by David J. Mack IV
Director of Partnerships, SOPHIST- Text-to-Pledge “Making Mobile Mandatory”

AFP, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, has provided immeasurable support and priceless infrastructure to the world’s philanthropic community for nearly seven decades. Very few global associations can match AFP’s monumental impact across all philanthropic sectors of healthcare, education, nonprofit advocacy, and community-based civil services. With nearly twenty years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, I’ve personally seen numerous nonprofits flourish as a direct result of AFP New York City's (AFP-NYC) conferences, networking events, information sessions, fundraising workshops, and annual programmatic events.

But, there is one special AFP event, “National Philanthropy Day,” which serves as the benchmark for recognizing nonprofit organizations and celebrating the essence of philanthropy. AFP’s National Philanthropy Day is nationally recognized on November 15th and highlights the nonprofit industry’s positive impact on all communities. But what exactly does National Philanthropy Day celebrate? Why is it so important?

Well, I witnessed the countless hours and hard work that nonprofit professionals dedicated to their nonprofit organizations. I’ve worked with nonprofit consultants, Directors of Development, and Directors of Giving to scale fundraising campaigns. Together, we’ve funded research facilities, hospital wings, college/university centers, afterschool facilities, and homeless shelters. We’ve built programs that fed starving families, protected abused children, and housed those experiencing homelessness. We’ve provided entrepreneurial opportunities for young adults and scholarships for aspiring college students.

Through these experiences, I can proclaim that a lot of people give, but not everyone is married to the culture of sustainable giving. Giving is not just “giving” to aid the immediate present, but it’s an act of faith to protect the future. I’m not speaking of “faith” in a religious sense, but “faith” in a universally hopeful sense that unites all people to solve issues across barriers of race, religion, gender, and financial status. This type of giving is the essence of philanthropy that National Philanthropy Day celebrates.

Furthermore, when thinking about National Philanthropy Day and celebrating sustainable giving, consider the following hypothetical situation: “Donor A” has $100 and donates $20. But “Donor B” has $20 and donates $15. Donor A ultimately gives more money, but Donor B personally sacrifices more. Who is the better donor? Which donor is AFP celebrating?

A financially driven nonprofit is going to take the top-down approach by always prioritizing the dollar amount being donated (Donor A). The hybrid nature of our nonprofit industry is built on kindness, but it survives on numbers, metrics, and balance sheets. Our collective fundraising campaigns have hard financial targets and goals that must be met. The very health and solvency of our nonprofit organizations depend on raising as much money as possible.

On the other hand, some nonprofits prioritize volunteers and mentors who donate their sweat equity and personal sacrifice to support nonprofits’ missions (Donor B). This is a bottom-up approach. These donors don’t write big checks, but they donate their evenings after work and weekends to set up for events, organize boots-on-the-ground campaigns, and provide the philanthropic culture required to positively impact a community.

So, the question becomes really distilled. What is more important to a nonprofit: the dollar amount being donated or the amount of time and personal resources being sacrificed? An abundance of capital with no community infrastructure can lead to a failed campaign. The same goes for an abundance of community infrastructure with no capital. Which is more important?

National Philanthropy Day answers this question by celebrating both types of donors and highlighting nonprofit organizations of all sizes. AFP's all-inclusive environment creates a network of allies and common threads that unite the wealthiest corporations with the most destitute individuals. This environment amplifies the general act of giving and creates a unifying common denominator of philanthropy. AFP also neutralizes the sometimes adversarial relationship between prioritizing capital vs. prioritizing human sweat equity/sacrifice. National Philanthropy Day creates a moment where a nonprofit's volunteers & human capital are equally praised with their donors’ financial capital.

AFP’s National Philanthropy Day provides a collective tide of goodwill that raises all boats. A healthy nonprofit sector can drive positive engagement and attract future clients for their corporate/business partners. On the other hand, a healthy corporate/business sector will donate more money to the nonprofit sector. The two will forever be interrelated.

My firsthand experience with National Philanthropy Day taught me how one event can allow different nonprofits the chance to tell their stories, showcase their experiences, and share best practices. This is the essence of philanthropy because it commends the spirit of sustainable giving rather than the performative process of transactional giving. We currently live in a skewed social landscape where the haves are often pitted against the have-nots. However, the nonprofit sector will eventually unify “US” and give society the means to thrive. AFP’s National Philanthropy Day will remain a crucial component for celebrating love for all mankind and highlighting nonprofits from every walk of life. This is why National Philanthropy Day is so important. This is why we celebrate.

Therefore, it is an extreme honor to work with AFP New York City and be affiliated with National Philanthropy Day. The day recognizes the importance of the nonprofit community and New York City’s dedication to philanthropy. AFP New York City will be hosting its National Philanthropy Day Event on Wednesday, November 18th, at “The High Bar NYC”, 37th floor Rooftop and Lounge. This is located inside The Doubletree Hotel at 346 West 40th Street. 

AFP New York’s staff has provided a welcoming and sophisticated environment for all sectors of the nonprofit industry to network and socialize. Please use this link to register and attend. The essence of philanthropy is supporting people who sacrifice to improve our communities. Let us celebrate their work and sacrifice during National Philanthropy Day. 

David J. Mack IV is a Charleston, South Carolina native and holds a degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology from Emory University. During his time at Emory, David volunteered at Egleston Children’s Hospital and other charitable organizations, gaining firsthand experience in fundraising and nonprofit management.

Post-graduation, a reunion with college classmate Reed Baker, a Philosophy graduate, sparked a collaborative venture. David appreciated Reed’s direction and understanding of Philosophy which led to the creation of a special event production company, Sophist Productions.  Through Sophist, David championed numerous nonprofits in New York and the Tri-State area, introducing initiatives like Text-to-Pledge, the FIRST onscreen text messaging functionality in the nonprofit special events space.  Text-to-Pledge has since raised over 250 Million Dollars and revolutionized donor engagement strategies.