Monthly Archives: April 2016

Philanthropy’s Possibilities

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By: Lauren Lamb, BA 2016

Dr. Hogue recently presented our class with some questions to help us reflect on the insight we have attained through our participation with the Philanthropy Lab. After a few moments of thought, it became clear to me all the ways I have been changed as a result of this remarkable experience. Among numerous take-aways, I have a new outlook on what makes a good non-profit organization, I have gained a better understanding of the importance of community and I now know the role I believe philanthropy should play in developing society. Before taking this class, I viewed philanthropic acts the way I think many people do: writing a check to an organization with a good cause or contributing some community service to a well respected organization when I have the free time. After this class, I will walk away with an enriched conception of philanthropy and all it can offer to individuals on both ends of the grant process.

 

After looking at a number of different organizations throughout the semester, a clear theme emerged for what allows good organizations to be great. An excellent non-profit has two key components: heart and structure. The passion and drive that comes with believing in your mission and the willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals is the breath that gives a non-profit life. This is what we, as outsiders, see and are often inspired by when first looking into organizations. But before that breath can be life-giving, there must be lungs and an intricately formed body ready to make steps towards success. The efficient structure and quality of leadership within an organization is essential for passion to be constructive. This semester we were overwhelmed by the number of great organizations we encountered in Waco and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with a number of them in making their exciting grant proposal ideas a reality. Many of them speak to improving the community in Waco. The importance of community involvement and cohesion was a topic I rarely considered before this class, but its importance is now remarkably clear.

 

The beauty of community is found in its unity despite diversity. Bringing people of all walks of life together to uplift and improve the quality of life for the whole. This requires a set of shared goals and ideas that can be admittedly difficult to identify, but once found can be used as a mascot for a shared cultural identity. A few of my classmates made the interesting observation that the issues of a community must be spoken to and resolved by that community; no one knows the intricacies of a society better than those people most intimately involved in it. Be it the future of its children, the development of the arts or the alleviation of poverty, having a set of values that an entire city holds dear is important to forming a cohesiveness. Communities have the power to foster hope and security and they inspire people to greatness.

 

Philanthropy achieves these same goals on a greater scale. I do not believe philanthropy is the right outlet for spreading morals or indoctrinating people into a specific religious or political belief. It is not going to solve every problem or be the answer to world peace. It is not convenient, efficient or even always fruitful. It is however, the selfless giving of time, money and energy for the belief that even the smallest difference that can be made in the life of an individual is worth it all. Philanthropy is grounded and meaningful. It inspires and offers hope. Even if there will be no world peace or end to hunger and homelessness, at least there can be a change in one life, maybe a community or even an entire city.

 

It has been such a joy to participate in the Philanthropy Lab this semester. I know our work has inspired us to take careful consideration of how philanthropy will play a part in our futures and I hope it does the same for many in the community of Waco.

 

About the Author: Lauren Lamb is a senior from Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis School of Law next fall. She is an active member of the Baylor Honors Program and Delta Delta Delta.

Quiet Time

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By Evelyn Le. BS ’16

“It’s so quiet! We have never been this quiet in class before.” Sitting next to me on my left, Grace was busily jotting her thoughts down as if that was the moment she had been waiting for so long. Looking across the room, I saw many pens were moving constantly as if the thinkers were hunting for reflection and did not want to leave any thoughts behind. Some friends gazed at their paper for too long that they seemed to be lost in their own world of contemplation. I thought to myself “today (Thursday 4/21/16), we have a lot of serious work to do” just like how Dr. Hogue usually began the class. But that day was different from any other day. It was a thoughtful discussion class time when we each reflected and collectively contributed to the discussion about what we have learned about the organizations, a vibrant community and a capability as well as an incapability of philanthropy.

Waco has become more and more of a vibrant community because of countless of needs, activities, ministries and leaderships that many servant leaders willingly pour out their heart and passion to serve the community. This Philanthropy Lab has opened my eyes about the needs in Waco. How to prioritize those needs is a challenging question that we as a class tried to decipher. Even though our limited resources only allowed us to support 9 organizations, every organization is very important to Waco. Their existence and availability allow people in need to find help. From community development to culture, arts and the environment, from health and wellness to hunger and homelessness, from children, youth, and education, to human services and civil rights, these organizations enrich Waco in a way that they collaborate and potentially attract the young professionals, opening up more opportunities to move the whole community forward together.

