Here's how you can effectively manage up and gain support from your boss in philanthropy.

Trust is central to the operation of any environment (academic, personal relations, business, or philanthropic). Non-profits work with such thin financial and time resources that it's pivotal that trust is at the forefront of the office function. Aim to be both great at your job and a great team member that knows how to use their strengths to support, and recognizes where other team members excel and defers to them in those spaces. If you're looking to climb a ladder internally, or to self-promote, that facade will show itself early. Show genuine interest in the mission, find ways you can be of service (even without recognition), do the small things thoroughly, and you will earn the trust of your leadership.

There are many issues in an organizational setup that can be understood in depth by floor team members or implementation/program team members. Miscommunications may at times arise with MIS teams as the plans for carrying out a project may differ in real-time situations. Daily feedbacks and updating of the project performance, enabling the higher management to see the pros and cons or the upcoming opportunities and limitations may help them to understand a team better and be prepared. The team members should be given the opportunity to share their concerns and ideas which will keep management, MIS and program team in a philanthropic organisation in alignment.

Being profoundly real about what the project's vision, mission, values and core activities, the organization aim to address, being open minded, innovative and creative with the team about the complexities of implementation process, after planning and learning from monitoring of the daily activities ensuring they can be sustainable and impactful on the Lives and Communities, can be a learning experience worth communicating to your boss and partners

Illustrate how the initiatives can enhance the company's brand reputation, fulfill corporate social responsibility objectives, and create positive social change. My previous efforts in philanthropy has been for girls education scholarship fund. By championing girls' education, the company establishes itself as socially conscious, enhancing its brand reputation. Educated girls become agents of change, creating positive social impact and long-term development. By conveying these values, you can make a compelling case for why your boss should champion your efforts.

If it's the company's first philanthropy experience, you have to make clear the following: - the cause that you are donation - what challenges they have - how this might impact CSR goals - how it is in line with the brand image - any other possible additional benefits to highlight for the value.

Your board may have varied motivations for philanthropy, such as financial/tax benefits, networking/lobbying, or community contribution. When presenting your philanthropy projects, emphasize how they align with these motivations. Define two clear goals with specific directions, budgets, and timelines. Achieving these goals within the set framework can pave the way for broader or longer-term initiatives.

For every problem you bring, come with a presentation offering at least 3 different solutions attached with how to accomplish it, as well as the pros & cons. As you work in philanthropy, also be sure to thoroughly explain the impact of every solution and who/how many it will benefit. Once your boss sees that you aren’t here to just complain with issues but rather come prepared with ready and tailored solutions, they will trust you more and deepen their connection with you. This will also set you up to be promoted for leadership roles, elevating the impact you can have on causes you’re passionate about.

There is a Ground rule,My Organization @PHG Africa we normally make with Our Project Teams and communicate across - If you identify a problem or challenge, speak about it, offering alternative solutions to better the situation. We need to have creative and innovative approaches to challenges, offering solutions along the way especially with our bosses. By so doing, we become open - minded to learn and improve and our bosses will be happy, to empower us to grow and develop impactful initiatives

I've always loved the quote, "Complainers and leaders have similar skills: both are both experts in discovering problems. Leaders, however, take steps towards resolution." Your job as a community or philanthropic leader is to always analyze what's going well and to pour more into/highlight that portion of your mission. Similarly, your job is to also see areas of current, or potential, problems and offer workarounds for those. But, don't overwhelm the process with too much. I'd always prefer one or two things processed fully, approached, and developed thoroughly over bringing up a multitude of ideas that never get properly broached and engaged. Always though, connect any of your action directly to mission. Don't stray from that line.

As you demonstrate the value of initiatives, and how they align with organizational goals, identify your unique skills and strengths, such as project management, relationship-building, or strategic planning. Showcase how they contribute to advancing philanthropic objectives. Establish open communication to understand their priorities, preferences, and expectations. Tailor your approach to align with their vision while also highlighting how your strengths can enhance the impact of efforts. Demonstrate initiative by proposing new ideas, volunteering for leadership roles in projects, and actively seek feedback for improvement. By leveraging your strengths and effectively communicating your commitment, you can build a strong relationship.

Remember that if you are a Development or Philanthropy leader, that you have many bosses. Certainly, your CEO or Executive Director, but also the board, your donorbase, the people served by your programs, and the community. It's important to consider all of these audiences when considering the implications of your work and to guide your decision-making.

Stay informed about the latest news regarding the organization and its management as a donor. Actively engage with the team, offering guidance and seeking opportunities to understand how your contributions can truly impact the cause. Consider stepping up as a mentor or volunteering to gain firsthand experience of the challenges and opportunities faced by the organization. Through these experiences, you not only demonstrate your commitment but also gain valuable insights for your future philanthropic endeavors.