Everyday Philanthropy

Several years ago, I was in Detroit for a conference. And I was waiting for the elevator to go back to my hotel room, when who should appear but Darren Walker from the Ford Foundation. I knew it was him immediately, and no matter how hard I tried to play it cool…I just couldn’t.

The elevator doors closed, it was just the two of us, and I blurted out, “You’re Darren Walker! I’m a huge fan! I love your work. I love everything you say!”

I’m pretty sure he breathed a sigh of relief when I got off at my floor.

If you follow philanthropy, you know that after a decade as president of the Ford Foundation, Walker is stepping down — and that he recently published his book, The Idea of America, which is now on my reading list. In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, he shared a story about receiving a $500 award from a group of children in honor of their father who had been a University of Texas alum. That gift made it possible for Walker’s family to attend his college graduation — something they otherwise couldn’t have done.

In this same interview, Walker said, “It’s important to understand that everyone can be a philanthropist.”

One million bajillion percent.

Philanthropy is about everyday acts that make a real difference.

In this moment in our country, how can each of us be a philanthropist? Maybe it’s volunteering a couple hours, mentoring someone, making a donation, or amplifying voices that need to be heard. We can each do something.

Even small acts of generosity can have an outsized impact.

I may never ride in another elevator with Darren Walker again, but I sure as heck will keep following him. May we remain committed to the Idea of America.

With love and appreciation,

Sarah

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💡 IF YOU’RE IN ORANGE COUNTY, COME TO THIS SUMMIT

Hey neighbor, what are you doing on Thursday, October 9? I hope you might be able to join us at the Orange County Grantmakers Annual Summit in Garden Grove. I’ve had the privilege of working on this event for the past handful of years, and we have another incredible lineup of keynote speakers:

• Baratunde Thurston — Emmy-nominated storyteller, producer, and thought leader weaving stories of interdependence across our relationships with nature, humans, and technology

• Dimple Abichandani — nationally recognized philanthropic leader, lawyer, advisor, and author of A New Era of Philanthropy

• Julián Castro — CEO of the Latino Community Foundation and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Come for the connection, learning, and inspiration. This event is for the curious and leaders of all kinds. Hope to see you there. 😉 

*️⃣ SHE IS NOT A FOOTNOTE

I am loving this cause campaign by the National Women’s History Museum: she is not a footnote*.

This very short video is both funny and really not funny at all.

🍨 ANOTHER REASON TO LOVE BEN AND JERRY’S

Do I buy Ben and Jerry’s ice cream on most trips to the grocery store? Absolutely! Did I at one point apply to work at Ben and Jerry’s many years ago? You’d better believe it (hi, #dreamjob).

Here’s one more reason to love this brand: The Ben and Jerry’s Foundation is seeking grant applications for its grassroots organizing program, which offers two-year unrestricted, general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year.

The Foundation uses a rolling process, so your organization can submit anytime throughout the year. Learn more here.

💘 NONPROFIT LOVE

The nonprofit KABOOM! was born out of a tragedy in 1995 in Washington, D.C. Founder Darrell Hammond, recognizing the urgent need for safe spaces for children to play, was motivated to act. He didn’t set out to build an organization; instead, he decided to solve a specific problem working in partnership with a specific community to meet the needs of its kids. And that turned into the first KABOOM! playground.

Since KABOOM!’s founding, the organization has built or improved 17,000+ playspaces, engaged more than 1.5M community members, and brought joy to 12M kids. (I love this SO MUCH!)

Despite all of KABOOM!’s incredible work, there are still approximately 30M kids in the U.S. who lack nearby outdoor places to play. Want to support this nonprofit’s mission of ending playspace inequity for good? Check out this page for ways to get involved.