Understanding that philanthropy has its limitations, it can change life and enhance an awareness in order to restore many virtues of humanity. Philanthropy cannot solve the problem of war, natural disasters, addiction, etc. However, its goal is not to fix, but to improve the wellbeing of humankind. Some people may argue that they support the rehab center but people keep having relapse, so what is the purpose of giving. That is not wrong, but not correct either. The power of one over many applies to this instance. If we can change one’s life with commitment, care and diligence, the fruit would multiply to his or her family and to the community. Like the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:7, Jesus said “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

This class has taught me so much in the way of wisdom and skills by doing. I am very hopeful when seeing many young people in the class step up and advocate as a spokesperson for what they believe in the mission and vision of the organization. One day, I will miss this quiet time.

Decisions and Reflections

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By Anuj Marathe, BBA 2017

[EDITOR’S NOTE: This was scheduled to post on April 22, but due to a technical glitch, it is appearing after the meeting referenced in the post below]

With our third board meeting around the corner, it is amazing to see how far we have come since the start of the semester. Starting with over 60 different organizations, we have narrowed our search to our final grant recipients and are now engaged in the process of allocating money to each non-profit depending on their needs and grant amount. While this process will be challenging and test our limits on how well we can collaborate as a board, I believe our specific grant proposals will make this a relatively straightforward endeavor. Most of the non-profits that we have chosen as recipients made proposals with low-cost, fixed necessary amounts. The few that are scalable projects are perfect reservoirs to allocate funds after giving fixed-cost proposals their necessary amount. I believe that the only trouble we will have in our decision-making process for grant amounts will be in assigning amounts for these scalable projects. I await this exciting opportunity to voice my own allocation plan and compare it to what the other board members have come up with.

Aside from this upcoming meeting, we had a chance for some in-class reflection, which served to help me understand truly how far we have come as a class and how much we have learned in this short span of a semester. Non-profits as organizations were a center for discussion. I realized that my knowledge about them had changed over the course of the semester. Previously, I had always considered successful non-profits as limited large national and international organizations, but I didn’t notice previously just how many there are and how diverse they could be. Being assigned to our program groups, we were able to work with organizations in extremely niche, local areas, realizing that sometimes they were run by just one person! One of the most important points discussed was that of the goal of philanthropy in general. Abundantly clear is the essential role that it plays in society. Philanthropic endeavors bring people love and hope, the two most essential emotions when facing hardships. It creates a framework for change and allows people to seek improvement in their own lives or those of others; however, it cannot force change. Change has to occur as a direct consequence of people’s own, conscious actions and decisions.

About the Author: Anuj Marathe is Junior Business Fellows major from Chicago, IL. He is passionate about the healthcare industry on both the medical and hospital administrative fronts and plans to attend medical school after graduation. At Baylor, he is the Secretary for Order of Omega and an active member of Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity.

Humility

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By: Wesley Harper, BBA ’19

As the semester draws to a close, it’s interesting to look back three months and see how much I’ve learned from the Philanthropy Lab. As a class, we’ve learned about strategy, grant writing and everything in between. Overall, this experience has been humbling like no other.

The primary reason for this feeling of humility is the incredible people I’ve been surrounded by, from guest speakers to instructors to executive directors and even classmates. The caliber of these individuals has challenged me to take advantage of this unique opportunity to impact the Waco community, but also to grow as a thinker and to adapt my preconceived notions of work in the social sector. Through my interactions with staff of various non-profits, I’ve come to realize just how vital their roles are. The public impact of just the 12 organizations my team worked with blew me away; thousands upon thousands of Wacoans are served by them on a weekly basis, and many of these beneficiaries might be left in the dust if these services didn’t exist. What impresses me about these organizations is their driving forces: they’re not surviving because of huge income streams or incredible infrastructure (while that definitely plays its role), instead they’re thriving as a result of passionate leadership.

None of the organizations we interacted with could accomplish anything without their leaders. The directors we met with were incredibly qualified, driven people, and they lead their organizations with relentlessness and tenacity. From our conversations, I could tell that they weren’t serving to simply fill a role, but to systematically end hunger or improve the lives of the urban poor in Waco. Their selflessness was striking. I was encouraged by the way these individuals laid their lives down to fulfill needs in our community that otherwise would have gone unmet. Their selflessness was also showcased by how free they were with their time, sacrificing anywhere from a half an hour to three hours to meet with arguably underqualified college students. Getting to interact with Waco community leaders who were so passionate about their organizations was what humbled me most during my time in the Philanthropy Lab.

In retrospect, I’m exceedingly grateful to have been able to see first hand the work that these individuals accomplish. Gaining insight into the social sector in Waco allowed me to shift my perspective from being a student at Baylor University to being a citizen of the city of Waco with a vested interest in pursuing the betterment of this city. Over the course of the next three years, I look forward to getting to see the impact these organizations will continue to make in the lives of the impoverished and neglected.

