The Power of Generosity

 

Have you ever wondered about the true meaning of generosity? It’s fascinating to learn that the word comes from the Latin “generosus,” originally meaning “of noble birth.” Over time, its meaning evolved to reflect nobility of spirit rather than lineage – a reminder that true greatness lies in character, not status.

Even more interesting is the root “gen” in generosity, which connects to words like “genesis” (beginning) and “genes” (our biological heritage). This suggests that generosity is more than just giving – it’s a life force that flows from one person to another, creating ripples of positive change throughout our communities.

Ways to Express Generosity

Generosity isn’t just about monetary donations. Here are meaningful ways to be generous:
– Share your time and expertise
– Offer emotional support and encouragement
– Volunteer for causes you care about
– Make small but consistent donations
– Share resources or connections
– Teach others what you know
– Be present for someone in need

Our Experience with The Giving University

Earlier this year, our company discovered The Giving University, an innovative organization that’s changing how people think about giving. Their approach is unique – they believe everyone can be a philanthropist, regardless of their financial means. But what sets them apart is their emphasis on informed giving.

The Smart Giving Approach

One of the most valuable lessons from The Giving University is how to evaluate nonprofits effectively. They teach participants to:

– Review financial documents and tax returns (Form 990s) to see how donations are actually spent
– Check what percentage of funds go to administrative costs versus direct services
– Look for transparency in reporting and clear impact metrics
– Investigate leadership structure and compensation
– Research program effectiveness and outcomes
– Verify legitimate nonprofit status and proper registrations

These investigative skills are crucial because, unfortunately, not all nonprofits operate with the same level of integrity or efficiency. Some organizations spend excessive amounts on administrative costs or marketing rather than their stated mission. Others might lack proper oversight or clear impact measurements. The Giving University empowers donors to spot these red flags and make informed decisions about where their money will make the biggest difference.

Through their program, we learned to ask important questions: Can the organization clearly demonstrate its impact? Do they have a track record of financial responsibility? Are they transparent about their operations and outcomes? This education helped us confidently direct our $1,000 grant to Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, knowing our contribution would be well-managed and effectively used.

Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona: Art as Healing

That contribution went to Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, an outstanding organization using the power of artistic expression to help children heal from trauma. Their work shows how generosity can take many forms – in their case, using art as a tool for healing and growth. By providing creative outlets and supportive mentorship, Free Arts helps vulnerable children find their voice and begin to heal.

The Impact of Giving

Our experience with both organizations taught us something valuable: generosity creates a ripple effect. When The Giving University empowered us to give, we were able to support Free Arts, who in turn help countless children. Those children, experiencing the power of generosity firsthand, may grow up to become givers themselves – continuing the cycle of positive change.

Our donation was able to help save a Theatre Program. Which was totally AWESOME..

If you’re inspired to begin or expand your own giving practice, remember:
1. Start where you are – even small acts of generosity matter
2. Look for organizations like The Giving University that can help amplify your impact
3. Consider supporting local organizations like Free Arts that create direct, meaningful change in your community
4. Remember that generosity isn’t about the size of the gift – it’s about the spirit behind it

In our increasingly connected world, generosity has the power to change not just individual lives but entire communities. Whether you’re giving through established organizations or in small, personal ways, remember that every act of generosity contributes to creating a more compassionate world.

 

Here is the link to check out The Giving University

https://givinguniversity.org/

Have you experienced the power of generosity in your own life? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.