Philanthropy Month & the Giving Season: Why I Still Celebrate

By Melinda McKee

November 22, 2011

Every year, I ask myself: When we contribute to the giving-themed conversation alongside the department store promotions, the reminders to donate before the tax deduction window closes, and the overflowing banter of well-meaning-but-once-a-year soup kitchen volunteers, are we diminishing the power of NCGives’ message?

In other words, are we perpetuating the detrimental stereotype that giving only happens (or needs to happen) two months out of the year?

Four (Not) Stupid Questions About Philanthropy

By Melinda McKee

September 28, 2011

Today is nationally (albeit unofficially) known as “Ask A Stupid Question Day,” a liberating chance to put forth your inquiries without fear of embarrassment. Well, we don't think any of your questions are "stupid" (seriously!), but in the spirit of the day, here are our answers to a few of the most obvious questions in NCGives' world:

We’ve Moved! An NCGives Update From Donna

By Donna Chavis

June 21, 2011

Isaac Asimov said this many years ago, but it is certainly true today as well:

"It is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be."

NCGives is pleased to be a part of the changing landscape!

One major thing that has changed for us is our address.

Volunteerism: Threads of Gold

By Arlene Ugbaja

April 19, 2011

Over the years, I have learned that money cannot buy everything you need, but the help from a few skillfully placed volunteers can be more valuable than gold. North Carolinians are tremendously generous with their time and talent; the Corporation for National and Community Service alone reports that 23,000 people of all ages volunteer in numerous capacities in the state.

Neighborly Giving: Dead or Alive?

By Melinda McKee

March 01, 2011

We talk a lot at NCGives about what we call "philanthropy of community." It's the kind of everyday giving that happens between neighbors, family, friends, and even strangers, and it plays an important role alongside the giving that comes "from the top down" (such as from foundations)...

Philanthropy, Schmilanthropy…What’s In A Word?

By Donna Chavis

November 15, 2010

Ask three different people what the word “philanthropy” means, and you’re likely to get three different answers. One might ask, what’s the difference? Why does it matter what definition is given to a word? I believe it does matter, and here’s why.

Why Time Is No Less Valuable Than Money

By Arlene Ugbaja

October 15, 2010

Martin Luther King, Jr. said that, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve." This importance of volunteerism and civic engagement was illuminated at the recent convention of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in Raleigh, where volunteers gave $11,439.20 worth of their time and talent to make the event happen.

When Little Becomes Much

By Arlene Ugbaja

September 02, 2010

A lot has been in the news lately about the Giving Pledge of billionaires. Equally as important is the news of everyday givers who amplify giving in their small communities, do it masterfully, and have been doing it for years. My work in philanthropy is a reminder that the largest number of contributions come from individuals, and they are more likely to be average citizens than billionaires.