The Joy of Giving - wayne centrone

Happy #GivingTuesday from the team at the Casa Girasoles Urubamba

Today is #GivingTuesday - the single biggest fundraising event on the calendar. For a long time, I was intimidated by fundraising. I had it fixed in my head that asking for support is about "taking from" and not "generating with." I rigidly held to the notion that people don't actually want to give. I assumed that when we donate to a cause or an organization - we make the donation for the organization . . . and not for ourselves . . . or for both.

The data around giving tells a very different story. Research has shown that when people give, they get a great deal in return; and, the "getting" is so much more than a tax free contribution. Giving is actually about the contributor as much as the gift or donation. In fact, giving - rather than receiving - leads to lasting happiness. 

Wow, lasting happiness? Hmm. Really? Yes, empirically yes. In fact, we are hardwired to give. Our neural pathways are aligned to generosity and giving. And, this is scientifically validated. 

It was when I came in contact with this data and research that I shifted the way I think about fundraising. I no longer think of raising support for our work as unilateral - I see it as a symbiotic relationship that greatly benefits us and our efforts to make a difference in the world . . . but also a partnership that enhances the well-being and neural, emotional and cognitive development of the donor. That's fancy speak for - it helps both of us.

Why is this so important? Well, for me - it means that every donor, contributor, and supporter of Health Bridges is a partner. You are working with us to make the world a different and better place through our collective actions. This is about mutuality. It's about doing with, and not doing for. 

This blog may seem like a softball approach to soliciting funds for Health Bridges . . . and, well - I guess it is . . . and it isn't. We are so fortunate to have such amazing donors. From the anonymous check that showed up two weeks ago for $30,000 (if you are reading this - a HUGE THANK YOU) to the dedicated monthly donors who give so generously - we have a number of amazing partners. I guess - more than anything else - this is a blog about inviting you to the joy of giving.

That doesn't mean you need to give with Health Bridges - there are so many amazing organizations and groups doing great work. Rather, it is an invitation to consider how giving may help you to tap into more of who you are. It is an opportunity to receive all the joy and goodwill of giving. So, on this 2020 GivingTuesday - in a world impacted by so much - make a contribution to an organization, effort or group . . . and receive the powerful knowledge that you are changing your neuroanatomy to be happier. That's a pretty good deal. ;-) 

If you are so inclined to give to Health Bridges - join us at:

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Giving Tuesday