This week I was in a meeting at Google and I was talking about the amount of Fundraising that occurs in Canada.
When asked I blurted out, “I bet it’s $10 billion worth.” Then I added, “I guess we could Google it!” – thinking I was being funny since the meeting was at Google. Like you, nobody in the meeting laughed. But that is what we used to do before Google and Search was invented. We guessed. Often the smartest people in the room were afforded that title based on their ability to guess.
Many a time when a colleague has been stumped to answer a question, I am sure you suggested they “Just Guess.” You weren’t actually asking them to guess, but you were asking them to think. Use their judgement. Take a stand. Put a stake in the ground.
I am a big believer in informed guessing. Informed guessing really isn’t guessing. It’s applying critical thinking. It’s becoming a lost art. Or perhaps thinking is a science. Probably it is both.
So let’s think about the numbers. According to a supplement in the Globe and Mail this past week, the actual number is $12.8 billion donated by Canadians. That’s a ton of dough! It also doesn’t include the amount of money contributed by corporate sponsors to charities. Still if you ask many charities, they don’t have enough or can’t generate enough.
If you are a not-for-profit, how do you tackle the challenges ahead of you. I actually won’t suggest you guess. This is too important for that. My best advice is to learn from others, and the group behind National Philanthropy Day, AFP Toronto, provides you with one of the best opportunities in the world to do so. Next week they will host the AFP Congress featuring three days of learning, discussion, and networking at the Metro Convention Centre. Whether you are a novice or a pro, a start-up or an established charity, a brand intern or an entrepreneur, I recommend you attend.
But I would also suggest you attend even if you are not in the sector. I know it’s super short notice but I have three good reasons. First, it is the second largest and most influential congress of its type outside of the International Fundraising Congress in Holland. Secondly, the role that not-for-profits play in our society is ever-increasing and evermore important. Thirdly, and connected to the second, this growing importance in our society requires that these groups attract even stronger and more abundant talent. The sector has ongoing demands for new voices, new skills, new approaches, and new minds. It is currently filled with some of the most talented and passionate people in the world and they need more people on the team.
I have blogged many times about the vital role of passion in the workplace. If you want to do more than just donate or volunteer, than commit more of your professional life to philanthropy. You will quickly find that a rewarding career is only just the appetizer in your new world.
If a radical career change is too much than get involved by ensuring your brand, your enterprise, or your institution becomes purpose-driven. What higher good are you serving than just making money for shareholders and owners. (Yes I need to look in the mirror on this one).
I am taking a guess that as the world evolves, it needs more great people doing great work. Google it. It’s true.