Strategic Fund Development: Building Profitable Relationships That Last, Third Edition

A Culture of Philanthropy

The eighth and final component of your organization’s internal relationship is a culture of philanthropy. A culture of philanthropy refers to your organization’s attitude toward philanthropy and fund development.

Look back to the earlier section of this chapter describing corporate culture. What does “culture” mean? The attitudes, beliefs, customs, practices, and behaviors that characterize your organization. Culture is pervasive, affecting all areas of an organization. An organization’s culture may be great or toxic. Through your work and volunteer life, you’ve undoubtedly seen both.

Remember, your organization’s culture dramatically impacts its effectiveness. Keep in mind what Pottruck and Pearce say:

Everything else can fall away; the industry and products and circumstances may change; but an abiding culture can serve as the custodian of dreams for your company team, and for the customers on whose faith you build your house of business. It is an unchanging constant in the midst of a tornado of change, and it is something people want badly. It allows us to offer choice to those who work here and for those we want to work here … to live and work by their values, and who will toil together toward something larger than themselves. … The company, at its best, can be a vehicle for everyone to make a difference.58

As a charitable organization, an essential part of your corporate culture must include philanthropy. Not the strategy but the culture. Why is a ...