It's Sort of a Miracle

s we teeter on the precipice of Thanksgiving, holidays, and a new year, I wanted to share some thoughts about last week's National Philanthropy Day celebration. Thanks to all of you for reading - and for all the good work you for your organizations and missions.

Last week, I attended the National Philanthropy Day celebration hosted by my local AFP Chapter (the Association of Fundraising Professionals - South Sound Chapter).

While this was only my second NPD event in Washington, this celebration is very familiar to me from my hometown of Orange County CA. I love the opportunity to honor and celebrate the donors, fundraisers, and community leaders who do so much for their hometown.

The celebration is also a chance to reflect on the bigger picture - on the work of philanthropy in these troubled and troubling times.

Philanthropy is not just fundraising (although the two are connected). Organizations that have philanthropy as part of their DNA are optimists. Despite what others might say, these organizations know that things in our world can be better. Safer. Kinder. Healthier.

They also believe they have a way to make that change happen. A way to feed more neighbors, to inspire more students, or to give more people a place that feels like home.

And it doesn't stop there.

These organizations - led by a powerful combination of skilled staff and passionate volunteers know that their cause - their mission - has room for us all.

Donors, volunteers, community champions can all get a seat at the table and play a part in this cause. They can all find a place where their optimism can take root and take action.

And despite the challenges that crop up - disasters both manmade and natural - nonprofit leaders keep showing up to do the work, serve their communities, and invite their donors to join in.

It happens every day, in communities around the world. It's a sort of miracle that we're all privileged to take a part in.

Ultimately, that's why I do what I do. I help nonprofit leaders do more for and with their communities because I believe that a driven and engaged nonprofit team (staff, donors, and volunteers) can do remarkable work together.

There's always more to learn, more ways to improve, and more good that we can do together.