2020’s Extraordinary Challenges Call for Extraordinary Giving

God’s people are always asked to give sacrificially. But, this year, the needs are far greater than usual.

By Grace Chiang Nicolette

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t’s become an overused trope to say that 2020’s events have been “unprecedented.” When I allow myself to grapple with the impact of the compounding crises we face—a global pandemic (and the disproportionate harm COVID is having on communities of color here), a reckoning with racial inequality and police violence, a spiking of anti-Asian sentiment emboldened by the outgoing administration, a hobbled economy, and much more—the needs can feel overwhelming.

And yet, even in “normal” times, Christians are called to steward our resources wisely and give sacrificially. So, what should that look like amid these current crises?

In my work in philanthropy, my colleagues and I are seeing how this year’s events are causing many donors and foundations to view their giving differently. There’s an increased urgency to move more dollars out the door—faster and often with fewer strings attached—to local, national, and global nonprofits. Many of these organizations are experiencing spiking demands for their services with simultaneous, and sometimes precipitous, declines in donations. There’s also a renewed focus on mutual aid that engages more community members, and on listening closely to better understand the needs around us.

As you consider how your giving may change in response to this year’s events, I hope you’ll keep these tips for effective giving in mind:

1. During this time, give more than you think you can.

This year has laid bare the vast inequalities between the haves and have nots, and the impacts of our current crises will have ripple effects for years to come. For many, this year’s events have sparked the question, “If not now, when?” when it comes to giving sacrificially.

Giving in this manner has always been a part of God’s calling for believers, like the widow in Matthew who gave all she had. As we do so, we will likely become more uncomfortable ourselves, experiencing solidarity with those who suffer and amplifying our need to rely more on God.

2. Identify the causes you care about, do your homework (with listening at the fore!), and then trust the nonprofits to do the work.

If you haven’t already chosen which causes or nonprofits to give to, it’s not too late. Find either local, national, or international organizations whose goals align with yours and do your due diligence. Read their annual reports, learn about the leadership team’s track record, and, if you plan to give a large gift, reach out to talk to someone there if you have questions. If you’ve already been supporting certain causes and nonprofits through your giving, see if you can find out how they have been responding to this year’s crises.

Don’t be afraid to ask nonprofits about what they really need and what they see as the most pressing challenges in the field they serve. Many nonprofit leaders are facing far more needs than they have the resources to meet.

Ditch the easy but erroneous metrics of overhead or administrative cost ratios, which are not helpful ways to measure a nonprofit’s impact. Especially in a time when nonprofits are needing to be responsive and nimble in a changing environment, a gift with no strings attached can help the most. 

I’ve encountered incredibly generous and smart donors among the Asian American Christian community, as well as those who are reflexively distrustful of how nonprofits allocate their resources. These latter attitudes can be a barrier to effective giving practices. If you find yourself in that category, it’s worth investigating why. If you’ve encountered poorly run nonprofits or scandals in the past, it’s important to remember that those are not representative of the vast majority of nonprofits, and I’d encourage you to read and learn more.

3. Keep up a learning posture.

The most effective donors are on a continuous learning journey that takes time, dedication, and an investment in relationships. Approach your giving with humility and prayer, and don’t assume you always have the answers. After all, we are often far removed from the people and causes we seek to help; it is their expertise and perspectives we should be learning from. You can do this by being a safe place for nonprofits to share what their real needs are. (This also applies to conversations you may be having with your church’s leadership.)

As Scripture says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21, NIV). May our giving in this season reflect our support and solidarity for those among us who are deeply suffering and in need.

Additional resources on effective giving:

• The Giving Done Right podcast, which I co-host. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. In Episode 7: “No Easy Answers: The Hard Work of Giving Done Right,” my co-host and I interview Melinda Tuan, a Chinese American Christian expert in philanthropy, and in Episode 2: “Giving Until it Hurts: Pain, Faith, and Purpose,” we interview a major donor to International Justice Mission (IJM), a Christian global anti-human trafficking nonprofit. There are also episodes on youth-led movements, democracy, measuring impact, mentoring, and so much more.

• Giving Done Right: Effective Philanthropy and Making Every Dollar Count, a book by my colleague Phil Buchanan. It’s a tremendous read with inspiring stories and practical advice on how to be a better giver.

• Wherever you live, your local community foundation is a great source for learning about your area’s needs. For instance, in Boston, where I live, the Boston Foundation is a great resource.

Photo by Kat Yukawa on Unsplash

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Grace Chiang Nicolette is a vice president at the Center for Effective Philanthropy, a nonprofit that serves foundations and major donors with data and insight on effective giving. She serves on the board of the Veritas Forum. She and her husband and two kids reside in Cambridge, MA.