After having the opportunity to briefly speak with the Columbus Foundation Governing Committee earlier this week, one question has continued to prod at me: “What would you, as a young person, offer as advice (to older generations of leaders)?” 

My answer at the time was lacking. While I told the committee that I hoped that they, as more established leaders, would continue to ask questions and consider different opinions when making decisions, my more thought-out advice is far more direct. An “established” leader has many assets to offer a community. In the case of philanthropists, one common thread is a significant source of funding. Money speaks. Consistent donations and continuous giving speaks CLEARLY. Decisions about where money ought to be awarded directly impacts the integrity of programming a community receives. Leaders must always remain intentional about their decision to give, and more specifically, to which programs they give.

My hope is that leaders will continue to support well-established nonprofits which have a history of making tangible, data-driven impact on their communities. My advice, moving forward, is this: leaders, you have the capability to drive change with dollars. This means you have the ability not only to continue to support institutions which are impactful, but to question the ones which are not meeting the needs they claim to. Ask questions of these organizations. Demand data and reporting which reflects positive change. Most importantly, if interesting alternatives to established nonprofits are offered (startups, smaller or new nonprofits with niche expertise) that you believe in, fund them. Keep an ear other leaders and advocates in the area of need that you fund- the more often you are open to discussion of how to solve these issues, the more innovative solutions will arise.