Donation: much more than just financial resources.

There are many ways to help make the world a better place. It's common, when we think of philanthropy, to primarily associate action with the donation of financial resources – which are essential, but not the only way to contribute to a cause, to promote the transformation we hope for in society. This awareness is even more essential in this difficult time we are experiencing, with the increase in the economic and social crisis caused by the pandemic.

A survey by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation found that the number of Brazilians living in poverty nearly tripled in six months, rising from 9.5 million in August 2020 to more than 27 million in February 2021. With more people in need, we need to gather even more support to amplify the results.

Volunteering is one of the alternatives where donation has a great impact and does not directly involve financial resources, but rather the time of people, specialists or not, who are willing to collaborate with a cause. There is a great shortage in the Third Sector of professionals with different expertise to improve the performance of organizations and obtain more results with less. The support of experienced professionals from various areas makes it possible to reduce this deficit.

Another essential path is partnerships. Uniting efforts, considering the alignment of values ​​and common objectives, is a way that not only expands but enriches philanthropic work. Bringing together the community, social organizations, public authorities, and private sector initiatives around a common goal enhances the performance of the Third Sector. We are more effective because we listen to the real needs of those who work directly with those in need; we have the structure, experience, organization, and reach that these sectors offer in an integrated way.

We see that the growing number of professionals, institutions, and companies joining forces to support causes allows for more qualified monitoring of projects and assertive, intersectoral collaborations, which amplify the reach of organizations' actions. With this, we can collaborate with more people, increase service to communities, and create an even greater social impact.

The numbers paint a worrying picture: a survey based on data from the Ministry of Citizenship concluded that in June of this year, the country had 14.7 million families living in extreme poverty – with a per capita income of up to R$ 89 per month – representing approximately 41 million people.

These are families who end up seeking shelter or living on the streets. We observe this all around us, witnessing the rise in unemployment and the number of people unable to maintain their homes. This moment demands strategic action to build a network of goodwill that can contain and reverse this situation. That's why it's so important to understand that giving goes far beyond financial support. We need to donate our time, experience, and contribute hope and a desire to transform, so that we can use all the tools at our disposal to consolidate the philanthropic ecosystem in the country.

By Carola Matarazzo, Executive Director of the Bem Maior Movement

This article was originally published on the website of the newspaper O Povo.

Image Credit: Press Release/MBM