Giving: A Basic Human Pleasure?

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/

In his book, "The Happiness Hypothesis"  Jonathan Haidt explores great ideas from the world's civilizations, as well as the overarching thought that the greatest happiness comes to those who give across our history.

A brain scan study found that when subjects were encouraged to think about giving money to a favorite charity,  the same "selfish" pleasure centers associated with eating and sex lit up. It appears we may be hard wired to give!

This concept is further explored in "Our Basic Human Pleasures" piece in the New York Times and in"The Selfishness of Giving" from The Huffington Post. 

Think about the last gift you made to your favorite nonprofit. What images come to mind? What was the best part of the experience. How do you feel now, reflecting on the experience? 

When you next have a conversation with one of your donors, ask them the same questions. Ask them to reflect on why they first got involved in your organization.  Enjoy their response. Thank them again for their generosity.

What are your thoughts on giving as a basic human pleasure?

Fundraising Lessons From An Accelerated Life

This is Sparkle. She is the first dog I have ever had. I am learning every day how little I know about giving a pet a good home. My husband and I rescued her in August 2008. 

When Sparkle came to us, she was one year, four months old. This means in human years, she was a little over nine years old. It gave me significant pause the other day to realize that she has now surpassed my husband and I in "human year" age. Talk about an accelerated life! 

As I reflect on the absolute joy Sparkle has brought to our lives in the last four years, I take away some fundraising lessons:

1. Sparkle's life is accelerated seven times faster than mine. She demonstrates love and appreciation in so many ways, including bringing a toy and herself to greet me every time I walk in the door. Conventional wisdom tells us to thank a donor seven times. What new ways of appreciation can you demonstrate to your donors today?

2. Any day without a little self-care exercise is not a good day for Sparkle. A walk or run lifts her spirits and helps her find a calming focus.  In the midst of all your endless hard work for your cause, are you making time for self-care and exercise? Your inspiration for your amazing efforts will be more focused and inspired when you do. 

3. Sparkle is an amazing listener. Whether its your volunteers, board members, donors, prospects or anyone else connected to your organization,  how might you just listen today for feedback on your organization's work? Doing so might uncover new connections to move your mission forward!