Tag: Business

Making More Space for Young Nonprofit Leaders

On August 1, 2023

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

In the ever-changing landscape of the nonprofit sector, the rise of young leaders brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a passion for creating positive change. As young professionals step into leadership roles within nonprofit organizations, it is crucial for the sector to make more space to empower and support these emerging leaders.

Recognizing the Value of Youthful Vision:

Young nonprofit leaders offer a unique blend of enthusiasm, creativity, and adaptability that can invigorate organizations and drive meaningful impact. Their fresh perspective can challenge the status quo and spark innovation. By embracing diverse leadership styles and viewpoints, the nonprofit sector can foster a more inclusive and dynamic environment that better addresses the complex challenges faced by society.

1. Promoting Mentorship and Professional Development:

Mentorship and professional development opportunities are instrumental in nurturing young nonprofit leaders. Experienced leaders within the organization can play a vital role in guiding and supporting young talent. Creating formal mentorship programs and encouraging informal mentorship relationships can provide young leaders with valuable insights, career guidance, and a sense of belonging within the organization.

Investing in professional development programs, workshops, and leadership training can equip young leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to the growth and advancement of young professionals within the nonprofit sector.

2. Building Inclusive Governance Structures:

Inclusive governance structures are essential for making space for young nonprofit leaders at the decision-making level. Including young leaders on boards of directors and advisory committees allows them to contribute their perspectives, expertise, and experiences to shape the organization’s direction.

Organizations should actively seek out young leaders from diverse backgrounds and experiences to ensure that the governance body reflects the communities they serve. Encouraging leadership pipelines that identify and nurture young talent within the organization can also promote a more inclusive and representative leadership team.

3. Cultivating a Supportive Organizational Culture:

A supportive organizational culture is vital for attracting and retaining young nonprofit leaders. Creating a culture of open communication, feedback, and collaboration enables young leaders to share their ideas and feel valued within the organization. Transparency in decision-making and a commitment to embracing new approaches foster an environment that encourages creative thinking and risk-taking.

Organizations should also prioritize work-life balance and employee well-being, recognizing the importance of supporting the holistic needs of young leaders. Flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and a commitment to mental health support demonstrate an organization’s dedication to the overall well-being of its team.

4. Emphasizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not just buzzwords; they are critical components of a successful nonprofit organization. Emphasizing DEI efforts ensures that young nonprofit leaders from different backgrounds and identities feel welcomed and empowered to lead.

Organizations should actively work towards creating a culture of belonging, where individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to contribute their perspectives and ideas. Incorporating DEI principles into every aspect of the organization, from hiring practices to program design, will help create a more equitable and representative nonprofit sector.

5. Amplifying Youth Voice and Advocacy:

Young nonprofit leaders often have a deep understanding of the issues that affect their communities. By amplifying youth voices and advocacy efforts, organizations can help these leaders advocate for the causes they are passionate about.

Creating platforms for young leaders to share their stories, expertise, and experiences can elevate their voices and drive meaningful change. Collaborating with youth-led organizations and networks can also provide opportunities for cross-generational learning and collaboration.

The nonprofit sector has much to gain from making more space for young leaders. By recognizing the value of youthful vision, promoting mentorship and professional development, building inclusive governance structures, cultivating a supportive organizational culture, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and amplifying youth voice and advocacy, nonprofits can harness the potential of young leaders to drive positive social impact.

Empowering young nonprofit leaders is not just about creating opportunities for individuals; it is about building a stronger, more resilient, and innovative nonprofit sector that is better equipped to address the challenges of today and tomorrow. As organizations embrace and uplift the voices of young leaders, they will not only enrich their own teams but also contribute to a more just and equitable society for all.

How to Increase Engagement on Social Media as a Nonprofit

By Jimmy Lustig

On August 15, 2022

In Blog, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

Most nonprofits have Facebook pages mainly used to communicate with their supporters. They also use it to create events and respond to questions. However, this level of engagement is not an effective way to get people to become advocates. Even if you have thousands of followers on Facebook, none of them will ever act as advocates or donate to the organization if they never see your posts.

Social media is a powerful tool for organizations to reach out to their communities and build support for their cause. The latest research shows that over three billion people use social media globally. Use these steps to get started and get others to help you improve the world.

Know Your Audience

Like in real life, people are not always going to be friends on social media. However, connecting with like-minded individuals is very important for mental health. Before using social media, you must identify the people most likely to support your mission. This will include the individuals involved in the organization’s operations, such as volunteers and staff members. You can also create a list of characteristics that your potential supporters share.

