Unfolding Who We Are:Shifting The Meaning of Time and Money

 

Time does not change us. It just unfolds us.
Max Frisch

 

Time and money- two fundamental resources in our lives as individuals

Time and money –  two fundamental resources in the lives of organizations.

Resources are limited. How we decide to share them speaks to who we are as individuals and communities  and what’s important to each of us.

It speaks to our empathy and happiness. It also speaks to our guilt and shame.

So how we ask for and how we utilize both time and money matter.

Time and money and how individuals choose to use them are fundamental questions to the context of charitable giving and philanthropy. Many nonprofits will tell you encouraging donations is their single most important challenge.

How  are we asking?

The Psychology of Time and Money

We as humans tend to want value for our money—especially with nonprofits- we seek satisfaction in some way for having shared it with others.

Impact, leverage, number families served,

We humans  tend to be more ambiguous about sharing time.

Happiness in most of our lives has been tied to experiences and not money.

Money is tied to how we feel economically, while time is tied to experiences and ultimately our shared humanity.

 How do you want to spend your time?

More than likely doing things you love with people you love. That’s how I want to spend my time.

The real question is how do people in your tribe want to spend their time and what ultimate satisfaction are they seeking for their donations.

When does giving either of these resources to an organization distance individuals from that organization, and when does it draw an individual closer? A strong volunteer engagement strategy is required if organizations are to be successful. It draws your tribe closer.

Can we shift the meaning of money in the sector and how can we spend more time with our communities?

People may forget what you say, but people never forget when they spend time together building community.

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