Editor’s note: In this season of giving, we asked some of the region’s nonprofit leaders to answer a simple question: Why is charitable giving so important in our society?
Part I
Abigayle Tobia, Verland
Charitable giving is the lifeblood of a compassionate society. When we invest in the big ideas of nonprofits, our entire community becomes a more connected and beautiful place to live. At Verland, we’ve witnessed how the generosity of our donors not only transforms the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities but also enriches the entire community. It transforms the lives of our supporters, because generosity is one of the many ways we can affirm our shared humanity. Through giving to the important work of nonprofits, we are able to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and nurture hope. For many of those in our care, charitable donations represent a chance at a fuller life. Beyond the immediate relief it provides, philanthropy plants the seeds for long-term change, enabling progress and promoting people of all abilities. In a world with ever-growing disparities, charitable giving is our shared responsibility, our pledge to a brighter, more compassionate future.
Saleem Ghurbil, The Pittsburgh Promise
Generosity is a gift to those who receive it and to those who demonstrate it. Generosity often begins internally — a generosity of spirit that reveals itself externally through sharing kind words, precious time, and needed resources. Occasionally, generous actions feed and fuel a generous spirit. Regardless of its starting point, our increasingly alienated world needs vivid and rooted displays of generosity that can feed bellies, heal bodies, restore beauty, and build bridges. Generosity is not dependent on balance sheets. Generosity is not a luxury add-on that is available only to a few. Everyone can be generous. In fact, the existence of a civil society depends on humans choosing to be generous.
Elizabeth Parker, The Frick Pittsburgh
Charitable giving allows us to create and sustain aspects of our community that would not exist in the same way without our collective support. Few of us could afford to buy a painting by Monet, but we can all share in the revelation and joy of experiencing an artistic masterpiece in a museum. Taken together, gifts of all amounts allow organizations like The Frick Pittsburgh to exhibit and conserve cultural and historical objects for the understanding and enjoyment of everyone, and for generations to come.
Evan Frazier, The Advanced Leadership Institute
Charitable giving is essential to the survival and sustainability of many nonprofit organizations because it allows them to put the funds where they have the greatest need. Often, sponsorships and fees simply don’t cover the full amount of an organization’s expenses. Also, charitable individual giving tends to be more consistent year-to-year than other areas of funding. However, most importantly, charitable giving assists in counterbalancing public policy, trends, or other factors that we cannot control. For example, after the SCOTUS decision which banned Affirmative Action in the college admissions process, many nonprofits focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion have been impacted because some companies don’t fully understand the ruling and are fearful of being targeted for supporting DEI efforts. For this reason, organizations which are in business to make our society more diverse and equitable must rely more heavily on charitable giving during these times.
Lisa Scales, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
The work of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is something that we all do together as neighbors and a community. Our supporters, partners and volunteers have a collective agreement that food insecurity and hunger is an unacceptable reality for our neighbors. Charitable giving enables individuals and institutions to join in our vision of creating a community where everyone has access to the food and resources they need to thrive. Donations, volunteerism and taking advocacy actions help individuals to play an important role in shaping strong, livable communities. Beyond human services and basic needs, charitable giving shapes arts and cultural offerings, education, the health of our communities and religious organizations. In short, charitable giving enables some of the most important aspects of quality of life. You have the power to make your community a better place — please consider giving generously.
Dr. Ariella Samson, Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh
Charitable giving fosters a sense of community and empathy. It encourages people to connect with and support one another, strengthening the social fabric of our society. As executive director of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP), I see firsthand the critical role that charitable giving plays in advancing our mission and making a difference in the lives of animals in need, as well as the humans who may be attached to them. Many animals arrive at our shelters in distress; some have been neglected or abandoned, have untreated medical needs, or require behavioral support. Now more than ever, we are seeing the impact of pet owners facing hardships and challenges they may not be able to overcome on their own. Donations enable us to meet critical needs, such as food, shelter, medical care and staff to care for our animals. They also allow us to innovate and expand our support services and develop outreach initiatives, like our new Humane Health Coalition that helps both pets and people get the care they need, while helping to nurture and support the human-animal bond. These new initiatives continue to strengthen our mission and have the potential to impact thousands of people and their pets throughout the Pittsburgh region.
August Carlino, Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation
Today more than ever, charitable giving is vital in our society because it helps to address pressing issues in our region. It reduces inequalities, fosters empathy and responsibility, supports critical programs and projects, and contributes to the overall well-being and development of communities. It plays a crucial role in building a more compassionate and equitable society by filling in the financial gaps that government or traditional lenders are not able to address.
Cheryl Tracy, National Aviary
Charitable giving is the backbone of nonprofit organizations like the National Aviary and is vital to making the world a better place. It provides people the power to have a direct impact on the societal problems that are most important to them. By donating, people are investing in solutions to critical global problems, leaving a lasting legacy and allowing future generations to inherit a healthier planet. The generosity of donors to the National Aviary supports species conservation efforts around the world and improves the quality of life in our own community.
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