Much of the current thinking around trends in philanthropy is focused on mega donors. Two of those mega donors who have some different ideas about how to use their philanthropy are Melinda French Gates and MacKenzie Scott.
And while it is kind of fun to think about MacKenzie Scott debating how to use the $17 billion she has set aside for philanthropy or Melinda Gates with $12.5 billion, not all philanthropy has to be about big-dollar transformative gifts.
Some philanthropy is quiet, consistent and largely self-sufficient. Yet the work can be equally transformative. Take, for example, Columbus Fellowship Club. It has been serving the community since 1981 and is well-known within its community of persons in recovery from substance abuse.
Not long ago, a friend who is a board member of CFC dropped by Heritage Fund to see if we might consider helping with a project to repair their parking lot that had deteriorated after years of use. So, we did our homework with information provided by CFC and ultimately provided a grant to reconstruct and repave it.
What we learned along the way was impressive. For 42 years, CFC has provided facilities for individuals seeking recovery via the 12-Step Programs that include Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics and others. The Jonesville Road facility holds more than 35 meetings each week and serves hundreds of attendees. No fees or dues are required; rent is paid by voluntary contributions, and expenses for the buildings and grounds are covered by membership dues, gifts and bequests.
Much good work is happening thanks to Columbus Fellowship Club in a quiet, consistent way that is a testament to the power of people helping people. It was a honor to help, in a small way, their really amazing work.
Tracy Souza is president and CEO of Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County. Contact the fund at 812-376-7772 to learn more about how they can help you do “Your Philanthropy. Your Way.” Send comments to [email protected].
