Heather

This week in class we started the crucial process of drafting missions statements. We were first asked to consider and write about our own personal philanthropic philosophies. After completing our personal statements we were split up into two groups to create missions and values statements that will help guide where we will eventually spend our funds. We also discussed the proposition of trying to find someone to match the $10,000 we already have to work with or fundraising to add to it.

The readings for this week focused on the types of grants that can be made as well as things that should be considered when deciding whom to give money to. By the end of class on Thursday each of the two class groups decided they would like to focus their efforts on youth in the local area. One group’s mission statement focused mainly on education, however, while the other wanted to support youth involvement in the community. In addition, the first group wanted to focus on smaller organizations in either Prince George’s County or Montgomery County, while the second group limited their scope to Prince George’s County without specifying how large or small the organization should be.

I think the work we did this week was extremely important. Not only did it get us thinking about the specifics of where we want the money to be spent, it also forced us to start considering many of the logistical aspects of the philanthropic process. One of the readings highlighted the importance of a mission statement by offering an example of an organization that was forced to refer back to their core values and purpose when they were unable to fund all of their desired projects. This reading had a particular impact on how I viewed our assignment. It made me realize that the work we started this week will be pivotal in setting limits on our spending and helping us choose a worthy organization to give to. In terms of logistics, the class was forced to compromise and prioritize values and goals in order to complete the mission statements. Personally, I would like to see the two groups eventually merge and form one mission statement. I think our goals are similar enough that we could come to an agreement as a class and use all of the funds to promote one cause. By remaining in separate groups the class will be forced to split our already small sum of money into two smaller portions that ultimately may not make as great of an impact.