Choose the Right Platform

It can be hard to keep up with all the details about social media platforms, especially if you’re a small business or a nonprofit. However, it’s important to remember the differences between different platforms and that choosing the right one for your organization is essential. Having the right media mix can help boost your marketing efforts’ effectiveness and attract more potential supporters. It’s important to remember that different platforms have their capabilities and uses. For instance, LinkedIn and Twitter have unique abilities and can reach different audiences.

Create a Consistent Brand Voice

After you have identified the ideal platform, it’s time to start creating content for your social media platforms. Before you start working on your content, take a minute to think about the various pages that you like on Instagram or Facebook and why you like seeing their content. Social media lets you share your organization’s perspective and connect with your target audiences. Some organizations have charismatic leaders who can be featured on platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter. Others use content generated by their followers or feature their clients. Whatever you choose, create something your audience will like and return for more.

As you build and refine your strategy, remember that it’s a process that will eventually change. Having a well-defined and consistent approach will allow you to reach out to more potential supporters and increase the engagement of your social media efforts.

How to Make Your Business More Sustainable

By Jimmy Lustig

On July 21, 2022

In James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

In 2022, running a business will be hard. Climate change is one of the most significant issues enterprises face today, and it is becoming increasingly clear that everyone has a role to play in addressing this issue. It is no longer a secret that we all are responsible for reducing our emissions and saving the planet from environmental disasters. There are many simple steps that you can take to make your company more sustainable.

Most businesses have taken the necessary steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. However, setting realistic goals and implementing effective strategies can be challenging for small and medium-sized enterprises. This guide aims to help you navigate the various steps in setting green targets.

Use Eco-Friendly Packaging

According to the EPA, packaging accounts for over 23% of the materials that end up in landfills in the US. You can help reduce your company’s pollution contribution by implementing eco-friendly packaging techniques.

One of the most effective ways to reduce your company’s packaging waste is using biodegradable containers. Instead of using single-use containers, use containers made from various materials such as seaweed, wood pulp, and corn starch. Also, avoid using a mishmash of materials. For instance, if your packaging has multiple types of polymers, it can potentially be unrecyclable.

Good packaging can make a product more likely to be reused or recycled. Having well-designed and applicable packaging can also help keep your products attractive and from going to waste. For instance, if you have a logo on a drawstring bag, your customers might use it for other products.

Set Goals to Strive Toward

Setting goals is also essential when it comes to setting green targets. Although it might seem like an obvious step, it’s additionally vital to consider the various factors that affect the environment. One of these is climate change research. Follow the latest scientific studies and make the right decisions for your company and the planet.

Although going green for the environment is essential, other benefits can also be realized by becoming more sustainable. Being able to become more responsible for your company’s background can help boost its reputation and attract more potential customers.

Contrary to popular belief, going green can help your company’s growth. In many cases, it can lead to new and innovative products and services that will help your target market become more accepting of your values.

Although it might seem costly, going green can help your company’s bottom line. Not only can it save you money, but it can also help the environment by reducing the amount of energy your company uses. Other ways to go green include implementing energy-efficient lighting and buying local.

Reduce Energy Use

Before you start implementing a plan to go green, you must have a good understanding of your company’s energy consumption. Having a smart meter can help you monitor your company’s overall energy usage and identify areas where changes can be made. Having an up-to-date energy performance certificate (EPC) is also essential to ensure that your company’s buildings are energy efficient. This will allow you to identify areas where improvements can be made.

One of the most significant energy-consuming components of an office building is its lighting. Aside from using natural light, it’s also essential to consider the various factors that affect the building’s energy usage. One of the most significant changes that can be made is to replace the older, inefficient lighting with more energy-efficient models.

Go Paperless

In the US, office workers use over 12 trillion sheets of paper annually. Not only does this amount to a lot of trees, but it also costs a lot of money.

Try implementing online billing and paperwork to cut down on paper waste and increase your physical storage space. Not only will it help reduce your paper usage, but it can also help you save money on your bills. One of the easiest ways to implement this practice is by sending email receipts to customers.

Although a 100% paperless office is a noble endeavor, it can sometimes be impractical. Even if you can still use a piece of paper, make sure you purchase sustainably sourced paper. Not only will it help reduce your paper usage, but it can also help you save money on your bills.

Highlighting Some of the Most Influential Philanthropists

By Jimmy Lustig

On June 16, 2022

In James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

One of the most important factors that people can consider when it comes to living is giving. Being able to give back to the communities that you live in is a powerful way to create a deeper sense of purpose and make a difference in the world. In the U.S., there is a culture of philanthropy that involves high-net-worth individuals giving to various causes.

