Category Archives: giving

Transactional vs Transformational Giving

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For transactional donors, recognition is often a driving factor. In return for their donation, the transactional donor may receive a plaque, their name engraved on a wall, or their gala attendance photo on the society page. Others are happy to simply receive a set of return address labels or notepads decorated with the nonprofit’s logo. A transactional gift rarely gives a donor the opportunity to understand and appreciate the non-profit’s vision and long-term impact. Without creating passion for the cause, the charity is left with no other resource that to keep the giver on their mailing list and ask over and over again.

collage of giving causes

Transformational donors are deeply concerned about the impact of their monetary gift. They are passionate about a cause and want to share their resources to support the nonprofit that shares that passion. Their gift is “transformational” — that is, the giving experience “transforms” or changes both the donor and the nonprofit. Donors have been described as “an actor in a story about how a group of people trying to build a better future were able to do it because there were so many heads, hands, and hearts playing the same role.

If you want to learn more about moving from transactional to transformational giving, or want to step up your game in a localized, personal way right here in Columbus (or anywhere in the world), the Stewardship Foundation can explain how you can develop a strategic approach for a lifetime of giving and engagement. Start now to make an impact in extraordinary ways. Contact Joe Finneran, (614) 800-7985

A Giving Heart in Ukraine’s Time of Need

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As our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine, people are asking how they can help the millions of people who have fled to neighboring countries. The European Union officials predict that as many as 7 million could eventually be displaced. Several international humanitarian groups are providing goods, services, food and water, even cash assistance to help families resettle. 

“The Virgin of Pochaiv,” Ivan Honchar Museum, 1840/1860 (photo: Public Domain)

Following is a list of donation sites actively helping the people of Ukraine. Most do far more than our brief description, so please visit their websites to learn more and to make your monetary donation. 

  • CARE: Emergency aid for food, water, and hygiene kits. See more »
  • Convoy of Hope: meals, food delivery, water. See more »
  • CORE: Cash, food, water, hygiene kits, thermal blankets. See more »
  • Doctors Without Borders: Medical and humanitarian support. See more »
  • International Committee of the Red Cross: essential human services, reuniting separated families. See more »
  • International Medical Corps: medical, mental health, protection services for refugees. See more »
  • The 762 Project: Volunteers tracking Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine. See more »

Various Catholic agencies are collecting donations. Among the many, please consider Caritas. They provide shelter, water, safe transport for women and children, and build child-friendly play spaces for youngsters who are otherwise bored and scared. See more »

The Knights of Columbus’ Ukraine Solidarity Fund has committed $1 million for immediate distribution to support Ukrainian refugees and will match all funds raised up to an additional $500,000. Donations provide shelter, food, medical supplies, clothing and religious goods for the men still in Ukraine and and the families in Poland’s refugee sites. See more »

The Catholic Review can provide links to additional Catholic agencies. 

To find a cause that closely fits your heart for giving, search online “help Ukraine” followed by the keyword(s) of your choice. And from NCR, this prayer:

O Lord God of powers, and God of our salvation, O God, who alone work wonders:
look down with mercy and compassion on Your humble servants,
and out of love for mankind hearken and have mercy on us
and on the land of Ukraine. Continue entire prayer »