Learn how to build trust, communicate value, and inspire action among high-net-worth philanthropists who want to support your poverty reduction efforts.

Tax them. Ask them to use their disproportionate power in business and in government to advocate that wealthy people and companies pay taxes.

Like most relationships, don't be transactional and consider the impact. Be willing to listen actively and also to give to the relationship. If yours is not the right solution, perhaps you know of a better one. Additionally, please make sure the relationships are at the right level. The program people and executives have a different view often on the issues that a development person might not have...so if asked it's best not to gatekeep. 😀

How can you engage high-net-worth philanthropists in poverty reduction efforts?

Many high-net-worth philanthropists want to make a positive difference in the world, but they may face challenges in finding and supporting effective poverty reduction efforts. How can you engage them in your cause and show them the impact of their donations? Here are some tips to help you build trust, communicate value, and inspire action.

1 Understand their motivations

The first step to engaging high-net-worth philanthropists is to understand what motivates them to give. Some may have a personal connection to a specific issue or region, some may want to align their values with their wealth, and some may want to leverage their influence and network for social change. By doing your research, asking questions, and listening to their stories, you can tailor your approach and appeal to their interests and passions.

Add your perspective

Jeanne Bell
Report contribution
Tax them. Ask them to use their disproportionate power in business and in government to advocate that wealthy people and companies pay taxes.

Like
Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan

Partnering for Community Transformation & Hope
Report contribution
My experience is that we usually care and we need a reason to give. High net worth individuals often have more requests than they can handle. What would make someone want to give? Have a dialogue to understand what they care most about. If poverty, social programs, economic and communty development are things they find interesting, then there's an opportunity to link their passion for making a difference with your anti-poverty initiative. Show the social, community, and economic cost of poverty, or a specific area, such as homelessness. Tell stories and track outcomes and collective impact. Demonstrate what works, and support is needed. Build a social and economic case. The Build Healthy Places Network has great models.

Like
Kader Makanera

Huntington National Bank
Report contribution
1- By rooting out corruption from poverty relief efforts by being totally transparent about your operations and allowing donors to trace their donations from end to end. 2- Provide honest, verifiable and continuous progress reports of the direct and indirect impacts of each donor contribution. Philanthropists need little extra motivation to help the causes they donate to, most of them are business leaders and efficiency is everything to them. They just need to be assured the their donations are being used for the intended purpose.

Like
Ephraim Palmero

Social Meliorist
Report contribution
Actual sensitization or frontline sensing. Invite potential high caliber donors to visit the front lines or the actual point of contact where poverty reduction intervention is being served or ministered and allow them to spend some time and interact with participants who gained transformed lives. Its not only their support is important it's also their advocacy and mission involvement.

Like
Souhila André

Consultant expert Processus et Organisation dans le secteur inclusion sociale, formation professionnelle des cadres , ESS
Report contribution
La philanthropie existe depuis toujours, Marcel Mauss parlait du don contre don, la société est faite d'échange. Les personnes fortunées ou les chefs d'entreprise contribuent assez naturellement à la solidarité , c'est leur façon de participer à une société plus juste et d'aider les plus en difficultés car ils ont bien conscience de leur privilèges; Ils ont bien conscience de la misère , il existe en France un nombre incroyable de fondations. Aller vers ces mécènes permet de les sensibiliser à différentes causes et leur voix peut être même un soutien précieux par rapport aux réseau et aux médias et ainsi servir la mission de solidarité qui est portée par une association.

Translated

Like

2 Show them the problem and the solution

The next step is to show them the problem and the solution that your organization offers. You need to demonstrate the urgency and magnitude of the poverty issue that you are addressing, as well as the evidence and results of your interventions. Use compelling stories, data, and visuals to illustrate the challenges and opportunities that your beneficiaries face, and how your programs make a difference. Avoid jargon, technical terms, and acronyms that may confuse or alienate your audience.