Some of the most prominent philanthropists in the world make their impact by giving back a portion of their wealth. Even if you don’t have the necessary resources to support a large number of charitable organizations, you can still give back to the communities that you live in.

Andrew Carnegie

One of the wealthiest individuals in history, Andrew Carnegie died almost a hundred years ago. Despite his passing, he is still regarded as the biggest philanthropist in the world. Due to the growth of the steel industry in the U.S., he was able to create a fortune that was worth almost $200 billion in 2007.

Over the course of his life, he gave away over 90% of his fortune. He established several schools and universities, as well as thousands of libraries and free public libraries across the world. He also supported the construction of thousands of church organs. Carnegie Hall, which is regarded as one of the most famous structures in the world, was also built as a result of his philanthropy.

Paul Tudor Jones

One of the most prominent philanthropists in the United States is Paul Tudor Jones, a hedge fund manager. He is known for his work with the Robin Hood Foundation, which focuses on providing education to children in New York. Through his fund, he has made real and measurable investments.

Through his network of fund managers, Jones could raise additional funds and partners for his charitable organization. He has also been able to create a network effect that has increased the impact of his work.

Bill and Melinda Gates

Bill Gates is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the history of the information age. Through his company, Microsoft, he has been able to become one of the world’s wealthiest individuals multiple times. He has given away over $100 billion to various charitable organizations. Through his partnership with Warren Buffett, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has focused on multiple global health and education issues.

Ray Dalio

Through his charitable organization, the Ray Dalio Philanthropies, the founder and CEO of the investment firm, Ray Dalio, has supported various causes. His approach to philanthropy is different from other prominent individuals because he doesn’t look for credit and instead focuses on making his donations in secret.

Through his charitable organization, Ray has been able to support various causes. He has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to fight human trafficking.

Warren Buffet

One of the wealthiest individuals in the world, Warren Buffett, is also one of the most generous philanthropists. Through his charitable organization, the Warren Buffett Foundation, he has been able to support various causes.

Due to his success in investing and personal frugality, Warren Buffett partnered with Gates to create the Giving Pledge, which urged America’s wealthiest individuals to give most of their wealth to charitable organizations. Through his philanthropy, Warren Buffett has been able to support various causes.

How to Choose a Charity for Your Business to Support

By Jimmy Lustig

On August 22, 2021

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

Businesses that give back to the community also benefit from their generosity. Donating to local organizations helps to create a happier, healthier, and more prosperous neighborhood. A reputation as community-minded also aids in the overall public opinion of the business. The choice of who to support is a crucial decision because not all charities are equal. A few guidelines can help any business manager to choose wisely.

Choose Ethical Charities

Any charity a business selects to align itself with needs to have a good reputation. Make sure the group is an organized and legal nonprofit with excellent recordkeeping. Transparency is vital in how donations get dispersed and what percentage of funding goes to the cause versus administration. Experts recommend charitable organizations keep their administrative costs at or below 15 percent of their total budget. Some reputable groups may rise above this amount, but the variations should not be much higher.

Ensure Measurable Accomplishments

Select a nonprofit that has a record of achievements. Any established group receiving regular donations should have the ability to detail what they have built or improved in the community. Continue to follow those that promise future benefits without making a financial commitment to see if they meet their goals.

Pick Relatable Organizations

A medical-related company may want to give to health-centered charities. A business that focuses on children should choose a nonprofit that helps with children’s causes. The customers of any business will appreciate a company giving back to things that mean the most to them. The right choice of charity can also help increase the visibility of the company to potential customers.

Keep it Local

National and international charities do impressive things, but everyone wants to see their community thrive. Small businesses usually rely on support from their neighbors. Helping those neighbors is a way to say thanks for the support.

Support of a local cause can help increase public awareness of a business and draw in new customers. Charitable work is a way for business owners to network within the community and create connections they would have missed otherwise. Giving back allows a company to make a difference in its community, and that helps everyone.

Robert Downey Jr.’s Latest Philanthropic Investment

By Jimmy Lustig

On February 17, 2021

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy, Uncategorized

Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. has been covertly making headways into the world of environmental research the last few years. In 2019, Downey Jr. founded the Footprint Coalition, an organization geared toward supporting scientific research and sustainability technologies. Earlier this week, Downey Jr. revealed a new arm of the Footprint Coalition at the Davos Agenda of the World Economic Forum: Footprint Coalition Ventures. Downey Jr. explains that Footprint Coalition Ventures will be the investment branch of the organization and that its mission will be seeking out and supporting companies that research sustainability.

