Today is Giving Tuesday, the day when, after the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we are supposed to turn our attention to others and give back to our communities and our world. It is easy to be cynical about Giving Tuesday, to be sure. Every day can be a day for giving. However, Giving Tuesday, which is five years old, is a useful way of focusing people’s attention on how they can make a difference through financial contributions to mission oriented organizations, direct-service, advocacy or religious organizations.
At the Atlantic Council, we want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our supporters—those that have invested intellectually and financially in our mission of “working together to secure the future.” The Atlantic Council receives support from many organizations for our work—foundations, individuals, and the business community among them. We are deeply grateful to you for your generosity and we never forget that we are the stewards of your investments.
Our mission and your support has never been more crucial. Today’s global issues are more complex, confounding, and interconnected than ever before. While these challenges are daunting, we at the Council have seized this situation as an opportunity to expand our capacities, deepen our communities and networks, and—most importantly—promote the constructive leadership that will adapt and advance the international system and sound global governance.
Our work is not easy; generating and promoting sound analysis and innovative ideas takes time. Further, making real, impactful change and shifting the policy needle in the right direction happens over a long horizon. Many of the answers we seek will not be found in just a year’s time and can be difficult to quantify. Sometimes, we score a win simply by avoiding disastrous outcomes. Ultimately, these problems require dogged and determined effort for the long game. Supporting these efforts is where philanthropy proves powerful.
“At a time of rising nationalism and cutbacks in foreign aid in countries around the world, philanthropists play a critical role, not just in providing money, but in fostering cooperation and goodwill between people and nations,” according to a recent piece in the Stanford Social Innovation Review. Philanthropic contributions provide organizations like the Atlantic Council with the support and flexibility to look at short-term implications of the trends shaping the future, engage on difficult issues, and share our thoughts and findings through innovative communications pieces and global convenings.
The Atlantic Council community believes that by working together we can, and should, secure a better global future—one that is inclusive, fair, and prosperous for everyone. Succeeding in our mission requires hard work. Thank you for making our mission your own, sharing our values, and supporting us with your wealth, wisdom, and work.
Pluralism and philanthropy are cornerstones of the world we believe in: a world where freedom, responsibility, and common interest are valued and protected. We will be writing our checks and filling in those pesky online forms this Tuesday, and we hope you will too.
If you are interested in supporting our mission and becoming a member of the Atlantic Council, please visit our contribution page.
Carrie Kolasky is the vice president of development at the Atlantic Council.