 

The joy in doing good

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By: Annie Kronlokken, BBA ’18

The philanthropic process involves tough decisions. We sort through proposals to decide which we can fund. After connecting with different organizations, it is hard to say no. Their staff have been generous in giving us their time and insight. We have called them, visited them, and emailed often. After just a few months, I feel a deep affection for the leaders of these organizations; they are doing so much good. Yet we can’t fund everyone. We have had to say no to some in order to say yes to others. But the process is still worthwhile. There is joy in doing good.

Two of the organizations my group worked with will soon be funded. We are offering grants to Texas Hunger Initiative and the Waco Civic Theatre.

Texas Hunger Initiative is a collaboration-based organization that seeks to end hunger through research-based methods. Their grant proposal is for grab-n-go breakfast carts. These carts will be strategically placed at Waco High, allowing students to have greater access to breakfast before class. The carts will serve to close the breakfast gap, which refers to the amount of students who qualify for free breakfast but do not eat it. As a part of our site visit, we were able to meet with Waco High administration staff and Waco ISD nutrition staff. We stood where the carts would soon be placed. We were eager and excited, brainstorming new ideas and discussing the impact of these carts. Once implemented, over 1,200 students will have easier access to breakfast each day. This will impact more than hunger; it can also increase achievement when students are more focused. The research on this– including THI’s research– is compelling.  There is joy in doing good.

The Waco Civic Theatre’s proposal is to fund a portion of a development-position salary. The addition of this position comes at a pivotal point in the theatre’s life. It is on an upward trajectory, and this position will allow the theatre to continue to grow.  Our small investment can help generate more sustainable and reliable revenue streams for the organization going forward. Our group was especially impressed with the executive director, Eric Shepard. He is passionate, intelligent, and innovative. He has expanded the theatre’s community engagement through the theatre’s philanthropic efforts and educational programming.  And he has earnest visions for the future. I’m excited to see how the arts continue to enrich Waco’s culture and development. There is joy in doing good.

As the class is soon finishing, I have been reflecting on what I have learned. Through the process of grant-making and grant-writing, I have gained insight into the process. But the most important thing I will take away from the course is that there is joy in doing good. Doing good doesn’t limit itself to this course, it is something that we carry and something that carries us.  It is something that involves more than grants; it involves service, vision, and joy.

About the Author: Annie Kronlokken is a sophomore from Minneapolis, MN. She is majoring in Business Fellows, Finance, and Math, while also studying Spanish and French. Annie aspires to work in the social sector in some capacity, she is particularly interested in international development. At Baylor, Annie is involved in Cru and Chi Omega.

 

Onward We Go

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By: Grace Miller

With our biggest decision behind us now, our class looks excitedly toward the future and toward the finish line.

At this point, we know which organizations will be funded and which ones will not. We know which projects we will be able to contribute to and watch grow over the next year or so. Although it stings to have to choose so few organizations out of all those worthy, we are excited and enthusiastic about the projects moving forward. We are confident in our choices and their ability to do the most good for this community.

This is such an exciting time! Everything we have been working toward the entire semester is rapidly coming to a close. It seems like only yesterday we were meeting in our project teams for the first time, getting to know each other and discussing our expectations for this course. Now, we find ourselves approaching the final stages and adjusting all the little details.

It’s been a whirlwind, but I think it’s safe to say this experience has exceeded all of our expectations. I know it has well exceeded mine. This chance to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, as part of our education, is so unique. I don’t think any of us realized how difficult these decisions and processes would be, but each one has contributed to our growth as students, as philanthropists, and as people. I wish every student had the opportunity to do something like this.

During our board meeting, it was neat to see everyone had the big picture in mind. We each, of course, wanted to push for the organizations from our own program areas, but I was surprised by how many people started speaking up for organizations from areas not their own. No one was selfish; instead, everyone truly wanted to do what was best. There was an attitude and atmosphere of working toward the most good, and that was necessary for us to come to the best decision for the group as a whole.

I think that attitude is important to keep in mind as we move forward. Of course, we each want the organizations from our program areas to receive as much funding as they need, but we have to remember the big picture. It’s not just about my program area or this organization I’ve grown so fond of—there are others out there who are just as worthy. It’s not a competition for funds, but it may be difficult to put all the pieces together and make them fit.

Let’s approach this final section of the course with that kind of attitude again. If we do, the next phase will be as smooth as the last. Onward we go!