Downey Jr. went into further detail on the goals of Footprint Coalition Ventures in an interview with reporters from Fast Company. Downey Jr. explains that creating Footprint Coalition Ventures will put the Footprint Coalition in a better position to help answer vital sustainability questions. Continuing, Downey Jr. says that Footprint Coalition Ventures have two types of funds, one for preliminary investments and the other for subsequent investment opportunities. Furthermore, the company follows a rolling fund investment schedule. In this manner, investors will be able transfer funds to companies on a quarterly basis, making Footprint Coalition Ventures more accessible to different kinds of investors. Downey Jr. adds that such a schedule opens the company to as wide a pool of investors as possible.

Footprint Coalition Ventures focuses on funding companies that research in six areas, including food and agriculture, energy, education, and advanced environmental solutions. Thus far, five companies, including Arcadia Earth and Cloud Paper, have received funds from Footprint Coalition Ventures.

Looking to the future, Downey Jr. says that he plans on using his status as a celebrity to raise awareness on the Footprint Coalition and sustainability ventures in general. While many other celebrities who are involved in similar organizations tend to keep a low public profile, Downey Jr. feels that it is his responsibility to use his platform to influence others. Jonathan Schulhof, who runs the day-to-day business of Footprint Coalition Ventures, points out that the company has used a YouTube video of Downey Jr. detailing the differences between plastic and polyhydroxyalkanoate, a new type of sustainable polymer invented by RWDC Industries, to help woo investors. Schulhof continues that such content can inspire audiences by making something extraordinary seem commonplace.

Five Great Books About Philanthropy in 2020

By Jimmy Lustig

On December 15, 2020

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy, Uncategorized

With so many options out there, how – and why – should people consider giving? The five books below provide many answers to these and other questions, making for fascinating reading, both inspirational and impactful.

One of the best guides to the giving process is the traditional Inspired Philanthropy: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Giving Plan and Leaving a Legacy, by Tracy Gary. Efficient covers everything from the basics of plan making, working with advisors, the right questions to ask non-profits, and much more. The inclusion of worksheets, resource lists, and descriptions of planning tools is beneficial.

The Promise of a Pencil, by Adam Braun, tells the story of how one man’s actions impacted thousands of lives globally. After encountering a begging child and starting with only $25, Braun built an organization that has helped build over 250 schools worldwide. Inspirational and uplifting, if ever there was an argument for the power of giving, this is it.

In The Soul of Money: Reclaiming the Wealth of Our Inner Resources, Lynne Twist offers positive proof that changing our attitudes towards earning and spending money can make our lives more meaningful and fulfilling. Challenging everyday assumptions about society’s views of money, the author illustrates her journey from conspicuous consumer to non-profit activist in an honest, no-punches-pulled way.

Sharna Goldseker and Michael Moody bring a fresh perspective in Generation Impact: How Next Gen Donors Are Revolutionizing Giving. Moving between first-hand accounts and analysis of a new class of doner’s work, the book shows the impact of young rising stars of philanthropy in disrupting traditional giving models and creating entirely fresh approaches to the field.

Another disruptive approach to giving is Impact Investing: Transforming How We Make Money While Making a Difference by Antony Bugg-Levine and Jed Emerson. The new field of impact investing is thoroughly explained, showing how it’s possible to “blend” investment success with positive change.

This year, perhaps more than in most, it’s essential to consider how a charitable contribution can positively impact peoples’ lives. The wisdom and practical advice that abound in the five volumes discussed will hopefully inspire and energize in equal measure.

What is Impact Investing?

By Jimmy Lustig

On November 21, 2019

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig

Investors have the power to improve the world and turn a profit at the same time, they merely need to find the right methods for doing so. Impact investing is one such technique, one that is growing in popularity as more and more people take an interest in corporate responsibility.

How it Works

Impact investing is an investment strategy that focuses on businesses that have a positive impact on the world. Investors look for companies or small businesses that have good environmental policies, provide opportunities to underprivileged communities, or offer other benefits to society. However, they still also look for businesses that can turn a profit.

Both aspects are important because companies need to make money and stay in business in order to provide societal benefits. Investors who turn a profit can dedicate even more money to impact investing or general philanthropy. A talented investor can turn impact investing into a virtuous cycle that provides both social and financial benefits to everyone.

Myths and Misconceptions

There are quite a few myths surrounding income investing. Many of them deal with the potential for profits. For example, some investors believe that impact investing necessarily has lower rates of return than other methods. That is not the case. Investors have reported internal rates of return as high as 34% on their investments, which demonstrates the potential for profit.

