In my
initial meeting with Coastal Community Foundation’s CEO, George Stevens, I was
bewildered at his claim of the difficulty found in giving away money. Although struck by his statement, I found
myself struggling to find the validity in his words. How could George, a leader whose work
schedule is inundated with public speaking engagements, donor solicitations,
and strategic planning sessions have difficulty in granting donations? Selecting nonprofit recipients and awarding
grants seemed, upon my initial contemplations, the easiest and most rewarding
process accomplished by the Foundation.
However, after my recent site visit to HALOS, the heavy burden of choice
was brought to fruition. As I listened
to testimonials given by grandmothers, expressing their heartfelt appreciation
of HALOS’ Kinship Care Program, I felt compelled to extend support to this
organization. As I sat at a table with
HALOS’ three, dedicated staff members, I craved an opportunity to accolade them
for their heavily involved efforts and limitless compassion. HALOS, I thought to myself, defined a
deserving organization. It was in that
moment, that I finally recognized the truth behind George’s initial statements. My emotions were overtaken by competing
feelings of love and guilt. How could I
promote a grant to one organization, knowing that it would mean the denial of
another worthy nonprofit group’s request?
The
process of narrowing grant recipients represents a paradox of beauty and
pain. Although the fruitful works of
many Lowcountry nonprofits are inspirational, it is distressing to recognize
that not all of them can receive a grant.
What provides ultimate comfort, however, is the knowledge that with the
expertise of Coastal Community’s staff and through careful consideration taken by
the grants committee, worthy designations will be made. Not only do volunteer grant committee members
and staff visit the sites, but they are actively engaged, asking extensive
questions. Although site visits serve as
an important component of the grant-making process, the careful consideration
does not end there. After personally visiting
all of the applicant sites, the committee meets to comprehensively evaluate all
of the nonprofits and allocate grants accordingly. The process, although arduous, is fruitful in
its return, as it serves to promote the good of our entire community.