The Importance of Collaboration

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By: Emily Neyland, BBA 2018

We did it. Well, almost. We succeeded in narrowing down a list of about 60 organizations to nine that will receive funding this semester. And because of this success, as a class, we’re excited. We’re excited for the lives we’ll get to touch. We’re excited to fund organizations we’ve grown so close to over the semester. We’re excited to help make Waco a better place.

Teamwork has been crucial getting to this point. Initially I underestimated its importance. But the three teammates (now friends) that I’ve worked with this semester in the Hunger & Homelessness group made this process exciting and engaging. We were successful because we used our individual skills to create a more cohesive, well-run group. We brought different strengths, from speaking in groups to editing to analysis of data. This semester we’ve made hard decisions. And my group made that possible. They pushed me to ask questions, engage in meaningful conversation, and strive to continually be learning.

Teamwork extended outside of my group to the class as a whole. We needed to collaborate to finalize the list of organizations we’re funding. And that took collaboration that extended beyond our three to four person groups. This process spanned about a week. Over this time, we listened to presentations, asked questions, and pitched certain organizations to the class. To finalize the list of organizations we’re funding, teamwork was essential. We needed to realize that the organizations we were pitching might not be the best. Other organizations around Waco could be better situated than ours—a fact that some of us needed to accept. There is a lot of good being done in Waco right now. There are leaders striving to end hunger, provide education for children, fix housing, cultivate a creative city, and so much more. How we’re able to find the most fitting organizations to fund wasn’t easy; and we knew that from the beginning.

I was amazed at the humility of my classmates in the process of narrowing down and picking organizations. They were willing to vouch for organizations that were not in their program area. In this, they trusted the judgment and research of others. I have learned a lot from this group of colleagues that helped me see the power of collaborating effectively.

At the beginning of the semester part of the mission statement we created said, “Our mission is to serve and collaborate with Waco-area organizations to enhance lives and enrich our community through innovative and sustainable efforts.” Collaboration seems simplistic, but now I understand how foundational it is. For us to work well together and impact the community like we hope, we must collaborate with humility, trust, and respect.

 

About the Author: Emily Neyland is a sophomore from Houston, TX. She is majoring in Business Fellows and Marketing while also studying Math, Public Relations, and Corporate Communications. She is involved in Waco KLIFE, Mission Waco, and Chi Omega.

Tough Decisions

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By: Ryan Snitzer, BBA 2018

As fast as this semester has flown by, this course seems to fly by that much faster. Our class has now fully realized the immense challenge of deciding between different organizations’ grant proposals despite all having clear needs. This past week our board gathered together to make the tough decisions involved with our final selection of organizations to receive funding.

The constant switching of roles from board member to program officer left my colleagues and me with a well-rounded experience. We began to realize how challenging it can be to not only advocate strongly for one of the organizations we proposed, while also fully buying in to the proposals by other program officers. From my perspective, I had to wipe away any initial thoughts or feelings I had towards my initial favorite organizations.

Ultimately, we are giving grants based on where we see the greatest need. Keeping this in mind, my program officer team decided to pass on one of the organizations that we initially felt so strong about. Rather than basing our decision only on the exemplary leadership of each organization, we attempted to prioritize need and the level of impact our grant could make when we were confident that the leadership could effectively execute the organization’s mission.

In the end, all of these fantastic organizations deserve to be funded. However, available grant dollars are not in never ending supply, which leads to tough decisions. These tough decisions, in my opinion, are what have truly fostered our learning and sparked passion. If financial means to fund every grant proposal were available, our class would not be put in a position to think innovatively and examine the largest needs in the Waco community.

As we approach the final stages of this process in allocating official dollar amounts to these grants, I challenge our board to embrace the tough decisions with a realization that our learning will truly stem from it.

About the Author: Ryan Snitzer is a Sophomore Business Fellows major, concentrating in Finance, Professional Selling, and Entrepreneurship. He hopes to go into private equity or pursue his entrepreneurial passions. He is a leader in Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and spends the majority of his time with his recent start up, Campus Crates.

We Think…

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By: James Porter, BA 2017

Nearing the end of the semester I think it easy to say this class has passed by far more swiftly than any of us imagined it would. From reading and doing independent study as to the purpose behind grant giving, to writing a mission for our board to guide us through this process, to interviewing organizations, performing site visits, and finally discussing our findings together as a collective board, I think it needless to say that this has been a long and eye-opening process.