Other investors worry that they will need to tie their money down for long periods to see a reasonable return. The average holding period for income investors is roughly five years, which is on par with that of venture capital firms. Investors can expect a reasonably rapid return on their investment as long as they choose their investments wisely.

The Results of Impact Investing

Impact investing really can make a big difference for a community. Businesses that operate in developing nations often need relatively small investments of capital in order to thrive. Those that get the investments provide livelihoods for their workers, who can go on to spend their wages in the local economy. That fuels more growth and encourages development.

Impact investors can also encourage companies to focus on protecting the environment, such as by providing alternative jobs to people who work in destructive industries. Impact investing is getting more popular over time, so it is likely that the positive impact will likewise continue to increase.

Suggestions for a Company Volunteer Day

By Jimmy Lustig

On September 23, 2019

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig

Companies put a great deal of effort strengthening teamwork skills in an effort to make the work environment a better place. While there are numerous activities that can be done in the actual workplace to improve this, volunteer work is one of the best options. Having a company volunteer day not only gives workers the opportunity to give back to the local community in which they live but it can strengthen their bonds with each other as well. There are a wide variety of different company volunteers that can be held.

Food Banks provide the perfect opportunity for companies to give back to those in need of food to feed their families. Local food banks are in constant need of volunteers to help sort, package, cook, and serve local community members. Taking a weekend to lend a hand to those who are in need of food not only helps the hungry but is an excellent morale boost. Volunteering at a food bank also can provide employees with a sense of the scope and severity of hunger in their neighborhood, leading them to live a more sustainable life and produce less food waste.

Taking the time to spruce up and clean a local neighborhood or park is another great way to host a company volunteer day. This would also serve as an excellent team-building activity for the workers. Whether it be collecting litter, planting new trees, or helping to paint a community building, there are many things that can be done to improve the community that you live in.

Hosting a drive to help collect items such as backpacks or clothes for children at the beginning of a school year is also another wonderful company volunteer platform. While it doesn’t necessarily have to be these particular items being collected at the drive it could be something that your local community is in dire need of. During emergencies, many companies host a local blood drive when there is a shortage. Drives are a perfect way to rally the company together for a good cause. This is also a great opportunity for employees to contribute by bringing in items if they are unable to attend the actual volunteer event.

If these suggestions don’t seem to fit the bill for your particular company, take the time to meet together and let employees decide on a volunteer activity. Have an open discussion with the team to see what means the most to them right now, and make plans to form a company volunteer day. This type of volunteer work can boost morale and help to build leadership skills while building a sense of altruism.

How to Encourage Your Employees to Volunteer

By Jimmy Lustig

On September 17, 2019

In Blog, James Lustig, Jimmy Lustig

Of late, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the broad concept of philanthropy have gained increased attention where businesses commit themselves to give back to society. The success of CSR projects depends on how well-coordinated they are. To increase the success of charity projects, companies should endeavor to involve their workers by encouraging them to volunteer in various ways.

Making giving a corporate culture

The art of giving can be enforced within your company by making charity a corporate value and internal culture. Employees joining your company will be highly likely to adopt such a culture and commit themselves to live by it. Besides, businesses that have incorporated the culture of giving in their internal values stand a better chance of attracting employees that have a passion for philanthropy.

Allocating responsibilities

To win the hearts of your employees towards giving to charity, you should endeavor to allocate related responsibilities to workers who have a passion for CSR. Once you identify employees who are committed to serving society through charity, giving them an opportunity to organize and coordinate the fulfillment of the CSR projects cements their commitments.

Recognizing employees’ dedication

Employees who have dedicated themselves to fulfilling charity projects that are organized internally by your company should be appreciated and recognized. Recognizing the top participants in philanthropy encourages more workers to show commitment to similar projects in the future. Such recognition can be in the form of giving workers certificates of participation or even branded attire that recognizes their philanthropic efforts.

Showing commitment right from the top

Employees are highly likely to follow suit the foundations laid within the workplace by the senior managers. The entire C-suit structure of your company, including the president, Chief Executive Officer, and other senior managers, should show commitment by attending CSR projects. Whereas such projects should not be made mandatory for other employees, the senior management will generally serve as a role model and encourage employee participation.

Making CSR fun and attractive

The last incentive that can attract your employees’ participation in charity projects is by making the projects fun. Creating teams that compete and win prizes during the project brings even the workers who have no passion for philanthropy on board. Pictures and videos of the event can also be published on the company’s social media platforms as a way of fronting the workers to the market and showing their dedication.