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Finding a problem with specific institutions, like Spelman and Morehouse, receiving donations reveals that we do not know how non profit giving works. Understandable, bc it’s not talked about often, but here is a little insight...
It is unlikely that the CEO of any company wakes up and says, “I am going to give today.” Unless, ofcourse, they have a personal connection to the organization they are giving to, ie an alumn, a parent of a current beneficiary, etc...
Even then, they have trained individuals whose job is to help them make that decision. But, what if the CEO doesn’t have a personal connection to the organizations or institutions that are seeking funds? How do they make that decision...
Well, most larger Np organizations have what we call Funds Development Specialists. This person’s job is to secure funds. There is an art to it and psychology behind it. Really and truly...
They serve as advocates for the org they work for, must truly believe in the mission and know the donors and their organization like the back of their hand. Some funds take days or years to secure. These professionals are essential in the Np world...
To wrap this up, the idea that people are just randomly giving to institutions like Spelman, Morehouse and Clark simply because they are Spelman, Morehouse and Clark undermines & erases the hard working individuals who dedicate their time and energy to doing this work...
To demand an institution in need to deny funds they worked for because other institutions are also in need is like asking a student that gets a scholarship to give it to someone else because they deserve to go to college too. It just doesn’t work like that...
Further things to consider: Who are the advocates for my institution? Who are the hired funds development specialists? Who works at the giving companies & orgs? How do I get there? Would my institution find it appropriate to receive funds from them? Is this a system issue?
Topics that need further unpacking: The danger of competitiveness between mission based orgs and institutions. Bottom line: HBCUs need funding. Don’t let your allegiance to one make you forget the overall intent. Let these black babies go to school.
