Get Rich Quick, Give

My favourite expression is from a campaign led by Oxfam with just four words ‘Get Rich Quick. Give’ which brings to life, remarkable yet intuitive research that acts of kindness make us happier and healthier.

As we increasingly understand that our own wellbeing is connected to the environment and community we share, we must recognise that kindness has the power to change the world. When we are kind, we feel a connection, new relationships are formed and existing ones strengthened.

Good causes and charities enable society to positively transform, they are driven by passionate people coming together to find solutions and shape our future.

Those who ‘give’ are fundamental to the evolution of our cultural values. By choosing who will benefit from your time or treasure, you have the ability to influence the future and contribute to the happiness and wellbeing of our society.

Perhaps our greatest salvation is that human kindness is contagious.

Recovery from any crisis, as revealed by a global pandemic, provides poignant and fresh opportunities to grow meaningful relationships with causes that you emotionally connect with. Trust and integrity form a vital role in any partnership; these develop over time but sometimes require a leap of faith. It can take years, often decades, to achieve ambitious social goals but with strategic investment there is the potential to accelerate ‘making a difference’.

Donors traditionally prefer to fund specific charitable projects but this can present challenges and risks. By restricting your gift you are limiting the charities ability to effectively operate and prioritise, especially during a period of economic change. Core funding provides stability and sustainability, making sure everything vital can function to best serve to achieve and progress an organisations vision. The most benevolent of supporters will put their trust in the charity and its goals over programme funding and focus on funding core costs.

In Jersey there is a thriving network of voluntary and community organisations that operate independently of government. Such organisations are run by people with shared values, who are often closer to the cause and have a deeper understanding of the needs of the communities they serve. Enabling innovation and the ability to deliver value-driven services that re-invest in the pursuit of ambitious goals.

The most important element when choosing to be charitable is to directly engage with the cause. Getting to know the transformational impact of your gift, and sharing your passion for what you have helped to achieve offers the greatest reward.

Although it may be tempting to remain anonymous, you may deprive yourself of the fulfilment of giving. There is great joy to experience by interacting with beneficiaries who are eager to express gratitude, learn and communicate the achievements made

possible by your gift.

Our small island, which is as rich in material wealth as it is in history and natural beauty, is ripe for the pioneers of philanthropy to emerge. If we are to combat the greatest threats to society and the environment, we need to lead and inspire our community with a more resilient and caring culture of kindness.