Giving Back

Using Your Professional Talents for Community Benefit

By Carole W. Tomko, EVP and Partner, The Woodmansee Group

Throughout my career I have had the privilege of knowing a number of generous people. These are folks who have given significant thought to how they can best "give back" to a community that has allowed them to build a business, a profession or a business career. People with this charitable bent tend to focus on those community institutions that they believe can best use the economic resources they have to offer. They may also sit on the boards of these not-for-profits, attend meetings and provide advice. Their contributions make for a richer and healthier community.

I have found, however, that many mid-career executives are looking for meaning beyond their ability to write a check to an organization. They have a need to "make things happen" and an ability to take a vision or a dream and execute to a plan than can make it a reality. The lucky ones are able to find charitable organizations that can make meaningful use of their time and talent. In this article I will describe one such organization that has taken full advantage of people's desire to give back with spectacular results.

Material Assistance Providers ("MAP" www.mapfurniturebank.org) is Central Ohio's only free furniture bank. Founded by Jeff Hay only six years ago, MAP has moved from little known organization operating out of an abandoned church to a sophisticated household goods supply chain providing resources to those most in need in our community. How did this happen? A convergence of vision, energy and managerial talent which was applied in a disciplined manner to create a new and important community resource.

Jeff's energy and enthusiasm for his vision, "to serve the community by providing a free furniture bank for families and individuals in need", reached a handful of former executives who believed they could help him grow his dream. These folks, in turn, began to recruit other former executives who had built substantial businesses and careers. What developed was a strong Board of Trustees comprised of finance, marketing, operations, logistics, technology, communication, legal and human resources experts. With this breadth of skills, supported and encouraged by a charismatic founder, everyone has been able to contribute in a meaningful way.

The finance leaders on the Board developed professional monthly income statements, balance sheets and financial reports. These proved to be invaluable in the organizations ability to apply for grants and to communicate with corporate donors regarding MAP's fiscally responsible use of funds.

MAP's marketing leaders have developed relationships in the community that allowed for quality PR, solid development strategies and an increase in MAP's supply of donated goods. The marketing skills were particularly effective in working with colleges and universities to donate high quality used furniture to MAP, allowing the organization to significantly improve its ratio of filled requests from clients.

The operations and logistics team was instrumental in finding and negotiating for quality and economical distribution space. Improvement in dispatching, routing and fleet management has resulted in a higher level of service to MAP clients.

The technology and communications experts created MAP's website, provide public service announcements and work aggressively to put MAP on the "map" and in the consciousness of the greater Columbus community.

The legal experts ensured that as MAP developed, good governance was the order of the day. Additionally when the need for contracts or legal opinions regarding various potential liabilities arises, the answers are a phone call away.

As the organization began to grow and with it, the demands on personnel, the HR folks were able to help design and staff an organization that will serve MAP and therefore the community well in to the future.

When business leaders decide it is time to "give back", they should never underestimate the value of the expertise that they have spent a lifetime developing. While MAP may be somewhat unique in its stage of development and therefore entrepreneurial spirit, those who want to use their talents for the greater good can find a place to apply them with a little bit of focus and planning. To find the "right" place to direct your energy, consider the following:

  • Inventory your interests-it is important to focus your energy on something that can capture both your imagination and your heart.
  • Identify those not-for-profits that provide services that match your interests.
  • Contact the Executive Director or President of the organization and ask for a tour of the facilities. During the tour ask questions about the needs of the organization and evaluate whether your skills match the organizations needs.
    • Follow up on your interest by finding out about potential Board, Advisory Board or Committee seats.
    • Ask to speak to others who volunteer with the organization to determine if your skills would be complementary or duplicative.
    • If appropriate, seek client testimonials so you have a full appreciation for the service provided by the organization.
  • Once you have narrowed your focus and found the organization that meets your passion, commit.
    • Commit to the goal of giving back by living the mission of the organization.
    • Commit to the goal of giving back by attending and participating in critical meetings.
    • Commit to the goal of giving back by doing what you say you will do.
    • Commit to the goal of giving back by telling others about your passion for the organization and its work.
    • Commit to the goal of ensuring the mission that captures your heart and imagination stays fiscally sound and alive in the community.

Engaging your skills with the needs of the community very often provides a level of personal and professional satisfaction far beyond the contributions you make.

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