Wise Giving Wednesday: The Heart of Giving

It’s easy to take a cynical view that people are inherently focused on their self-interests.  However, that view is countered every day by people who make sacrifices to assure the wellbeing of others, often people they don’t know. Our work at BBB’s Give.org is based on the notion that every person is born with a heart wired to give and serve. In line with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, individuals do have to meet universal physiological and safety needs to function. However, once fulfilled, his theory asserts that people search for connections that enhance their sense of intimacy, trust, acceptance, and love.

While his theory focuses on the realm of daily interpersonal relationships, when you expand its scope, it's clear that the principles behind Maslow's Hierarchy support the efforts of givers - those intent on both making a difference and serving others. Whether inspired by childhood experiences, driven by a moral compass, or passionate about different life ideals, we see people pour themselves out in service daily.

The act of giving transcends worldly boundaries—individuals are constantly finding innovative ways to make a difference with their words, time, dollars, and heart. Gone are the days where people's contributions to causes are defined only by how much money they can donate or the time they spend at physical events. We're in a new era, and the landscape of giving has been and will continue to be rewritten before our very eyes.

We know that just like individuals, generosity and service comes in many shapes and sizes. From charitable organizations' tireless efforts throughout the non-profit sector to for-profit crowdfunding platforms helping to get money to individuals in need, giving back is not a one-size fits all occurrence.

People may not always be able to supply financial support to charitable missions, but they don't have to in order to be an agent of change. As the famous American poet Maya Angelou once said, "When you learn, teach. When you get, give." This notion is what it looks like to give.

We are driven to share what we know and give what we have. Through acts of kindness, we spread love to others, offer acceptance to those from different walks of life, and support a harmonious atmosphere of benevolence. But do we truly understand why? What drives us to serve selflessly and set ourselves aside to reshape someone else's narrative? In addition, what is the impact when we give and redefine how it is done?

That's the journey we'll take on The Heart of Giving Podcast. We'll focus on the power that giving has on the human spirit and our society. We'll identify the heartbeat behind, "Why we give!"

Journey with us as we unpack this and other topics of importance to our giving community.

Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video series, we are pleased to provide a video that features Lynda Houk, Executive Director, Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer (a BBB Accredited Charity evaluated by the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana.)  This organization raises funds for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research Laboratories at the Indiana University Bren Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• charity:water
• Ducks Unlimited
• Make-A-Wish Foundation of America

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance