I understand that I'm late on the whole Chase Community Giving thing but I've been in Vegas getting beat to death at various casinos . . . so forgive the delay.
----------------------------------
Here's my one beef with the $20,000 that Chase is giving . . .
It's only money.
I know it feels like a lot of money, particularly to arts organizations that are working with small budgets, but it isn't . . . not in the big scheme of things.
Even a small arts group can burn through 20K in a flash.
What I would love to see is a corporate giving program that gives money - even if it is in the sorta American Idol like way Chase is doing it - AND gives winners things such as:
- An actual relationship with a program officer at Chase so that they could have a chance of getting additional funding in future years.
- An opportunity to get a suitable Chase employee on their Board of Directors.
- Training in things such as individual giving, strategy, etc.
Now we have something. Now we have a program that can help a nonprofit become a sustainable, viable, thing.
----------------------------------
So here's the deal, I can't argue with anybody that is going after the cash. But I think it's vital that these sorts of things are kept in perspective.
It's a short term contest for a short term award . . . and you should constantly be asking yourself how much time, energy and equity you want to invest in the short term.
If you've got social media chops and feel like you can pull off the necessary votes without too much hassle, go for it.
But please don't blow too much equity on such pursuits. And if you get the money, please spend it wisely.
Because it's only money.
And that can only get you so far.
Thanks for articulating something that's been bugging me about these "vote for us to get money" programs. I had a very frustrating conversation with a colleague recently because I couldn't describe why I was uncomfortable with these programs. I think you've hit the nail on the head!
Posted by: Karen Bystrom | June 30, 2010 at 01:45 PM