[Nicaragua]

I helped put a group of people together to go look at social projects along the Coco River. Our agreement was to find a worthy project and then work together over three years to support it through helping to raise money in Seattle. (Photo essay on the venture philanthropy trip)

Later, we did some local fund-raisers for the projects we found. We had each agreed to each give or raise $5,000 over a period of three years.

The experience brought out a problem for me. Because I primarily work with board members of non-profits, I spend a lot of time with pretty wealthy people. I attend meeting after meeting in which at least some percentage of the board’s discussion revolves around fundraising and individual donations. I’m amazed at what people can give.

I have as a goal to give at least 5% of my income every year to good causes. These last couple years, I’ve written what have been substantial checks (for me) to a number of worthy organizations. But I don’t get the pleasure or meaning out of it that I should. I can’t feel myself making much of a difference. I can’t make myself feel motivated to raise money either. Whatever scale I might achieve seems paltry up against what others can do. Oh, I know this is the wrong way to think about it. But it’s where I am.

So I’ve done a mediocre job at getting motivated to raise money for Nicaragua. (But It was a terrific group of people and an amazing experience. Those I didn’t know well have become friends.)