Giving Feels Good

Contributing time, finances, gifts and talentsdoesn’t just help the recipients – it benefits the donors, too.

Only James Brown knew for sure what he meant when he sang, “I feel good,” but charitable giving just may be a way to harness some of that souldeep inner warmth. Oklahomans know this well.

“Research shows that philanthropy can decrease blood pressure, lengthen your life and provide other health benefits,” says Lindsay Goble-Jordan, founder and chief philanthropic adviser for Write On Fundraising in Tulsa. “But exactly how that happens is highly individualized.”

Philanthropic experts frequently cite a 1990s study, “The Seven Faces of Philanthropy,” to describe the values and beliefs that motivate people to help charities. These “faces” include those who communicate via giving (so-called communitarians); investors; those who support family legacies; socialites; altruists, who expect nothing in return; “repayers,” who have benefited in life and want to give back; and those who give for religious or spiritual reasons.

Many Oklahomans fall in that last category of giving (described in the study as devout), Jordan says.

“The Midwest in general has a more conservative, value-based system, and so the ‘devout’ face of giving is big in our population,” she says. “In Oklahoma, it’s not just religious affiliation; it tends to be a specific set of values that dictates how we see the world and life.

“You hear it from donors all the time, and it’s true that Tulsa, for example, is one of the most giving places in the United States. It’s because of how people see their role in philanthropy, that they understand the impact and want to be connected to the human condition.”

Monica Champ, director of major gifts at Tulsa Community College Foundation, has volunteered with or worked at nonprofits for more than 10 years and agrees about Oklahomans’ giving spirit.

“I am so fortunate to know wonderful people who are generous to support numerous philanthropic causes in our community,” she says. “They give so cheerfully. There are many reasons. One [of] the most common reasons I hear donors express is, ‘I’ve been so blessed – I just want to help others who are less fortunate.’”

A person doesn’t have to be wealthy to contribute – modest sums and donations of time can provide the soul-enrichment of giving. How much to give or the type of giving may confuse some donors. According to one expert, passion can be a guide.

“People often come to the Advancement Group to leave a legacy gift through their estate so that they can support the organizations and causes they are most passionate about,” says Brittany Stokes, the organization’s marketing director. “One amazing thing we get to witness on a daily basis is people from all walks of life excited to learn they can give and make an impact, even when they didn’t feel they had a capacity to make a difference. I don’t think we’ve ever seen someone ever regret a moment they had to impact someone in a positive way.

“Whether it’s a financial gift, time spent volunteering or donating gifts and talents, people in Oklahoma love to give, and it’s evident in our community.”

TRACY LEGRAND