An Annual Reminder: Why We Donate to Help Our Neighbors

When President Reagan proclaimed November 15 as National Philanthropy Day back in 1986, he opened his remarks by reminding us why we give. “The literal meaning of ‘philanthropy’ is ‘affection for mankind.’ Throughout our history, we Americans have displayed this trait through our generous charitable giving and our spirit of neighbor helping neighbor.”

Helping our neighbors through philanthropy has, of course, been an American value long before 1986. In fact, for years the number of people giving to their favorite causes grew and created strong and vibrant local nonprofit ecosystems that could lift an entire community. Yet recently, that trend has changed. The number of people who give to a charity has declined precipitously over the last decade. where now less than 50% of Americans give at all…not to their church, not to their alma mater, and not to a local charity.

The Four-Year Phenomenon

As I was pondering this dilemma in charitable giving and the negative impact it can have on a local community, I was also watching the 2024 Presidential campaign and astonished not by the large corporate donations to various candidates, but the rise in individual donors and remarkably the jump in first-time donors to any campaign. At one point this summer, nearly 1.5 million people had donated to a campaign for the first time, from all age groups, totaling over $200 million! Amid concerns about declining charitable donations, this surge in individual donors to political campaigns is striking. Here in Wichita, “The Wichita Business Journal” recently published local contributions of nearly $1 million to the national election race.

The Impact and Importance of Helping One Another

When people are passionate and energized about shaping the conditions of their community and country, they are inspired to open their wallets. Supporting political elections is one way to express this commitment, while charitable giving provides another opportunity to influence the well-being of society. Imagine the impact if the sum of political contributions could go toward supporting our local charities. With the elections now over, I am hopeful that going forward, instead of earmarking family budgets for political contributions, funds can now be redirected to community causes where the effect could be profound. Local charities in our community address a wide range of issues directly affecting people’s lives, from providing food and shelter to supporting educational programs and healthcare initiatives. I can tell you from my own firsthand experience, these nonprofit organizations are doing the challenging work to tackle systemic issues in a tangible, sustainable way that benefits all of us in south-central Kansas.

Carry the Passion Forward With Malice Toward None and Charity for All

I believe when President Reagan established National Philanthropy Day, he envisioned something enduring – a reminder on November 15 that inspires us to carry a spirit of generosity throughout all 365 days of the year. “I call on the American people and organizations of every kind…to recognize the enormous achievements of all who have given of themselves for others, and to rededicate ourselves to the great tasks ahead.”

As we step into the holiday season, I hope we can maintain the same passion and energy we have for politics as we do for strengthening our nonprofit ecosystem that lifts this community in ways government and business cannot. Inflation is easing, the stock market is at record highs, and the capacity for many to give has never been stronger.

On this National Philanthropy Day, I urge you to rekindle the spark of charitable giving and to make a donation to your favorite local cause. In fact, make it a recurring monthly gift to provide the financial stability any nonprofit requires to do its work while also maintaining “affection for mankind” all year round and not just today. Together, we can build a movement to help others and be a Force for Good in our community.

As President Reagan said, “It is one of our greatest strengths as a people.”