If you have ever been to an improvisational comedy show, you know the power of “YES, AND…” thinking, a fundamental principle for collaboration. A participant accepts a given scenario and then adds value to the scene by building on the contributions of others, usually to humorous effect. Instead of opposition (“BUT”), the participant accepts the premise, offering support and forward action.
When we think about philanthropy and the ways that we can use our resources (time, talent, treasure) to foster impact, this same “YES, AND” principle is important and applicable in numerous ways. Here are a few examples:
&: Approach our resources with an abundance mentality.
We want to be sure to steward our assets in thoughtful ways, so that we can achieve our personal goals and aspirations, AND…we recognize there is enough for us to be generous to family, friends and the community.
&: Consider our preferences for the timing of impact.
There are multiple time horizons for fostering change. We can be donors who want to solve a problem immediately (feeding hungry people healthy meals today) AND we can help build capacity in the mid-term (buying a walk-in freezer to allow a food pantry to purchase supplies in bulk, thereby reducing costs while building inventory) AND we can address systemic nutritional challenges (supporting organizations that focus on policy and advocacy around recurring hunger). All are valid ways to support and sustain a meaningful cause.
&: Collaborate in transformational ways.
We can offer our resources AND defer to expertise on the nonprofit’s allocation of those assets, by viewing grant recipients as funded partners who are in proximity to the work. We can consult with nonprofit leaders on the best use of our contributions, rather than seeking to impose overly restrictive constraints. We can consider providing general operating support, which allow nonprofit leaders with the flexibility to allocate resources where they are most needed to sustain mission.
Our north star is philanthropy that is both purposeful (deliberate, thoughtful) AND purpose-filled (meaningful, impactful). Reach out to your Moneta Advisor and our Chief Philanthropy Officer for a conversation about the ways you can say “YES, AND…”
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