R.I. Foundation sees joy in giving and receiving

Is it better to give or to receive? As we approach the holiday season with perhaps many of us expecting to do a fair share of both, I have learned that there may be an objective answer to this values-based question.
Actually, this is really a trick question, because the answer is that giving and receiving are nearly identical. Let me explain.
In replicated studies of neuroimaging, brain scientists have found that a decision to voluntarily make a charitable gift activates “reward” areas of the brain. The response is nearly identical to the reaction that people have when receiving money. In other words, just like it feels good to receive, it also feels good to give.
That theory is supported by our real-life experiences. Think about a time that you have given something of value to a person or cause you really care about. I bet you probably don’t need scientific studies to tell you that your generosity made you feel good. Our state needs a vibrant nonprofit and charitable sector, and to inspire philanthropy, we need to remember that giving feels good, is fun and makes a difference all at the same time.
My colleagues and I work every day with generous donors and transformative nonprofit organizations to help our state reach its full potential. Partnering with inspired and inspiring Rhode Islanders for the last 98 years gives us the privilege of seeing firsthand the power of philanthropy.
For example, earlier this year one of the foundation’s partners created an endowment in order to ensure it will continue to build community around its adult learning exchange for many years to come. The story of Hamilton House is one of community, donor and nonprofit engagement and a specific call to action. Hamilton House’s class list reads like a college catalog – Spanish, painting, computer, literature – but rather than a college or university campus, these classes are offered at an adult learning exchange at Hamilton’s facility on Providence’s East Side. Complementing the more academic offerings are topics as diverse as yoga, bridge and film courses.
“The program is what Hamilton House is all about,” said Executive Director Jessica Haley. “We see new friendships, then we see those friendships grow, and the next thing you know they’re going to the theater or out to lunch.”
Built in 1896, the French-chateau-style Hamilton House was the private home of Florence Champlin Hamilton and her husband, Ralph, a wedding gift to the couple from Florence’s father, George Champlin. Upon Mrs. Hamilton’s death, the house was left to the adjacent Central Congregational Church, which continues to own it today. The elegant house has been operating as an independent, nonprofit learning center for older adults since 1972 and currently has about 300 members.
The warm and elegant atmosphere of this historic chateau is the setting for classes and programs where members may be found engaged in discussions, letting their inner Picasso release in paint on canvas, or immersed in a book found in the house’s mahogany-paneled, formal library. It is a place where you will find a retired English professor who befriended a retired homemaker, learning together about contemporary art from a university graduate student.
Many members admit before joining, they thought the house was an exclusive club. On the contrary – the program is open and approachable to all.
“We are just lucky what we offer happens in this wonderful space,” said Haley. “The exchange of learning, especially between our members, some devoting a lifetime of study to a particular subject, others with a skilled trade and all who share life experiences coupled with the many young people who teach here, is so beautiful.”
This endowment is the brainchild of an anonymous donor who is passionate about Hamilton House and who offered to put up half the funds if Hamilton House would contribute the other half. A fellow member further challenged the organization to raise the funds rather than tapping savings. “By challenging us, those two members stimulated us to grow and to plan for the future. The donor’s intent was for the funds to be invested through the Rhode Island Foundation. The donor loves the foundation and felt we would get the best return on our investment,” Haley explained.
Although philanthropy can be manifested in many ways, all of its manifestations start with a value judgment that the activity is worth doing. What is amazing, and inspiring, is that many donors thank us for helping them work toward their charitable goals as much as we thank them.
Like those involved with Hamilton House, these donors believe in the power of philanthropy. Regardless of the size or type of gift, it is simple but true. Giving makes – and will continue to make – people happy. •


Jim Sanzi is vice president of development at the Rhode Island Foundation.

No posts to display