‘Philanthropy remains a central part of American society’

A fundraising professional for three decades says that Americans continue to be philanthropic even as the United States and the rest of the world face difficult times ahead.

“Admittedly, it has been challenging over the past few years. But one message has come through loud and clear, and that is charitable giving remains a central part of the American fabric. Even though there’s a period of economic stress and volatility, Americans have continued to give,” Steven West said at the Rotary Club of Saipan meeting yesterday.

West, who is a Fellow in the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, said that although people “may have to dig deeper now” in order to give to charities, the main thing is that they “still choose to give.”

Based on a 2010 report made by Giving USA, West said that American individuals, corporations, and foundations donated over $290 billion-about 2 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product.

Giving USA is a collaborative initiative combining the expertise and practical knowledge of Giving USA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University that brings the most comprehensive information about charitable giving in the U.S.

The amount recorded in 2010 saw an increase in charitable giving after posting a drop in 2008 and 2009. West noted that the only other time that the amount decreased in the past 56 years was in 1987.

“Why is giving so high? Why has it remained in these significant levels? Because giving is part of the core American values. It’s a part of our fabric of society and it has been that way for the past 230 years in our country. Our forefathers did not bring this with them. This is something that has been developed in the United States of America,” he explained.

Of the $290 billion given to charities in 2010, West said that 81 percent comes from individual donations, not from corporations or foundations as most people would think.

“It comes from people like you and me,” he said.

Still, West indicated that nonprofit organizations are faced with challenges such as the rise in the number of nonprofit organizations, reduction in financial support from the government and even private corporations and foundations.

“In other words, the line is getting longer and the well is getting dryer,” said West, emphasizing the need to look for further philanthropic revenue sources, which are individual donors.

According to West, the CNMI and the island community of Jamaica where he and his wife, Northern Marianas College president Sharon Hart, previously lived for one and a half years “have the same type of opportunity” in that the two island communities can tap the “diaspora” of their indigenous populace who are living and working outside their islands.

“Many of them are making some pretty good wages and have become part of the fabric that understands giving and make donations themselves and they have a passion for their home island,” he said.

Clear, mission-based messaging and strong stewardship efforts on the part of the nonprofit organizations would help donors know how their support impacts the groups’ work, keeping them engaged and receptive to increasing their support as they are able to, West said.

Despite challenges, West said that “philanthropy will continue. “Each of us has a responsibility to help see this through. Each of us should be giving in our own means.”

West also urged the public to volunteer. “It is part of our responsibility as we live here on Saipan and the CNMI.”