The 3 R’s of Renata Rafferty

July 15th, 2009 by Lindsey Karlson

I had the opportunity to hear Renata Rafferty speak about the role and mission of nonprofits last Friday at the first of the South Dakota Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Convenings. Renata is a nationally known philanthropic consultant, author (her latest book is titled “Smart Generosity: Everything You Need to Know About Charity, Philanthropy, and Giving Wisely” ) and tell-it-like-it-is speaker.

She framed her message to nonprofits in the room through what she terms “the 3 R’s”: refocus, reach out, and recognize that all philanthropy is personal. What I enjoyed most about her presentation was that although she was speaking to an audience of nonprofit leaders, her message is relevant to communities and businesses as well. It is time to get back to the basics.

1. Refocus. Renata shared that while it is easy to be distracted with new philosophies, technologies, and methodologies, what really matters is the work you do every day to help people in your community. Ask yourself: what are we really trying to do and why does it matter?

2. Reach out. Philanthropy isn’t a one organization game, and we best serve our communities when we reach out to other nonprofits that are doing great work. Renata suggests that the capacity often exists to make change-we may just need to think about it differently. Ask yourself: how can we best make change together?

3. Recognize that all philanthropy is personal. People care where their money goes, and they care that it is helping to make change in the world. Renata reminds us that if we want to engage people in change we have to show them we’re making change. If we reach donors hearts, minds and hands first, the financial investment is more likely to follow. Ask yourself: how am I engaging volunteers and potential donors in our work?

The work of building successful community is, at its most fundamental level, much like the work of building successful nonprofit organizations. Refocus. Reach out. Recognize that it’s personal. It makes sense, too. If we are focused on what really matters, working with others to get there, and meeting volunteers and community members where their passions lie, anything is possible.

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