Giving Credit where Credit is due. A simple, honorable notion acknowledging someone's performance, thoughtfulness, or generosity comes naturally to those taught as children in the magic of two little words: thank you. But, what about people who desire no recognition and yet deserve notice for their deeds?
Giving Credit where Credit is due. A simple, honorable notion acknowledging someone's performance, thoughtfulness, or generosity comes naturally to those taught as children in the magic of two little words: thank you.
But, what about people who desire no recognition and yet deserve notice for their deeds?
In the past year we have seen a number of anonymous gifts in the Oshkosh area, and we certainly thank them for their generosity.
Since philanthropy's earliest beginnings anonymous gifts have been praised as some of the best evidence of altruism and generosity in our society. According to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, anonymous philanthropy represents just one percent of overall annual giving.
Why give anonymously?
The motivations behind anonymous gifts are as varied and diverse as the people who give. Not to mention that all philanthropy is a deeply personal matter. But, to get a better understanding of this mystery we asked one of our donors why they have made the choice to remain anonymous while fulfilling their philanthropic goals.
According to our anonymous donor it's partly a philosophical decision.
"I think there is a higher moral standard when I give without recognition, because the financial grant is being given solely for the benefit it brings to people or to the quality of life in the community," said Donor X. "It is an investment made to promote the values of the giver and offers a sense of satisfaction and a higher return than keeping the money. Recognition is irrelevant."
Anonymous giving allows a donor to make a one-time gift avoiding future appeals from the same organization or imilar groups, enables givers to take risks and anonymous giving restores the simplicity of inspired generosity to philanthropic acts.
Many anonymous givers also cherish privacy. By giving anonymously, they keep that privacy and perhaps make more charitable gifts knowing they will not be drawing attention to themselves. Some people wait until they die and give in their will to avoid the publicity and bombardment of requests that gifts may bring. Anonymous giving allows the donor to see the results and accomplishments of their donation.
The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation strives to assist donors, publicly or anonymously, to achieve their philanthropic goals.
"For me, the Community Foundation is a tremendous tool in making grants that increase the quality of life in the community. They know what is going on in the community and where the needs are," said Donor X. "For an anonymous donor, their staff is very discreet and exceptionally professional."
Anonymity allows for privacy, discretion, flexibility and can put donors and recipients on an equal plane. Anonymous giving also shields the donor and their families from relentless requests and can protect the privacy of their beliefs.
"Certainly there is no one-size fits all for charitable giving," said Eileen Connolly-Keesler, Executive Director of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. "Every individual is unique and the Community Foundation can accommodate that uniqueness."
Although anonymous gifts often are not as glamorous as their named cousins, they are as impressive because the donor wants nothing more in return for their generosity than the satisfaction of helping others.