When last I spoke on this blog, I mentioned our board had just begun to take “our first official step in this long and rewarding process of ours.” At the time we were just then beginning to interview each of our respective organizations for the first of many times and speak with the various Executive Directors, some of whom we have now grown in our partnership with. Now I come before you all again – that is, as much as I may do so through this technological medium – to further report the story of our board.

Yesterday was an important day for all of us. In the few weeks prior, each of our respective committees engaged in site visits to further interview their potential grant recipients, and from there began to reluctantly narrow down their proposal lists. Arguments were made, decisions were had, and at least one long night of contemplation made up our schedules in order to be able to prepare for Tuesday – the day in which we would finally make our presentations to the board about whom we wish to move forward with.

Once the day arrived an air permeated the room unlike that of past classes. While the past may have been full of interrogatives such as ‘what if’ and ‘why not,’ this day was of one a single declaration: we think.

Prior to taking this class a prospective might believe that all it requires to make these decisions is formulation, forethought, and (hopefully) just a little bit of logic. However, now being a board member in the hot seat the factors at hand become quite more complex. The fact is, I am confident and intrigued by each of the organizations that the different committees have already decided to move forward with (twenty-five in all), and if possible I wish we could help each of them in their endeavors. The decision for whom to send a congratulatory or a condolence email becomes exacerbated by the fact that we are no longer choosing between fitting and not fitting, but rather, between the more and most fitting. I am reminded of a multiple-choice test in which the professor has placed at the top of the exam: while all answers are correct, please circle the answer that is the most correct – a phrase that has caused many a college student to shudder.

While I may not say as of yet what it is that our board ‘thought’ during our proposal meeting, I am confident in saying that we have chosen a strong list of organizations that fall in line with our overall mission and will serve the Waco community well. Now the thinking is done, the voting begins, and then finally…the grants will flow.

 

About the Author: James Porter is a junior University Scholars major, concentrating in Political Philosophy, Chinese, and Economics. He hopes to be selected as a Schwartzman Scholar for Tsinghua University where he will study economic policy before law school. His interests lie at the intersection of politics, philosophy, economics and culture. Drawing from this knowledge base, he hopes to change culture through voluntary association, entrepreneurship and grassroots civil society.

 

Culture and the Arts in Philanthropy

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By: Emmy Edwards, BA 2016

It’s very difficult when you are comparing grant proposals that serve greatly different needs. I thought before going into this class that it wouldn’t be so strange to choose between so many different deserving organizations. One of the most difficult aspects of distinguishing between grant proposals is deciding between ideas that are vastly different from one another.

There are some organizations that propose grants that will feed the hungry, shelter the poor, or give medical services to the sick. There are other organizations that propose grants that will support culture or arts in a city. Comparing these two different proposals is nearly impossible! My teammates and I have enjoyed the challenge of discussing the impacts of both of these kinds of grants.

What is essential to know is that both of these very different visions are very important within a community. These are two different means of doing philanthropy. It is truly a calling to serve the poor and meet the immediate and urgent needs of people. Giving a “hand up” to someone in their darkest times is crucial to maintaining connections in a community. I know that I have been given a hand up when I’ve needed it most, and passing that on is powerful and a real part of participating in the full, abundant life.

It can become easy to fall into the temptation that because this style of philanthropy meets the immediate needs of people, then the arts and culture organizations should not be funded. It’s hard, honestly, deciding between turning back on someone’s electricity or supporting an artistic project within Waco. However, it has been striking to me to see the special way that culture and arts organizations do their work. I have seen organizations that have big visions, strategic plans, and the use of making culture and expression accessible and connected to all in order to provide a means for common understanding and human flourishing.

What I have really enjoyed seeing is how many culture and arts organizations in Waco have their work funded in a celebration of the identity of Waco. These organizations love Waco, and their work is based on a commitment to taking full advantage of the assets, resources, and creativity that our community offers. The leaders of this organization have all shared a similar enthusiasm and belief in the identity of our city. They want to share in that celebration with others in order to foster rich culture, connection, and pride in our Waco.

Cities that pursue a rich artistic culture have shown to have reduced crime higher quality education, more visitors, and a higher quality of life. Expression through art is a beautiful way to experience frustrated emotions for children and adults alike. Creative communities also encourage young, creative problem solvers to find a home within such a rich cultural center.

Waco is sandwiched by two cultural centers on I-35: Austin and Fort Worth. These two places have vastly different identities, but Waco is unique, too. Waco has so many incredibly beautiful things to offer, and the people of Waco are a part of that. There are fantastic cultural leaders in our community that celebrate who we are as a community, and they see this as a way to make Waco a more healthy community overall. It’s so great to join them in that endeavor!