consider helping support their efforts. They’re legit. Be safe everyone.

I’d love to hear any your “great moments of philanthropy!” We will share these posts on our own social media pages and would love for you to join in. Not on social media? Email me at lbaehre@sandlercenterfoundation.org.