Add your perspective

Charles A. Gardner, PhD

Consultant, Harm Reduction Strategies (accepting new project proposals)
Report contribution
High net worth people are just as stupid or smart as the rest of the population. Have just as many misperceptions and brilliant insights as the rest of us. In a one-on-one, just tell the truth. Back it up with evidence. Be competent (know your stuff). Be willing to tell that person s/he is wrong, if they're wrong. Some are idiots, but most don't like being coddled.

Like
Souhila André

Consultant expert Processus et Organisation dans le secteur inclusion sociale, formation professionnelle des cadres , ESS
Report contribution
La rencontre avec les bénéficiaires est toujours un moment de belle énergie . Les échanges sont en général très riches et les fondations ou mécènes réalisent au contact du public bénéficiaires toutes la valeur de leur contribution. De plus la qualité des personnes accompagnées et aidées et leur dignité malgré leur difficultés en font des personnes particulièrement attachantes et on ne peut qu’être humainement touché par leur rencontre .Leur trajectoire force le respect. Favoriser ces moment est à privilégier tant pour les bénéficiaires que pour les philanthropes…ce sont de pures instants de partage et de convivialité.

Translated

Like

3 Invite them to participate

The third step is to invite them to participate in your poverty reduction efforts. You need to offer them meaningful and appropriate ways to get involved, such as visiting your projects, meeting your staff and beneficiaries, joining your advisory board, or hosting events. You also need to respect their preferences and constraints, such as their time, availability, and level of engagement. By inviting them to participate, you can deepen their relationship with your organization and increase their commitment and loyalty.

Add your perspective

Souhila André

Consultant expert Processus et Organisation dans le secteur inclusion sociale, formation professionnelle des cadres , ESS
Report contribution
De mon expérience Il est primordial de maintenir la relation de partenariat au delà du soutien financier et bâtir des ponts entre les mécènes , fondations et les structures associatives. Le mécénat de compétences aussi est très enrichissant tant pour les Asso que pour les salariés des entreprises qui découvrent d’autres réalités et redonnent du sens à leur missions. Leur aide est un apport important dans les organisations associatives et contribue de manière significative à changer le monde ce n’est pas une utopie! Les valeurs de solidarité , de partage et d’humanité ne connaissent pas de frontières.

Translated

Like

4 Recognize and appreciate them

The fourth step is to recognize and appreciate them for their support. You need to acknowledge their contributions, thank them sincerely and personally, and report on the outcomes and impact of their donations. You also need to celebrate their achievements, honor their requests, and solicit their feedback. By recognizing and appreciating them, you can show them that you value their partnership and that they are making a difference in the lives of others.

Add your perspective

5 Challenge and inspire them

The final step is to challenge and inspire them to do more for your cause. You need to show them the potential and vision of your organization, as well as the gaps and needs that still exist. You also need to present them with new opportunities, ideas, and innovations that can amplify their impact and influence. By challenging and inspiring them, you can motivate them to increase their giving, advocate for your cause, and recruit more supporters.

By following these steps, you can engage high-net-worth philanthropists in your poverty reduction efforts and maximize their potential as partners and allies in your mission.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Ann C.

Kindness Ambassador | Storyteller | Corporate Social Responsibility | Philanthropy Expert | Advocate for Empowered.Giving | MBA | Views My Own
Report contribution
Like most relationships, don't be transactional and consider the impact. Be willing to listen actively and also to give to the relationship. If yours is not the right solution, perhaps you know of a better one. Additionally, please make sure the relationships are at the right level. The program people and executives have a different view often on the issues that a development person might not have...so if asked it's best not to gatekeep. 😀

Like

How can you engage high-net-worth philanthropists in poverty reduction efforts?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand their motivations

2 Show them the problem and the solution

3 Invite them to participate

4 Recognize and appreciate them

5 Challenge and inspire them

6 Here’s what else to consider

Philanthropy

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Philanthropy

More relevant reading

How can you engage high-net-worth philanthropists in poverty reduction efforts?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand their motivations

2 Show them the problem and the solution

3 Invite them to participate

4 Recognize and appreciate them

5 Challenge and inspire them

6 Here’s what else to consider

Philanthropy

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills