Joel Baugher’s Post

💭 What would you do with unlimited resources? Blue sky! As a kid, it was all about saving the whales and feeding the children -- those iconic TV ads of the '80s that shaped my idea of philanthropy. Today, the possibilities are even more expansive. I would focus on urgent and transformative causes, like gender equity and ecological justice. I’d advocate for gender-equity regulations to drive change, clearly setting standards for pay equity, promoting work-life balance and supporting women in leadership roles. Imagine entire societies being uplifted by empowering women. On ecological justice, I’d launch a platform that rewards eco-friendly actions like reforestation, renewable energy projects, and pollution clean-up with credits towards education, healthcare, and other community benefits. Imagine protecting our planet and directly improving lives! A core priority would be an affordable housing framework bringing together policymakers, architects, and tech innovators to co-design modular, eco-friendly housing solutions. Modular housing concepts dating back to Expo ’67 have proven effective worldwide, providing flexible, sustainable, and quickly constructed homes. A few years ago, the Town of Cobourg had an opportunity to transform a provincial property, and ideas abounded to integrate modular homes with rent geared to incomes and rent-to-ownership. Access to safe, secure housing supports mental and physical health, improves access to education and employment, and provides a sense of community while alleviating pressure on so many nonprofits. Imagine transforming housing into a true community asset.

Warren lights up a room. He greets everyone with a warm hello and takes the time to ask how your day is going. His joy is infectious, even as he navigates challenges that most of us would find overwhelming. Two years ago, Warren’s dentist informed him that he needed an $8,000 bridge to preserve his oral health. While his parents set up a living trust to help him live independently in his family home, the system has failed him in a critical way. To keep his healthcare coverage in Missouri, Warren is allowed to have no more than $5,000 in assets annually. This limitation made it impossible for him to withdraw the $8,000 needed for the dental surgery all at once. Instead, he withdrew $4,000 last year and another $4,000 this year. But by the time he returned to the dentist, his oral health had deteriorated so severely that the procedure’s cost had doubled to $16,000. Now, the only option is extensive tooth extraction. Warren deserves better. Emergency healthcare laws in Missouri must be reviewed and revised to ensure people like him aren’t left to suffer. Warren’s story inspired the creation of The Sunny Day Fund. This fund dedicates 10% of all Sunnyhill’s fundraising efforts to help individuals cover critical Quality of Life expenses that fall outside the constraints of existing support systems. By contributing to our Let It Snow: Flurries of Hope campaign, you’re helping make a difference. Ten percent of every donation goes into The Sunny Day Fund to ensure people like Warren can maintain their independence, dignity, and health. Let’s work together to give everyone the chance to live their best life. Give Today: https://lnkd.in/gAjB6Hud #Kindness #TheSunlitWay #EmpoweredLiving #LightThePath #PurposefulWork

Ever thought giving is only for the rich? Let's bust that myth. 80% of Americans actively give to causes they care about. Yet many still believe they're not "qualified" to be philanthropists. Let's shatter some common myths about giving: "I'm not rich enough to give" Truth: Philanthropy isn't about wealth. It's about the love of humanity. Even $10 can create meaningful change. "Small donations don't matter" Reality: Every contribution counts. When combined with others, small gifts create a massive impact. Real-world example: Our Power of 10 program proves this. Just 10 people giving $10 monthly funds a registration scholarship for IAAP Summit attendance. Giving takes many forms: • Supporting local schools • Contributing to places of worship • Volunteering at food banks • Helping community events • Making small monthly donations Here's what matters: • Your intention to help • Consistency over amount • Being part of collective change • Following your heart The simple truth? You don't need to be wealthy to make a difference. Sometimes it's as simple as choosing between buying lunch or bringing it from home and donating that difference. 🔘 What's holding you back from giving? 🔘 Share your thoughts below #Philanthropy #Community #Giving #SocialImpact

All change starts with the first step - and whether that change is actual "change" or a change in your mindset, good happens when people realize that acting together creates meaningful results. Think about it, if we have ten people donating $10 over 12 months (10 x 10 x 12 = $1,200) and if we have ten Power of 10 Circles doing this... that's $12,000; add in a several Circles that are donating $25 each month for $2,500, and that could be $20K or more for scholarships! This will make a difference to many people who can then be provided scholarships!! The scholarship application window is open till November 30 (https://lnkd.in/g2mQYbV3). Be part of the change: https://lnkd.in/edBVjGqz

56 Days left till the 2024 election 📅 ⌚ For most of us -- it cannot come soon enough. And I'm not talking about electing your candidate of choice -- I'm talking about receiving all those unwanted Texts 📳 When it comes to texting I think many of us feel, "One bad Apple 🍎 , spoils the bunch..." 🍏 and when it comes to SMS texting campaigns. Sending out loads and loads of Unwanted Spam -- Is not the way to run campaigns that grow relationships! Non-profits -- Don't let what you see happening in the Political space -- Ruin a great tool for you to grow Relationships 🤝, Donations 💸 and action 💥 for your Non-profit! Also -- Using an opt-in is a sure-fire way to ensure you are sending out messages your Donors, and friends want -- and for the information they want to receive! #SMS #texting #Mobile #engagmenet #Philanthropy #Nonprofits #Relationships

Looking for ways to give back to your community? Start by finding a cause that resonates with you and get involved. Here are a few more ideas to help you get started: - Donate food to a local food bank - Give blood to help those in need - Volunteer as a firefighter to help keep your community safe - Spend time volunteering at a local senior center - Become a mentor by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister - Sponsor or coach a youth sports team to help kids stay active and engaged - Donate to a local charity to support those in need - Help the homeless in your community - And remember, sometimes a small gesture like saying "hello" or asking how someone is doing can brighten someone's day. The possibilities for giving back are endless! What are some of your favorite ways to help your community? Share in the comments below.

🌟 The Power of Giving: Why Your Contribution Matters 🌟 In a world where needs are ever-present, the act of giving has never been more crucial. Here’s why your generosity can make a transformative impact: Creating Positive Change: Every donation helps support critical programs and services that address pressing issues such as hunger, education, and healthcare. Your contribution can help build stronger, healthier communities. Empowering Nonprofits: By providing financial support, you enable nonprofits to continue their essential work. This includes everything from disaster relief to arts and culture preservation. Fostering Community: Giving fosters a sense of connection and solidarity. It’s a powerful way to unite people around a common cause and create a collective impact. Personal Fulfillment: Generosity not only benefits the recipients but also enhances the well-being of the giver. It’s scientifically proven that giving can increase happiness and reduce stress. Inspiring Others: Your actions can inspire others to give. By sharing your passion and commitment, you encourage a culture of philanthropy and civic engagement. 💡 How You Can Make a Difference: Donate to causes you care about. Volunteer your time and skills. Advocate and raise awareness for important issues. Every act of giving, no matter how small, contributes to a better world. Let's come together to make a difference today! #Philanthropy #GivingBack #MakeADifference #CommunitySupport #Nonprofit

One of the many things I love about Jim Langley is he asks questions -- and listens! In this week's SmartIdeas blog post, Jim shows how not listening, or not even asking, only motivates donors to leave. Find a way to make the right "ask"! https://lnkd.in/eeFYn_Zp #engagementfundraising #majorgifts #nonprofitfundraising

Giving back to the community is essential for creating a positive impact and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Here are some reasons why: Benefits of Giving Back:1. Helps those in need2. Builds stronger communities3. Encourages empathy and compassion4. Develops leadership and teamwork skills5. Enhances personal growth and fulfillment Ways to Give Back:1. Volunteer at local charities or organizations2. Donate to reputable causes3. Mentor or coach others4. Participate in community events or fundraisers5. Offer skills-based services (e.g., pro bono consulting)Remember, genuine contributions come from the heart, not for publicity. Every small act counts, and collective efforts can lead to significant positive change.Inspiring Quotes:1. "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi2. "Giving is not just about making a donation; it's about making a difference." - Kathy CalvinKeep making a positive impact!!

WHAT IF?….Two words.  One powerful question.      It’s back-to-school season around the metro, and that has me thinking a lot about one particularly memorable book from my early school days called “If Everybody Did” by Jo Ann Stover.  In a lighthearted way, the book asks readers to consider what if everybody did certain actions, like leave muddy tracks, pick the buds off flowers, or slam the door, then shows in comical illustrations the outlandish effects of what would happen if everybody did them.  The images of the overly-hugged cat and icicles growing on top of kids' heads are seared into my brain. 🤣 But the book also poses a powerful wondering that we try to encourage at #UnitedWay when it considers what if everybody did their part to make things a little better.      So what if??    What if your small business took time to make cookies or t-shirts to support United Way of Greater Kansas City, like Best Regards Bakery in Overland Park and Press Monkey in Pleasant Hill did, when our community was hurting and healing from tragedy?    What if you took time, like Women United member Ginger W., to join a bus tour and learn more about the nonprofits that diligently serve our neighbors every day?    What if you got your coworkers together to spend time volunteering to help others, like Rachel Dwiggins and her team from Forvis Mazars US?    What if you joined Meilene and bought a KC Current ticket and kit, supporting two teams with one goal, to help everyone in our community thrive?    What if you joined the thousands of WaymakersTM who pledge generously donate to ensure we can support 1 in 3 Kansas Citians each year?    From my own lived experience, I know United Way’s support is invaluable. In a time where it seems like the world is divided, our community is now counting on us to come together. As this United Way campaign season begins, I ask you to look at what you can bring to the table. There’s something all of us can do to shape Kansas City’s future. Donate. Advocate. Volunteer. Do whatever you are able.     It makes me smile imagining what if everybody did just that.